We fell in love with ANOTHER kei car! 2012 Daihatsu Tanto Custom RS Turbo! So clever

With a screaming 658cc three-cylinder engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission, the Tanto offers surprising practicality and even refinement! Needless to say, we loved it.
Find out more about "Keiko" here: • Daihatsu Tanto Custom RS
HubNut merchandise is available at hubnut.org
#keicar #daihatsu #tinycar

[@TheChloeRed]

While we know Ian loves this kind of car, and it's obvious Kei cars are very much to Miss Hubnut's taste, the best bit had to be when Ian found he could open the side door from the driver's seat. Very much the "kid has new toy" face there! :)

[@16jan1986]

I need this door openeing in a Toyota in a Toyota Avensis size sedan mmmm

[@Eunos]

I actually really want one of these now. Daihatsu are a seriously underrated Manufacteur.. If I had the chance to pick one of these up, I would take it in a heartbeat.

[@bjjazzster]

me also

[@jkk244]

You guys in the UK are so lucky to be able to bring in recent cars that were not sold in your country. Here in the US, we have to wait until a car is at least 25 years old before we can import a vehicle that was not originally sold here. Color me jealous!

[@TheGoodTheBadTheRowdy]

Nope, have a daihatsu hijet truck/box camper from bug truck of tarbow japan, had for about a year now, was "used" / new hahaha. Reg to my farm property. Same with the jumbo hijet, an acty, and a carry. Have a lhd LC79, a 2017. reg to my farm...

[@LivetoDriveUK]

Ian, Carly, thank you for making the video on my Daihatsu Tanto Custom RS. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought you might both love Keiko. And thanks for fixing the cup holder (and not charging me for it) 😂

[@HubNut]

A sheer joy. Thank you!

[@BelfastMurf]

Named after Mrs O’Brien from Deep Space Nine?!

[@TheChloeRed]

@@BelfastMurf I will admit to my Mondeo being called Tasha because the VRN ends "YAA" ;)

[@LivetoDriveUK]

@@BelfastMurfI didn’t know that 😁👍

[@rjft7003]

That was a remarkable job with the speedo 👏

[@smada36]

I still think that this type of vehicle is the future. Two tons of land yacht is so unnecessary, even if you make it electric. It's not until you drive a small car that you realise how nice it is not to have to stop and give way to everything coming at you round a parked car. If everyone drove a small car, you wouldn't even have to cross the white line in most cases. A real congestion stopper! I have been lucky to have a play with some weird transmission over the years, but I would love to have a go with a CVT.

[@rbnhd1144]

I love Paul's Tanto, it just makes sense, a lovely colour too, I'm so glad you both enjoyed it. Lets be honest this and other Kei boxy cars car could work for so many people in the UK, easy to drive and park, so practical, a small footprint, less wear and tear on the roads, so why not.

[@unbalancedcrank]

Whenever I see these kei boxcars I can’t help thinking that Alec Issigonis would have loved them. This really is how cars should be.

[@tomm187ab]

There are two countries where Japanese Kei cars, especially used ones, sell well: Russia and Pakistan. Both are known to be harsh environments in which to maintain cars. In Russia's Far East, getting stopped by a car in winter can lead to death. there Japan's 10-year-old used 4WD Kei cars have a good reputation.

[@rmstitanic8143]

I love kei cars I finally bought one this year a mitsubishi i 659cc turbo it's not slow lovely little car

[@davidneesam2626]

What a nice sensible sized car. All that room. Better than today's SUV barges.

[@sunilphalakdhari3869]

I love these type of "out of the box " thinking and design. Reminds me of my scenic 2. After driving a car with so much space, formidable high driving position, different seat configurations.....I can't help but wonder why these should not be the rule rather than the option. It makes so much more sense. This car is phenomenal in every way. Refreshing

[@ptonpc]

They are far too sensible.

[@anthonystevens8683]

What an incredible little car. This must be the smallest TARDIS on wheels. It's brilliant! A car designed for those who hate trouser pockets with storage all over the place but I guess it's easy to loose stuff in them. Many thanks for sharing.

[@jonmarshall1502]

I’m in Japan now and love seeing all the Kei cars. I’m forever looking at them in car parks. Missing my Suzuki Carry back in NZ.

[@grumpyglyn1065]

I enjoyed the car, and also the drive out to my home village on Minsterley, through Hanwood and Pontesbury. Thanks both !

[@rbnhd1144]

Thanks for the filming location, it looks beautiful.

[@grumpyglyn1065]

@@rbnhd1144 South Shropshire is a lovely part of the world, lots of nice scenery and interesting places to visit.

[@neodonkey]

Wow, I want this car now! It just has everything, so practical, good looking, spacious despite being tiny, amazing storage options, all the mod cons, smooth even at a decent clip, what a little dream she is. Totally sold on this.

[@___Steinn___]

Kei cars are just magnificent! My daily driver is a Daihatsu Cuore L276 and i love it for 2 years now. It goes like a go-cart around corners on lowering springs and 15" wheels. 😅

[@Candisa]

See, manufacturers, this is what we need: the space and practicality of a minivan in a package that fits easily in a normal parking spot and goes well with a tiny economical engine because of lightness, NOT massive SUVs that need either a massive or a stressed engine to get out of its own way while drinking fuel as if its free and providing all the space of an average midsize hatchback. When I decided to buy a brand new car in 2016, I ended up buying a van because manufacturers forgot how to build a Tardis like this.

[@geoffnoyes520]

I once owned a 1972-ish Suzuki LC20 Fronte. It was a Kei car, ex Japan,(here in New Zealand). It had 4 doors and a 360cc water cooled two stroke 3 cylinder motor at the back, driving the rear wheels. eisely able to cruise all day at 100 kph. A lovely little car that sounded wonderful. Happy memories. Great video, thank you both.

[@romac9516]

Ohh this is very interesting, no B pillar, sliding doors, uber-boxy for coolness, no transmission tunnel in the back.... top marks to Daihatsu

[@revolution1one]

Makes me think of the first gen Prairie.

[@drr1071]

A car company that uses owner feedback to improve the product....what a concept! Refreshing in a world where car companies tell us what we are supposed to like

[@pauldavies6037]

Wow this the most enjoyable car test on You Tube period!These little cars tick all the boxes should be sold in millions all over the world I think only Daihatsu could have designed it !

[@twocvbloke]

I think more Kei cars should be on our shores, given our love of small cars, they'd be perfect for UK towns and cities for commuting about in, especially as a lot of the road infrastructure is still sized for the much smaller cars of the era when it was first built, modern "small" cars are just too big really...

[@philsladen9918]

it looked like it was Miss HubNut Christmas and birthday all rolled onto one

[@heatherread5314]

What a cutie. Love all the storage thingies.

[@blabla-sv4pm]

Hubnut you amaze me!!! This video is a gift to me, since I absolutely adore this car... I'm in France and would love to find one. Unfortunately here it is almost impossible te register a japanese import; so sad. The Tanta is one word: perfect. Congrats!!

[@frothe42]

I love this! I'm of the mindset of smaller is better, who needs a truck? Very practical as well as versatile. I really like the mpg as well as the remote sliding doors.

[@niklaswejedal463]

Aw - that just ticked all the boxes, didn't it? Loved it just as much as you two did, even if I just was watching. Oh, I so wish Kei-cars like this was the dominating world-wide trend, not those bloody SUVs. Not only does it make way more sense for most people - it also look better. All the practical touches get's me going in ways a V8-powered "premium" car never will. And ! - the bonnet was even smaller than the one on my Renault Modus - did not think that was possible 😅. Miss HubNut's lecture on Daihatsu-nerd-facts was just brilliant 👌. Now, let's see how contagious this test was... will there be a second Daihatsu on the fleet, one wonders...

[@grayfool]

We missed out on so many fascinating Japanese cars in the UK.

[@gazzertrn]

The Irish version is a Tayto , its a bit of a spud to drive .

[@tubaman66]

🤣

[@rbnhd1144]

Nice n Crisp.

[@2Wheels4Wheels.]

I laughed at this WAY more than I should have 😂

[@16jan1986]

You must be a father/dad

[@andrewhofler]

I think Tantos were one of the most common cars I saw in Japan, along with Honda N-Boxes, Suzuki Spacia, Nissan Roox and other Kei MPVs! They seem very practical for such a small footprint. Impressive little cars🙂

[@timelwell7002]

What a great little car. A friend of mine owns a Toyota Vellfire - which is a superb car. This wonderful, diminutive Tanto is like a scaled-down version of the Vellfire. Indeed, many of the features you have highlighted are also present on the Vellfire. To say that I'm jealous is an understatement... This is one of the most inspiring videos you guys have made to date..!

[@heikkiremes5661]

I'm in love with the Tanto. Cool as heck.

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

Brilliant little big car. I'd love one of those.👍🏼

[@edwardalannewton8591]

Miss hubnut will buy one

[@HubNut]

One day...

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Loved Miss HubNuts excitement 😁, it has to be the biggest little car ever, a Tardis on wheels.

[@shinnyspace]

I had applause... oh my god what a car, practicality , light, sporty, little consumption, lasted forever

[@mpersad]

What a thoughtfully designed car. I’m sure Daihatsu did their research and decided “K cars” weren’t for a European market, maybe NCAP? But, had they sold them in the UK and EU I’m pretty sure they would have been popular. Top review, and can’t wait for a new addition to the HubNut fleet!

[@rbnhd1144]

They are still making Kei cars in Japan, check out the Honda N Box and Suzuki Spacia, that's just two more options, there are others.

[@iatsd]

Prior to the kei regulations last changing in 2000, kei cars wouldn't meet EU safety standards. But in 2000 the regs changed and they now meet at least the minimums for larger cars. The problem with exporting them to other countries is that they are not profitable at Japanese pricing levels, and if the prices are increased to become profitable then they have to compete with larger cars like the Corolla and Jetta etc. People just look at them and buy the larger cars, even though they would be ideal across most of Europe. There are a few markets around Asia where they do sell, however, and they are strong grey exports around the Pacific region.

[@nigel9843]

Great review,I would like to own one of these cars myself its so practical.

[@happy_camper]

What a charming vehicle. I'm falling in love too!

[@theclocker7406]

Wow! Thank you guys for making this test. Absolutely love Kei cars, so any chance to see one of these awesome cars is a real treat. Kei cars always have so many little extra design additions that make them so amazing. Have to say Daihatsu and Suzuki's are favourites for the cool quirky designs they produce, but sadly neither of these makes are currently sold here in Canada. Such a happy peppy little car!!

[@PenryMMJ]

Japan seems to be quite good at having "gentlemen's agreements" on horsepower figures. As long as the manufacturers makes it clear on the spec sheet that they have not exceeded the horsepower limit, and would never want to, then the government don't look to closely at what's actually going on and everyone is happy. 😁

[@iatsd]

He was wrong about the horsepower thing. There is no "gentleman's agreement". The kei car regulations stipulate length, width, overall weight, engine size maximum, max number of cylinders, max power output at the crank at time of manufacture, and minimum safety standards. The regulations have changed over the years they've existed. The most recent updates in 2000 (?) required all kei cars to meet the standard car safety standards at minimum. Before that they had lower standards and were absolute death traps in most instances. There are discussions in government at the moment about cracking down on aftermarket engine mods that raise the power to ridiculous levels.

[@AlfieTheHammer363]

Beautiful little car and so practical,You definitely should try to get one , They really thought of everything,very well designed 😎👍🏻

[@Ivorbiggin]

60 mpg ! Keeps up with motorway speeds …..what’s not to like, surely this is the way to go ?

[@bentullett6068]

Boxy Kei cars are pretty cool. Its amazing how well thought out the interior is in this car. I have noticed recently more cars are being imported from Japan to the UK from seven seat MPV's, Prius's and cars from Europe and America (Jeeps most common US import from Japan).

[@ablestringer9063]

I particularly liked the Tony Bastable style outro on this one. Great review of what looks like the ideal car for our congested roads, if only our government was as seriously proactive on the taxing system as the Japanese, the UK would be a good market place for these cars.

[@robkleinlangevelsloo259]

We would all be driving kei cars if we would just think. They're not considered cool in Europe (yet), but the engineering is done the way it should be and is increddible. (I'm thinking of buying a first edition Renault Twingo.) Thanks

[@LivetoDriveUK]

Would love a first gen Twingo

[@andrewstones2921]

I love Daihatsu cars, and the people who call the Die-Laughing are cruel and ill informed. I bought an import JDM Mira Avanzato Trxx and it was incredible. I’d love a nice automatic high spec Applause.

[@frazzleface753]

Thanks for bringing us these unusual vehicles, Ian & Carly! 😊

[@torresalex]

These cars a genius, properly practical, cleverly thought out. SUVs, my arse

[@dwarfshortage244]

What an outrageous little car! Love the colour and looks hilarious to drive.

[@Dhira108]

Love the duo reviews, not long before Mrs Hubnut is driving in the reviews It would be great to have Kei cars imported and seen more in the UK, they make good sense I think another purchase may be in the pipeline

[@goosegog]

I love Daihatsus. I've had five. A Sirion Rally II, a Rally IV, a later generation 1.3 SX, a Charade just like yours and a Naked. They're so much fun. I wish they still sold them here

[@rbnhd1144]

You really are Sold on the Brand, good for you.

[@andysalter4473]

What a scrumptious lump of automation. European car designers have it all wrong. The Kei car is the way forward, especially in todays cities. Another great video you two!

[@alansmith1770]

Thanks Ian & Carly. I absolutely loved it, so well thought out Lovely.

[@stephenhowell5611]

These things need to be made in LHD, there seems to be a lot of interest in them worldwide. So many companies making them, I'd love one tbh. Cheers.

[@ahmetsokullu1866]

Please start a cooperation group of members who also would like to buy a kei car. It would be easier to import as a group and shared expenses would make it cheaper to the members. Hub Nut Cooperative

[@mariasnell6868]

This is exactly what I need. Makes so much sense. Great to see your genuine excitement for this car and test drive . 😊

[@smoothmicra]

Of course the sort of car we should be driving. Loads of room for mum, dad and two ankle snappers. Perfect for our narrow roads and parking spaces. So what do we drive in the UK? SUVs as big as a house. Small is beautiful people.The Japanese are way ahead.

[@hadtopicausername]

Now, that is an excellent bit of packaging.

[@ぴーちゃん-s9m]

The problems of Japanese car manufacturers were forcibly caused by the Japanese Minister of Transportation. Manufacturers such as Toyota conducted crash safety tests by crashing a 1.6 ton vehicle into a car, but the Minister made the unreasonable demand that the standard should be tested at 1.2 ton, and stopped the production line. The problem is this Minister of Transportation. He is not originally Japanese, but a member of a political party established by a Korean religious group. As you know, cars from Korea and China that are not guaranteed to be safe are not sold at all in Japan. Therefore, the Minister of Transportation, who is a member of a Korean religious group, stopped the production line of cars made by Japanese manufacturers that have no safety problems. This has made many Japanese angry.

[@rhspek]

Brings back happy memories of driving DAFs and Variomatic Volvo's. And associated memories of outings with both Dutch and UK DAF Owner's Clubs.

[@evelynkinson5524]

Brilliant video as always, as someone who lives in Shrewsbury I avoid that roundabout at all cost. Big love from North shropshire! 🚙

[@RoobehTunes]

That's good Daihatsu knowledge! Love the brand and glad it's still going. My Materia supports this video 🚙

[@rbnhd1144]

I love Materia's and the Toyota BB version, Good for you.

[@raychambers3646]

I wanted a Materia , but out voted for a Skoda Roomster.

[@fluxfluxredux]

If you were further north would love to show you the awesome practicality of the kei van. They are the king of space boxes!

[@HubNut]

We can get ourselves north for kei vans! [e-mail]

[@alanlansdell7533]

Feel like hats should become the new scale of Headroom: Baseball cap, Fedora, Bowler and finally Top .

[@hermitpurple3]

I'm glad that K was accepted into the UK. I think it's the best option as a second car. In countries like Japan and European countries where old and narrow roads remain, the K is convenient because it allows you to drive without stress and has more cargo capacity than you might expect. The only things I feel short on are steep uphills and overtaking, but I don't feel any stress other than that, and parking is much easier. I think the market will finally accept hydrogen engines and solid-state batteries when they are mass-produced and have the same performance and cost as gasoline cars. If a society with many choices is a happy society, then as Japanese people we value the option of K, which can reduce CO2 emissions by half at a low cost. As a side note, I often see a father on the street who loves the K he bought for his daughter and drives around in a pink K full of stuffed animals (daihatsu move canvas, etc.). I think the convenience far outweighs the embarrassment of driving (lol)

[@danieltaylor3755]

I think in terms of "less is more"this is right up your alley Ian.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

A brilliant review on a funky little car Ian and Carly.

[@davidflamee]

Awesome, thanks for the spin.

[@jocaballes4935]

You guys are so adorable and fun to watch.

[@michaelwright2986]

I'm a great fan of these little urban box cars -- was the Nissan Cube the first? -- but I have to say that little Tanto is pretty much the ultimate. It looks hilarious, and the provision of internal space and storage and cubbies is beyond anything I've seen. What a glorious little thing. The first time I got into a Toyota Porte I was moved to laughter at how much room there was. Pretty much like an old school London cab -- I really do think you could wear a top hat in one. Now when I come up behind a Maclaren or a Lamborghini at traffic lights on Karangahape Road, I don't feel envy: I just look at the huge footprint and the tiny cabin and wonder why anyone would want to drive one of those in the city. But little cars can be the same. Neighbours have got a Fiat 500 Abarth, and yes I would like one, but when you see them from behind there are these massive hips which mean, again, that you get much less cabin for the roadspace than you could have. The Pajero Junior looks like it has got some of the same practicality; hope to see that again, when it fits with the timetable. BTW, the power door off switch by the driver's knee is a safety feature, so the kiddies can't press the door button and eject themselves at 100kph. Which makes me wonder if any avid TikToker has tried opening the sliding door at speed, opening their BASE jumping parachute, and seeing if there is a clean extraction. Probably should try with a dummy, first. Could a kei car be the next Bondmobile?

[@HubNut]

These kei car MPVs are a fair bit smaller than a Cube, though don't feel it inside.

[@gaufrid1956]

Suzuki 660 c.c. three cylinder turbo engine "Multicabs" are very popular in the Philippines, Ian. Imported as completely knocked down vehicles from Japan, converted to left hand drive, and sold for less than a third of the price of a basic model 4x2 pickup truck. They make a lot of sense, and are available as 4x4 versions, along with more standard equipment than the much more expensive basic pickup trucks. They come as dual cab pickup trucks or eight seater vans.

[@martinneumann7783]

Wundervoll! A beautiful and smart car for our everyday life. Who needs more..? Thanks for this lovely japanese story… see you -- Martin 🚙💨🇯🇵

[@Stephenb033]

When I saw the title I thought you’d bought it!

[@TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

Diahatsu, the Tardis of the automobile-verse.

[@alanbellwood3902]

Quite a Tanto-lising prospect as a local runabout.

[@chrisw3771]

Great video as always. Big fan of imports, Japan always got way more extras on every car, even stuff sold globally.

[@BillyNoMates1974]

Why wasnt these Kei cars brought out over here ? I know there were cars like the Copen but these boxy cars have a market here. Id seriously consider one with all of the 20mph zones popping up, this is an ideal city car. btw, my Dacia Sandero Stepway has a cvt (with stepped gears) but does have a mode where the revs are pegged with no changes

[@jdtseventyfour]

Wow what an interesting car. I had a mk2 Renault Espace and the windscreen is miles away from the driver. it makes parking a challenge as you cant really tell where the front bumper is . Very impressive interior space for such a compact car. Thanks as always for a very detailed review

[@cambridgemart2075]

Having had a Subaru with the latest CVT, it's a pleasant gearbox and does give some semblance of 'gears' until you put your foot down. It is surprisingly economical too, giving better economy from a bigger car and a larger engine than my previous Subarus.

[@cornishhh]

That's a clever bit of design. Kei cars would be so popular IMO if you could buy them in the UK. Would you be interested in doing some content on the Daihatsu Bee and commercial 3 wheelers?

[@HubNut]

Would love to drive some early Daihatsus! May have to go to Japan for that...

[@siwynjones]

@@HubNutNow *there* is an idea. I’m sure the number of views it would get would cover the cost. If not, get the manmaths calculator out.

[@micheltebraake7915]

The Tanto is small and large at the same time.

[@avit24]

Also 1/2 of the production of the toyota B series engines known as from the "bj40" are indeed stamped with the daihatsu D designating it's origin..

[@HieroOldie]

Reminds me of my old Materia. What a roomy little car that was and good-looking (I think).

[@daniellee9015]

Absolutely brilliant video Ian miss hubnut ❤👍it's absolutely brilliant little car with big heart absolutely love it brilliant

[@mark70s29]

Love it!! Make a great weekend micro camper.

[@GaryRobertonBoyes]

Almost perfect for varied driving conditions ,and functionality is top notch. Reminds me of the 2014 Honda N one kei car I saw reviewed. They can keep their EV's......

[@michaelwright2986]

I'd really like an EV to kei car dimensions. Or maybe a PHEV. Perfect city car.

[@johnfield7524]

what a great little car

[@marklockwood8386]

I love my second generation mazda 6 207k on the clock at present there is something about how a Japanese cars looks that is hard to define but i love them all😊😊😊

[@geofffd1]

Wonderfully practical...

[@rjft7003]

I've listened to that "tanto" in Portuguese language, a few times in my childhood. When my mother was mad, she said something like, "You're annoying me so much!" or "Chateias-me tanto!" 😂

[@keithinch34]

Love the channel seen a car today with a personal plate with HUB last three letters I chuckled to myself

[@JAY61ish]

What a great little car... A Tad like a small Honda S-MX.... Outro music is lovely.. by the way

[@PaulsRoadshow]

What a fantastic little car I like the back end it looks like a small coach ? Surely you can update the maps with uk ones so the sat nav works? Has a lovely screen shame it’s not working with local roads displayed? Great car otherwise and love the electric sliding door too!

[@michaelwright2986]

I think it's pretty much impossible to update the maps on those built in GPS devices -- it certainly used to be. What is routinely done in NZ, where we have loads of JDM used imports, is to replace the whole thing with a stereo headset with a screen and Airplay and Android Auto so you can use a phone for the maps (and music or podcasts, or whatever). Also has the advantage that the FM frequency range is right -- in Japan the range is different from NZ, and I think the UK.

[@grrfy]

I would need A Lone Arranger to get a Tanto...... I'll get my coat.

[@misshubnut]

Pah ha ha

[@allanmollison6971]

Thanks for sharing HubNuts 😊👍

[@KoumotoSeihoFusei]

KEI cars are environmentally friendly because of their light vehicle weight and high fuel efficiency.

[@anonymuswere]

you guys ain't the only one. I fell in love with the plain old Move playing gran turismo, and the Copen was love at first sight. unfortunately, they're all still WAY too new to import to the states (OUR rule is 25 years because emissions or something, so the 99's are just become available to import). I'm currently running a Juke with the CVT. you get used to the CVT quick, and having a manual mode really helps with twitchy downhills. but the HILL CLIMBING POWER! places in the states have roads that literally go straight UP the slope, and it actually GAINS speed that way.

[@TaffPlays]

I loved driving the RS Custom Move on GT4 in Deep Purple!

[@persevere777]

So very yes!!! I wish i had 2 more hands so i could give you 4 thumbs up. 👍🤠👍

[@KirksAudioSanctum]

It would make sense to have Kei cars in our cities. And they suit Wales very well. I have a Panda and it is perfect for the small lanes. You can pass each other if another Panda comes along! Why do we not have these here? It is a crime!