Daihatsu Leeza

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Daihatsu Leeza (L100/L111)
Curb weight
570–660 kg (1,257–1,455 lb)
Chronology
Successor
(Leeza Spider)

The Daihatsu Leeza (

coupé styling manufactured by Daihatsu. It was launched in Japan in December 1986,[1] and discontinued in August 1993 after had been largely replaced by the Opti
in 1992. While having coupé lines, most of the Leezas sold in Japan were technically commercial vehicles (with strapping points and temporary rear seats) to take advantage of ample tax breaks for such vehicles.

550 cc model (L100)

Power output from the

Tokyo Motor Show, a prototype two-seat "Leeza Spider" was shown.[2]

Reviewers said while the Leeza offered a modern and clean design for its time, and with an airy interior, the sloping rear glasshouse made the rear seat rather cramped. The front seats were claimed spacious, but at the expense of the rear space — fitting four adults in the Leeza would not be comfortable for any of them.[4] The 24 kW (32 hp; 33 PS) version (with a five-speed manual transmission) went from 0–97 km/h (60 mph) in 21.3 seconds in a period British road test, reaching a top speed of 121 km/h (75 mph).[5] Gas mileage when "driven hard" returned a fuel consumption of 41.3 mpg‑imp (14.6 km/L; 34.4 mpg‑US), although one could expect much higher with some economising. In short, all design parameters of the Leeza were designed with city use in mind, making it not very well suited to highway use.[5]

660 cc model (L111)

Leeza Spider, with the scooped turbo bonnet

In March 1990, the kei car regulations changed. Unlike its competitor, the Suzuki Cervo, Daihatsu chose to update the Leeza, giving it an updated chassis code L111. The 660 cc Leeza, arriving a little later than its more popular sibling the Mira, in August 1990, was available in R, Cha Cha and OXY trim lines. The Cha Cha became a regularly available model rather than a special edition. The larger engine and slightly enlarged bodywork made for a more usable car, and allowed for the fitment of more safety equipment. The standard engine was a naturally aspirated, carburetted single-cam engine with four valves per cylinder, producing 50 PS (37 kW). However, the tax advantages for "faux" commercial vehicles had shrunk to the point of irrelevance, and the updated Leeza was only sold as a passenger car, limiting its market.

Five months after the update, the turbocharged OXY-R (with the maximum 64 PS (47 kW) allowed to kei cars) arrived, with a prominent bonnet vent for the

1991 Geneva Auto Salon.[7]
The production version of the Spider (chassis code L111SK), only fitted with the turbocharged engine, arrived in November 1991 and lasted until the end of production in August 1993. The Spider received a standard leather interior.

References

  1. ISBN 978-4-89522-505-2
    .
  2. ^
    ISBN 9783517012254
  3. ^ カタログ / ダイハツ リーザ クラブスポーツ(1989年10月) [Catalog: Daihatsu Leeza Club Sports (October 1989)]. Goo-net (in Japanese). Proto Corporation. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  4. ^ Buchanan, Nick (29 June 1988). "Mini, meet Leeza". Autocar. 177 (1): 60.
  5. ^ a b Buchanan 1988, p. 62.
  6. ^ "1991 Daihatsu FX-228" (in Russian). Car Styling. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  7. ^ Dackevall, Gunnar (4 April 1991). "Rött är rätt" [Red is Right]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 43, no. 7. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. pp. 64–65.
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