How to use the Archive

Start with a model family, then narrow down by year range and market. Each model page contains grouped PDFs (brochures, option lists, technical sheets) so you can quickly compare specifications and equipment changes across generations.

If you're researching a specific trim or engine variant, use the era filter first and then search by model name — older Chevrolet brochures often use naming conventions specific to their period (e.g., Altis, Applause, Atrai – Hijet).

Quick tips

  • Use short chassis codes: Altis, Applause, Atrai – Hijet
  • Match your market — US and EU editions differ in specs and equipment
  • Look for 'spec' or 'technical data' PDFs for numbers
  • Option guides list RPO codes — useful for restoration research

Sedan

Altis
Second-gen compact SUV, 2019–2023.
5PDFs
2019 - 2023years covered
Charmant
Second-gen saloon, 1978–1986.
5PDFs
1978 - 1986years covered

Hatch 5

Applause
First-gen compact saloon, 1989–1998.
7PDFs
1989 - 1998years covered
Ayla
Southeast Asian city car, 2014–2023.
5PDFs
2014 - 2023years covered
Cast
Asian city car, 2019–2022 brochures.
9PDFs
2019 - 2022years covered
Mira – Mira e:s – Mira Tocot
Japanese kei car, 1983–2023 in archive.
20PDFs
1983 - 2023years covered
Sirion – Boon
First-gen city car, brochures 1998–2023.
19PDFs
1998 - 2023years covered

Van Short

Atrai – Hijet
Daihatsu's entry-level kei van, 1969–2023.
20PDFs
1969 - 2023years covered

Hatch 3

Charade
1970s–2010s compact, Daihatsu archive.
23PDFs
1977 - 2011years covered
Cuore
First-gen city car, 1979–2011.
15PDFs
1979 - 2011years covered

Roadster

Copen
First-gen roadster, 2003–2022.
8PDFs
2003 - 2022years covered

Suv 3

Feroza – Rocky
Daihatsu's entry-level compact SUV, 1984–2023.
16PDFs
1984 - 2023years covered
Taft
Asian compact SUV, 1980–2023 in archive.
7PDFs
1980 - 2023years covered

Van

Gran Max – Luxio
12-year compact van, 2012–2023.
15PDFs
2012 - 2023years covered

All

Model Range
European compact range, Daihatsu 1981–2012.
6PDFs
1981 - 2012years covered
Others
1960s–2010s compact cars, Daihatsu archive.
5PDFs
1963 - 2019years covered

Minivan Short

Move – Canbus – Tanto
Canbus, Gran Move, Tanto: 1999–2023 in archive.
21PDFs
1999 - 2023years covered
Sigra
First-gen compact MPV, 2016–2023.
5PDFs
2016 - 2023years covered
Thor
Asian compact SUV, brochures 2019–2023.
6PDFs
2019 - 2023years covered
Wake
Japanese kei car, 2019–2021 brochures.
4PDFs
2019 - 2021years covered

Suv 5

Terios
1990s–2020s compact SUV, Daihatsu archive.
10PDFs
1997 - 2023years covered
Valera
1990s compact car, Daihatsu archive.
2PDFs
1993 - 1996years covered
Wildcat
1970s compact SUV, Daihatsu archive.
2PDFs
1975 - 1977years covered
Xenia
First-gen compact MPV, 2006–2023.
9PDFs
2006 - 2023years covered
Quick Reference.

Daihatsu Archive — Key Facts for Research

What's included

244 original PDFs: sales brochures, dealer catalogs, option guides, technical data sheets, and press kits across 24 model families.

Time span

1963 through 2023. Deepest coverage in the 1960s–2020s era, matching peak brochure production.

Most documents

Charade (23), Move – Canbus – Tanto (21), Atrai – Hijet (20), Mira – Mira e:s – Mira Tocot (20), Sirion – Boon (19).

How to cite

Original manufacturer + year + "via Automobilisto Archive". The documents are GM/Daihatsu copyright; the archive metadata is Automobilisto editorial.

About the Daihatsu Archive

Daihatsu started small. Really small. Founded in 1907 by Kotaro Hatsuda in Osaka, Japan, the company began making tiny engines for motorcycles and three-wheelers — not exactly glamorous stuff. But here's the thing: they understood something every other automaker missed. Not everyone needs a massive car. Not everyone has massive roads. The genius was recognizing that Japan's cramped cities and winding mountain passes demanded something different, something practical, something that fit real life instead of forcing life to fit the car.

Think about what that meant for the market. While Toyota and Nissan chased global scale, Daihatsu owned the kei car segment — Japan's lightweight, engine-restricted vehicles that dominated domestic sales for decades. Their philosophy was almost zen-like in its simplicity: maximum efficiency, minimum waste, maximum cleverness in packaging. The Charade became an icon of this approach, selling millions globally since 1977. And the Mira e:S? That represented peak efficiency — 23 kilometers per liter from a 660cc engine. Not flashy. Absolutely brilliant.

Today's lineup reflects this DNA perfectly. Browse their sedans and you'll find practical family cars built for real budgets, not fantasy finances. Their SUV lineup balances capability with affordability in ways that confuse Western competitors. Even their push toward electric vehicles stays true to form — accessible, not aspirational. That's Daihatsu. Fifty models in our catalog. Fifty different answers to the question: what does a car actually need to be?

Coverage by Decade

Document distribution across eras.

DecadeBrochuresModelsCoverage
1960sBrochures25Models2Coverage
1970sBrochures45Models4Coverage
1980sBrochures56Models5Coverage
1990sBrochures52Models4Coverage
2000sBrochures17Models2Coverage
2010sBrochures49Models7Coverage
All ErasBrochures244ModelsFull ArchiveCoverage

Frequently Asked Questions

What's actually in the Daihatsu archive?

We've cataloged 268 documents spanning 1963 to 2023 — brochures, price lists, dealer catalogs, option guides, and technical PDFs. Coverage includes 268 model families. The Compagno, Hijet Mini Bus, Wildcat, and Charade have the deepest documentation. Documents come from dealer liquidations, private collections, and museums across multiple markets.

Are these real Daihatsu factory documents?

Yes. We've scanned original manufacturer materials from dealer closures, estate sales, and museum holdings. Automobilisto is independent and not affiliated with Daihatsu. The documents remain Daihatsu's intellectual property — we provide archive infrastructure and editorial metadata to make them searchable and accessible.

How do I find a brochure for a specific year?

Search by model name and year, like 'Daihatsu Charade 1977'. Use the decade filter on model pages to narrow results. Remember: brochures were typically printed 6 to 12 months before the model year, so if your target year is missing, check surrounding years.

What if the brochure I need isn't here?

Use the 'Request a PDF' button and specify the brand, model, year, and market. If you own an original, email [email protected] — we credit all contributors and work to fill gaps in our collection over time.

Which markets and languages are covered?

We hold documents in German, Danish, French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Dutch, New Zealand English, Taiwanese, and South African English. Coverage reflects where Daihatsu operated and varies by era. Some models have stronger regional documentation than others.

Can I use these for business or publication?

These PDFs are for personal research and academic study. Documents remain Daihatsu's property — commercial use requires manufacturer permission. When publishing, cite the original manufacturer and year, then credit Automobilisto as the archive source.

How often do you add new Daihatsu documents?

We add documents after sourcing, authentication, cataloging, and editorial review. Check the 'Recently Added' section for latest uploads. Major batch updates are announced via our newsletter.

How does the archive connect to vehicle specs?

Each brochure page links to structured specifications in our Daihatsu catalog. You can cross-reference original marketing claims against verified technical data to see how models were positioned across different eras and markets.