Passo and Boon are New Asian Micro-Cars from Toyota and Daihatsu
Toyota and Japanese micro-carmaker Daihatsu are bringing two new cars to the compact Asian car market for 2005. Called the Passo and Boon respectively, they're actually the same vehicle right down to the last detail. Yes, this is more than just a case of platform sharing - the panels and the wheels even exactly the same. The only real differences between the two are the badges, Toyota Passo on one and Daihatsu Boon on the other.
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| Created for the Asian market, the Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon are more just related, they're identical twins. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
The Passo is not to be confused with the Paseo, a small underpowered 2+2 seat coupe Toyota built during the 1990s, said to be a fun, economical sports coupe. Rather, the Passo and Boon launch Toyota and Daihatsu's new mini-compact platform, which features a 2,440 mm (96.1 inch) wheelbase and a 3,595 mm (141.3 inch) long body length. The length is a fair bit smaller than Toyota's smallest car currently, the Yaris/Echo Hatchback/Vitz. Despite that, it does not fall under the classification of the Kei laws. As for Daihatsu, the Boon fits in to its range as part of the brand's modern luxury range.
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| The Passo will be smaller than Toyota's current mini-car, the Echo Hatchback. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Two engines will be available in both cars, starting with a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder motor featuring 71 horsepower, and topping out with a slightly larger 1.3-liter inline four producing 90 horsepower. Equal participation has gone into producing the engines; with the 90 horsepower motor coming from Toyota and the 71 horsepower I-3 from Daihatsu, but not before a strict overhaul for refinement and smoothness.
Like many Japanese-domestic minicars, buyers will have the option of choosing from such features as a CVT transmission and all-wheel drive. The Passo and Boon will be on sale shortly in Japan. While a move to downscale is already underway in Canada, Toyota will most likely maintain the Echo Hatchback as its smallest entry and Daihatsu doesn't market cars in North America.