Being cooped up at home sucks! When the coronavirus crisis is finally over, let’s do something wild and crazy before getting back to sanity. Let’s all agree to go out and buy a new Daihatsu TAFT. It looks fun and different and it makes no sense. So who’s in? Before we all rush out to get one some background may be in order. So, here’s the poop on the TAFT.

Japan has a segment of vehicles that fall under certain restrictions for size and engine displacement. Vehicles within the segment are taxed lower than those that are not. It’s an incentive to get people to drive smaller cars to help lessen traffic in crowded places like Tokyo. Known as “Kei cars” they come in a variety of different designs that can be whimsical, retro, or just plain weird. 

The TAFT originally debuted as a concept at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon

The TAFT was originally a concept at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon from Daihatsu. Reception must have been good because it is taking orders for the TAFT right now. The bad news is that, as with all Kei cars, it won’t be available in the US. Afterall, Daihatsu doesn’t import cars here anymore. But while we’re hunkered down in isolation we can at least imagine zipping around Japan in one of these to help mentally take us away from our current plight. 

The TAFT name comes from the “Tough & Almighty Fun Tool.” Alright, then! Power comes from a 660cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine in keeping within the Kei car regulations. The front-wheel drive is CVT automatic. It looks like it might be a rugged little 4×4 but it’s not, sorry.

The TAFT is small but has a lot of versatility

Overall the TAFT is a bit over 133-inches long, 58-inches wide, and 64-inches tall. Inside its utility quotient means all of the seats can fold down to accommodate hauling needs. The front passenger seat even folds down. To spice things up there is orange stitching on the seats and dash so it’s not all gloomy black. 

There is also a smattering of orange paint around the gear selector, air conditioning vents, and other bits here and there. All of this is to add a playful atmosphere to the interior. We don’t know whether any other interior accent colors are available.

A large infotainment screen is part of the plan as is a sunroof. This will aid in hauling things too tall to fit lengthwise. Pop open the top and load your tall stuff through the roof. You know, like grandfather clocks, stuffed toy giraffes, or canoes. 

There are exterior options available besides the paint

Interestingly, there are exterior options besides the paint color. It appears that at least two front panels between the headlights are available. You can get the solid panel or a chrome-plated panel with slots in it. We’re torn between the two.

Daihatsu wants this to be a fun experience so there are some parting gifts as well. When you purchase a TAFT you also receive a wireless Bluetooth speaker, electric kettle, portable coffee maker, and some book/catalog thing. And no, we’re not kidding, these come with it.

Unless otherwise delayed due to the coronavirus you can expect to start seeing TAFTs running around Japan in June.