The new Passo is said to be perfectly suited to city driving, and embodies the key advantages of compact cars – cost-effective performance, ease of use, and a safe, secure drive in a handy package.
The completely redesigned Passo is available in two new grades: the simple X grade and the more stylish Moda grade.
Both grades pair a 1-litre engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The front-wheel drive model is claimed to achieve outstanding fuel efficiency of 28 kilometres per litre.
The lower bumper of the Passo X has a trapezoid outline with a low centre of gravity to match the enlarged front grille, thereby providing the front of the vehicle with an enhanced sense of stability. From the side, character lines cocoon the cabin and indicate a spacious interior, while from the rear, the expanded tyre width and the positioning of the wheels at the very corners of the vehicle express a sense of grip and stability.
The front of the Passo Moda features satin-plating, along with a contoured design where the front grille meets the main body, establishing a refined appearance. This is carried over to the side profile, which shows off the model’s blacked-out front and centre pillars. The vehicle is equipped with attractive ring-shaped bi-beam LED headlamps that can switch between high and low beams with a one-lamp light source.
Five of the Passo’s 12 available body colours are new, including Magenta Berry Mica Metallic, Dark Emerald Mica and Lemon Squash Crystal Metallic. The Moda comes in seven two-toned patterns when combined with the optional black roof, and is available in as many as 19 paintwork variations.
The Passo’s horizontally accented instrument panel emphasises the breadth of the expansive interior. In Moda grade models, magenta accents adorn the audio cluster, side registering and seat fabric to further express the vehicle’s character.
While maintaining its easily manoeuverable compact size, the Passo has increased the rear legroom by 75mm for a comfortable interior. Redesigned seat frames and padding structures, coupled with adjustments to the shape of the seatbacks, provide improved fit and achieve superior passenger comfort.
Every surface of the Passo’s side outer panels utilises high-tensile-strength steel, while parts of the front fenders and back door are made of resin to make the body both lighter and more rigid.
The suspension has been tuned to create a stable and secure driving experience. Stabilisers have been utilised on the front-wheel-drive models for both the front and rear suspension, to minimize vehicle roll and improve stability. Large-diameter cylinders and large-diameter rods have been utilised in the front dampers to enhance rigidity, thereby resulting in stable handling and reduced friction on the move.
At the same time, the wheelbase has been extended, the tyres widened, and the maximum steering angle of the front wheels optimised. Together, these aspects enable the Passo to achieve a tight turning circle of just 9.2m.
The new Passo comes equipped with Smart Assist II, a collision avoidance assist system developed by Daihatsu, which is specified as standard on almost all models.
Toyota Passo (top) and its twin, Daihatsu Boon (above).
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