The Daihatsu Charade G10 was a subcompact car introduced in the late 1970s, targeting the economy and efficiency-conscious segment of the automotive market, particularly in urban environments and developing countries. It competed with other small hatchbacks and sedans of its era.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competitors included vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Starlet, Nissan Sunny/Datsun Cherry, and Suzuki Fronte. The Charade's key selling points were its compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
Key Features
Key Features:
Compact hatchback/sedan design, front-wheel drive, fuel-efficient engine, simple mechanicals making it accessible for DIY maintenance, lightweight construction contributing to agility.
Component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures, often presented in a symptom-cause-solution format.
Adjustments:
Detailed procedures for adjusting carburetor idle speed, ignition timing, clutch free play, brake shoe/pad clearance, and valve lash (if applicable).
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and tune-ups to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, clearances, and diagnostic charts.
Approx. 7.5-8.0 kgm @ 3500 RPM (estimated for CB10)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Single barrel carburetor (e.g., Daihatsu/Hitachi DC-20 or similar).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (petrol), Octane rating typically 87 (RON).
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Breaker point ignition system with distributor.
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity Liters:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 Liters (including filter).
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG/SF (check manual for exact specification).
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system.
Coolant Capacity Liters:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Liters.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission.
Optional
Optional Transmission:
3-speed automatic transmission (less common on early G10 models).
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for exact specification).
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring type.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
Approx. 3475 mm (Hatchback).
Width Mm:
Approx. 1505 mm.
Height Mm:
Approx. 1340 mm (Hatchback).
Wheelbase Mm:
Approx. 2180 mm.
Ground Clearance Mm:
Approx. 155 mm (estimated).
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 650-700 kg (depending on body style and equipment).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Approx. 1050 kg (estimated).
Wheels And Tires
Tire Size:
145SR13 or 155/70R13 (common sizes).
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4 x 110 mm.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
Vehicle safety standards of the late 1970s were less stringent. No official crash test ratings (like NHTSA or Euro NCAP) are readily available for this specific model year and region.
Active Features
Active Features:
Basic hydraulic braking system (front discs, rear drums), direct steering.
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Lap seat belts (front), basic body structure, safety glass.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio (optional), analogue gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel level, and engine temperature.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None by modern standards. Focus is on fundamental vehicle operation.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No connectivity features available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Km:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement Interval Km:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement Interval Km:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km or as needed based on dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Km:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval Km:
Not applicable (the CB10 engine uses a timing chain).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Km:
Every 40,000 - 50,000 km.
Brake Fluid Change Interval Km:
Every 24 months or 40,000 km.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Carburation issues (gumming, vacuum leaks), ignition timing drift, minor oil leaks from seals and gaskets, wear in suspension bushings, potential for rust due to age, starter motor solenoid issues.
Troubleshooting Focus:
The manual is crucial for addressing common issues like poor idling, hard starting, misfiring, and general performance degradation due to wear and tear on the carburetor and ignition systems.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese automobile manufacturer, founded in 1907, known for producing small, fuel-efficient vehicles, trucks, and kei cars. They have a long history of specializing in compact car technology.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The G10 Charade was the first generation of the Charade model, launched in 1977. It established the platform and philosophy of the Charade line as a practical, economical, and compact personal vehicle. Subsequent generations (G20, G30, G50, G70) continued to evolve the design and technology.
Production
Production Years:
First generation (G10): 1977-1983.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other countries through knock-down kits.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While specific awards for the 1978 G10 Charade are not widely documented, the model was recognized for its fuel efficiency and affordability in its market segment, contributing to Daihatsu's reputation for producing economical small cars.