Daihatsu Urban Buggy

The Daihatsu Urban Buggy was a concept car presented at the 27th Tokyo Motor Show in 1987 as part of Daihatsu’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

Designed as a youth-oriented vehicle for city and leisure use, it combined compact dimensions with an unconventional layout and distinctive styling features.

The Urban Buggy was powered by a mid-mounted 993 cc three-cylinder engine. The unit was turbocharged, featured DOHC valve gear and 12 valves, and produced 105 hp at 6,500 rpm.

Power was delivered to all four wheels, giving the small prototype an all-wheel-drive configuration unusual for a vehicle of its size and intended market segment.

Overall dimensions were compact, with a length of 3,520 mm, a width of 1,650 mm and a height of 1,550 mm. The wheelbase measured 2,500 mm, placing the wheels close to the corners of the body and contributing to a short overhang design typical of urban concept vehicles.

One of the most unusual features of the Urban Buggy was its front windscreen, which was designed to open upwards. The function of this arrangement was not clearly explained, but it added to the vehicle’s unconventional character. The prototype was intended to explore new directions in small-car design and to appeal to younger buyers seeking a playful and distinctive vehicle.

The 1987 Daihatsu Urban Buggy remained a one-off concept and did not enter production.