Daihatsu Tanto

Daihatsu Tanto
Daihatsu Tanto X (L350S)
Overview
Manufacturer	Daihatsu
Also called	Subaru Chiffon (2016–present)
Production	November 2003 – present
Body and chassis
Class	Kei car
Body style	5-door hatchback/minivan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

The Daihatsu Tanto (Japanese: ダイハツ・タント, Hepburn: Daihatsu Tanto) is a kei car manufactured by the Japanese carmaker Daihatsu. It was introduced at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show as a vehicle based on the Move’s “tall” body style, and followed by the Tanto Custom in July 2005.

The name “Tanto” is derived from Italian, Spanish and Portuguese word for “so much” or “a lot”.

First generation
Tanto X (L350S)
Overview
Model code	L350
Production	November 2003 – November 2007
Assembly	Japan: Ryūō, Shiga (Ryūō plant)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 658 cc EF-VE I3 658 cc EF-DET turbo I3
Power output	43 kW (58 hp; 58 PS) (EF-VE) 47 kW (63 hp; 64 PS) (EF-DET)
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,440 mm (96.1 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,725 mm (67.9 in)
Kerb weight	870–960 kg (1,918–2,116 lb)

The first-generation Tanto went on sale on 27 November 2003. The grade levels consisted of L, X and X Limited for naturally aspirated engine option, and R and RS for turbocharged engine option. The first generation Tanto was only available with conventional automatic transmissions, with four speeds in most models. Naturally aspirated, four-wheel drive Tantos received a three-speed automatic instead.

The Tanto Custom was added in July 2005, aimed at younger buyers and with a more assertive look. The redesigned headlights were linked by a translucent grille garnish; this look was continued at the rear, where the taillights were clear and extended all the way across the car. The Tanto Custom grade levels consisted of L and X for the naturally aspirated engine, and RS for the turbocharged option. The Custom RS also came standard with 15-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped, Momo steering wheel.

The Tanto FCHV (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle) was introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Based on the Tanto Custom, the prototype vehicle adds a hydrogen tank and electric motors.

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  The Tanto at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show
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  Tanto Happy Selection (L350S)
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  2005 Tanto Custom (L350S)
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  Tanto Custom rear view
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  Tanto FCHV

Second generation
Overview
Model code	L375
Production	December 2007 – October 2013
Assembly	Japan: Ryūō, Shiga (Ryūō plant)
Designer	Jirou Matsueda and Yoshihiro Yamamoto
Body and chassis
Related	Daihatsu Tanto Exe
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 658 cc KF-VE I3 658 cc KF-DET turbo I3
Power output	43 kW (58 hp; 58 PS) (KF-VE) 47 kW (63 hp; 64 PS) (KF-DET)
Transmission	4-speed automatic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,490 mm (98.0 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Kerb weight	900–1,010 kg (1,984–2,227 lb)

The second-generation Tanto went on sale on 17 December 2007. Among the main features of this generation is an ordinary side-hinged rear door on the right and a sliding door without an intermediate pillar (called “Miracle Open Door” by Daihatsu) on the left.

In June 2011, the naturally aspirated engines were fitted with Daihatsu’s “Eco Idle” start-stop system developed for the Mira e:S, including other minor updates to the KF engine, which made the car eligible for additional tax breaks. From May 2012 the Eco Idle system was also fitted to the turbocharged Custom RS model. In September 2013, the second generation was discontinued in favor of the succeeding generation which went on sale the following month.

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  Rear view
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  2008 Tanto Custom (L375S)
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  2008 Tanto Custom (L375S)
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  2011–2013 Tanto G (L375S)
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  2011–2013 Tanto G (L375S)
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  Tanto Custom RS Turbo (L375S)
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  Tanto Custom RS Turbo (L375S)
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  Interior

Third generation
Tanto X SA (LA600S)
Overview
Model code	LA600
Also called	Subaru Chiffon
Production	October 2013 – June 2019 (Tanto) December 2016 – July 2019 (Chiffon)
Assembly	Japan: Ryūō, Shiga (Ryūō plant); Japan: Nakatsu, Ōita (Daihatsu Motor Kyushu)
Body and chassis
Related	Daihatsu Move Canbus (LA800)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 658 cc KF-VE I3 658 cc KF-DET turbo I3
Power output	38 kW (52 PS) (KF-VE) 47 kW (64 PS) (KF-DET)
Transmission	CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,455 mm (96.7 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Kerb weight	920–1,010 kg (2,028–2,227 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Subaru Lucra (Chiffon)

The third-generation Tanto went on sale on 3 October 2013. This generation used the sliding door on both sides. The car is also sold by Subaru as the Subaru Chiffon (Japanese: スバル・シフォン, Hepburn: Subaru Shifon) since December 2016 through an OEM agreement.

The Tanto underwent a very light facelift in December 2015; the regular Tanto only received interior upgrades, including water-repellant fabric, while the Custom received a reworked grille and front bumper, and a larger chrome garnish on the rear gate.

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  Tanto X SA (LA600S)
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  Tanto X Turbo SA (LA600S)
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  Tanto Custom RS SA 4WD (pre-facelift; LA610S)
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  Tanto Custom RS SA 4WD (pre-facelift; LA610S)
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  Subaru Chiffon (LA600F)
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  Chiffon Custom R (LA600F)
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  Interior

Fourth generation
2019 Tanto X (LA650S)
Overview
Model code	LA650
Also called	Subaru Chiffon
Production	July 2019 – present
Assembly	Japan: Ryūō, Shiga (Ryūō plant); Nakatsu, Ōita (Daihatsu Motor Kyushu)
Designer	Junya Hachisu (facelift Tanto Custom) Kōichi Itō and Gianluca Alba (Tanto FunCross)
Body and chassis
Platform	Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)
Related	Daihatsu Move Canbus (LA850) Daihatsu Taft (LA900)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 658 cc KF-VE I3 658 cc KF-DET turbo I3
Power output	38 kW (52 PS) (KF-VE) 47 kW (64 PS) (KF-DET)
Transmission	CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,460 mm (96.9 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,755–1,775 mm (69.1–69.9 in)
Kerb weight	880–1,000 kg (1,940–2,205 lb)

The fourth-generation Tanto went on sale in Japan on 9 July 2019, followed by the second-generation Chiffon on 16 July. It is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. The regular model is offered in L, X and X Turbo grade levels, while the Custom model is offered in L, X and RS grade levels. The turbocharged engine option is only available in X Turbo and RS grades.

The Subaru Chiffon sister car was offered in a slightly smaller range: L, G, and GS corresponded to the L, X, and X Turbo. The Chiffon Custom was only offered in R and RS, generally equivalent to the Tanto Custom X and RS. All versions feature a CVT transmission and all except the GS (turbocharged, non-Custom) were available with optional four-wheel drive.

By one month since its launch, the fourth-generation Tanto had been ordered for approximately 37,000 units, nearly three times the monthly sales target of 12,500 units.

The Tanto Custom received a facelift on 3 October 2022. At the same time, the crossover-styled variant called Tanto FunCross was also added to the lineup. The facelifted Chiffon later followed on 13 October.

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  2019 Tanto X (LA650S)
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  2019 Tanto Custom RS (LA650S, pre-facelift)
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  2019 Tanto Custom RS (LA650S, pre-facelift)
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  2022 Tanto Custom RS (LA650S, facelift)
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  2022 Tanto Custom RS (LA650S, facelift)
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  2022 Tanto FunCross Turbo (LA650S)
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  2022 Tanto FunCross Turbo (LA650S)
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  2019 Chiffon G SA (LA650F)
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  2019 Chiffon Custom R SA 4WD (LA660F, pre-facelift)
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  2022 Chiffon Custom RS (LA650F, facelift)
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  Interior

As of June 2025, the Tanto series had been sold 3 million units, the third model to do so after the Mira and Move.

• Official website (Tanto)
• Official website (Tanto FunCross)
• Official website (Chiffon)