1990 Daihatsu Charade GTti review from Australia and New Zealand

Clutch replaced twice (turbo lag means you have to really ride the clutch if you want to beat an auto off the line).

Replaced the timing belt at 50000 km as a precaution.

Nothing else.

Daihatsu Racing Services:

- Twin board engine computer

- KYB competition suspension upgrade

- High-flow turbo modification

- 80mm Pod air filter

- Larger 4 core copper radiator

- Twin cooling fans

- Stainless 2 inch flow-through exhaust.

Estimated 150 Hp at 16psi boost, 98

octane fuel.

Standard engine internals :)

Custom 8 point roll cage.

Velo competition seats and harnesses.

Enhanced instrument package.

15" alloy wheels.

Custom electronic blow-off valve.

Obviously this vehicle is modified extensively. In this form it is an absolute screamer.

0-100km/hr in just above 6 seconds.

Standard handling is very good, if a little soft. It will tend to understeer when pushed to the limit.

Handling with the upgraded package is unbelievable, very neutral and stable. Mid-corner lift-off will produce a slight snap oversteer, which can be easily controlled with a little power application.

Around the city the turbo lag can become a little annoying, as there is nothing exciting happening below about 3000 RPM.

At highway speeds, the relatively short 5th gear means boost is always available with a twitch of the foot. This makes for incredibly spirited cruising, a ball of fun.

The standard brakes are excellent, easily up to the extra effort required by this engine. Windy downhill runs at speed will test them, but I have not run up against any brake fade. The only sign the brakes are getting hot is a slightly spongy pedal.

Overall this car is probably the best performance hatch available. Modifications are easy, and yield excellent results.

Fast and fun!