2006 Daihatsu Charade review from UK and Ireland

Can't say yet as only had the car two days!

The car is simply breath taking, I have only had it for two days, but am so impressed with it and so unimpressed with the amount of info on the net about them that I wanted to tell you all what you are missing or could be looking forward to!

I test drove all the main rivals to this car (107, C1, Corsa, Picanto) The first too are too slow, gimmicky and the ride is far too hard. The Picanto looks like guinea Pig, is too slow and has a terrible reputation for reliability and economy. Whilst the Corsa is safe and steady, but VERY boring.

I own the face lift model (06 onwards) but test drove the pre face lift model. The face lift models come in much better colours, have a much improved interior and handle better.

The first thing that strikes you about this car when you get in is how quickly it accelerates, I promise you this will beat most cars off the lights up to about 30mph and still pulls nicely up to 60. I HAPPILY cruise along at 90 (YES That's 90mph in a 1.0!)

So far I have done about 140 miles to about a 1/3 of a tank (costs about £22 to fill) Which is simply breath taking economy considering that's combined.

Road noise is fine even at high speed (it isn't silent like you would get in a saab, jag etc) but is much better than your average metro or 205. Car handles nicely and feels pretty comfortable.

The negatives - Car feels flimsy, especially the boot, feels like it's a biscuit tin and sounds like it when you close it. As said in another review the cd player is damn fiddly as the most important buttons are tiny (hopefully my impending upgrade will cure that). Final problem is that the wheels are tiny meaning that grip could be a problem, but in honesty they are all minor gripes - this car outshines by far any car in its class, the fact that it has air con too is a god send!