Daihatsu Atrai (S700/10)

The Daihatsu Atrai is a tiny kei multipurpose van that caters to every Japanese people's lifestyle wherever they see fit. Whether if it's made for working, outing, whatever floats their boats, the Atrai is the ideal partner they can rely on. Now on its 6th generation, the all-new Atrai is now the best Atrai they'll ever buy because of its added space and better dynamics that made it even more usable than before.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai

The all-new Daihatsu Atrai starts at 1,562,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs and it's about time they've regenerated the Atrai after a long time. While it was worth the wait, the all-new Atrai features a more boxy design and larger dimensions compared to the previous model it replaces, becoming a four-number kei van fit for all walks of life. Although bigger than the previous model, the all-new Atrai is still small and easy to squeeze through Japan's tightest hotspots.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai interior

Thanks to its added size, the new interior is roomier than the previous model, although this van is good for four people, which is ideal for families with one or two kids. Although there's nothing special about the dashboard, apart from the fact that you can slap a touch screen to it at an additional cost, the boot is where the Atrai shines. With the rear seats folded down, there are countless possibilities you can think of with the new Atrai. You can turn it into a nice little sleeper, your workplace away from work, a campsite, and so on. There's so much you can do in such a tiny little van.

There's more, the all-new Atrai comes with class-first features such as dual power-sliding doors, keyless entry, and a welcome open function that can open its doors automatically when the owner approaches near the Atrai.

If you want something unique, you can opt-in for a Deck Van variant, which made its comeback in this new model. It's a pickup-esque variant that is capable of carrying up to 250kg of load at its bed.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai

For the first time in an FR kei cab-over van, the all-new Atrai is mated with a CVT gearbox in place of the previous model's 4AT, which sucks for some drivers but whatever. The 660cc petrol engine and the CVT gearbox delivered an impressive fuel economy of 14.7km/L based on WLTC Mode standards in both FR and 4WD layouts.

Being tiny do has its upsides in Japan's driving conditions and because of its 4.2m turning radius and its DNGA platform underneath, it feels very easy to drive. However, if you are opting for the 4WD variant, there's so much to enjoy driving the all-new Atrai everywhere because of its three driving modes; 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD LOCK. Handy if you're traversing through dirt while in the woods, hunting, or fishing.

In the issue of safety, the all-new Atrai comes with Smart Assist, which consists of 14 advanced active safety features that will keep it safe everywhere.

The sixth-generation Atrai is now the easiest and the most usable Atrai you'll ever buy despite the CVT gearbox that made it feel regular. With its impressive boot space, the return of the Deck Van variant, bigger dimensions, and the DNGA platform that resulted in better dynamics, it's ready to take on the new normal in a way unexpected for a tiny van. The more your know.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.