Daihatsu Charade, 1996
The fourth generation Daihatsu Charade was introduced in 1994, again with hatchback and sedan bodies. A 1.0 L engine was the base model in Japan, but in many European countries, the SOHC 1.3 L was used. The sedan, introduced in 1994, featured a 1.5 L engine with optional 4WD. The Diesel models were dropped in all markets where they were previously available.
The turbocharged GTti version was replaced by a more conventional GTi with an SOHC 16-valve 1.6 L engine. This version was engineered by Italian ex-racing driver De Tomaso (the previous owner of Innocenti), including racing-derived camshafts, and was capable of 124 hp JIS (91 kW) in the Japanese market. The export version was detuned to 105 hp DIN (77 kW). De Tomaso also added their own bodykit, Recaro seats, a Nardi Torino steering wheel, and Pirelli sports tyres. A total of 120,000 Daihatsu Charade GTi were produced following this joint effort.
The Daihatsu Charade was restyled in 1996, only two years after release (with the codename G203). It had a 'smiley face' grille and changed headlights, looking more like its Toyota sibling the Starlet. It was produced until 2000, when it was replaced by the Sirion/Storia.
