Daihatsu to Market Collision-Proof Mini Wagon

It's cool - a mini commercial 2-seater wagon that knows how to avoid collision. Daihatsu Motor challenges the mini-vehicle market with what they call Hijet Caddie, it was reported June 13.

Just in case you don't know, Daihatsu Motor is the oldest car manufacturer, known basically for its range of smaller models and off-road vehicles.

Now, some models of this Hijet Caddie are mounted with an anti-collision system with camera/sensor for the first time for a mini commercial wagon. A lower floor broadens its indoor space for ease of loading/unloading cargo - easier for the aged and female passengers. It's 3395x1475 (cm) and 1765 (cm) tall. The high-roof model is 1875. The maximum loading capacity is 150 kg.

Hijet Caddie comes in 6 models with different engines and driving modes - two or four wheels. Three of them, D SA2 etc., are equipped with the collision-proof system "Smart Assist 2" to detect obstacles in front and rear and automatically put the vehicle to halt. A buzzer and an alarm lamp in the meter display warn the driver against possible risks the moment the car recognizes passengers out in front while cruising at 40-50 km/h.

Hijet Caddie is an FF with the engine out in front. The floor level above the ground is 365 centimeters - 7 cm lower than ordinary commercial vehicles with engines below the driver's seat.

Loading/unloading is made easier with the rear seats converted into cargo space, 59 centimeters above the ground - the lowest in mini commercial vans.

Incidentally, Hijet Caddie looks just like Daihatsu's another mini vehicle Wake. Named Hijet, this may be a commercial model of Wake after all - not that it matters.

Hijet Caddie runs 21.8-25 kilometers per liter, costs 1.18-1.54 million yet. Daihatsu eyes for a monthly sale of anywhere in the area of 1000. (Nathan Shiga)