Daihatsu Hijet
The Daihatsu Hijet is a kei truck that has been in production since 1964. It is one of the most popular kei trucks in Japan, and has also been exported to many other countries around the world. The Hijet is available in a variety of configurations, including a single cab, double cab, and chassis cab. It is also available with a variety of engines, including gasoline, diesel, and electric.
History of the Daihatsu Hijet
The Daihatsu Hijet was first introduced in 1964. It was originally designed as a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for commercial use. The Hijet quickly became popular in Japan, and by the 1970s it was the best-selling kei truck in the country.
The Hijet has been exported to many other countries around the world, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. It is particularly popular in developing countries, where its fuel efficiency and low cost make it an ideal vehicle for businesses.
Different Generations of the Daihatsu Hijet
The Daihatsu Hijet has been through eight generations since its introduction in 1964. The latest generation, the S80P, was introduced in 2014.
The First Generation Daihatsu Hijet (1964-1967)
The first generation Daihatsu Hijet was a simple, utilitarian vehicle. It was powered by a 0.36-liter two-stroke engine that produced 10 horsepower. The Hijet was available in a single cab configuration, and had a payload capacity of 350 kilograms.
The Second Generation Daihatsu Hijet (1967-1971)
The second generation Daihatsu Hijet was a more modern vehicle than its predecessor. It was powered by a 0.55-liter two-stroke engine that produced 20 horsepower. The Hijet was available in a single cab or double cab configuration, and had a payload capacity of 400 kilograms.
The Third Generation Daihatsu Hijet (1971-1976)
The third generation Daihatsu Hijet was even more modern than its predecessor. It was powered by a 0.66-liter two-stroke engine that produced 25 horsepower. The Hijet was available in a single cab, double cab, or chassis cab configuration, and had a payload capacity of 500 kilograms.
The Fourth Generation Daihatsu Hijet (1976-1981)
The fourth generation Daihatsu Hijet was a major redesign of the vehicle. It was powered by a 0.8-liter two-stroke engine that produced 30 horsepower. The Hijet was available in a single cab, double cab, or chassis cab configuration, and had a payload capacity of 600 kilograms.
The Fifth Generation Daihatsu Hijet (1981-1987)
The fifth generation Daihatsu Hijet was another major redesign of the vehicle. It was powered by a 1.0-liter two-stroke engine that produced 35 horsepower. The Hijet was available in a single cab, double cab, or chassis cab configuration, and had a payload capacity of 700 kilograms.
The Sixth Generation Daihatsu Hijet (1987-1994)
The sixth generation Daihatsu Hijet was a further refinement of the vehicle. It was powered by a 1.3-liter four-stroke engine that produced 60 horsepower. The Hijet was available in a single cab, double cab, or chassis cab configuration, and had a payload capacity of 800 kilograms.
The Seventh Generation Daihatsu Hijet (1994-2014)
The seventh generation Daihatsu Hijet was a major redesign of the vehicle. It was powered by a 0.66-liter three-cylinder engine that produced 55 horsepower. The Hijet was available in a single cab, double cab, or chassis cab configuration, and had a payload capacity of 900 kilograms.
The Eighth Generation Daihatsu Hijet (2014-Present)
The eighth generation Daihatsu Hijet is the current generation of the vehicle. It was introduced in 2014. The Hijet is powered by a 0.66-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 58 horsepower. The Hijet is available in a single cab, double cab, or chassis cab configuration, and has a payload capacity of 1000 kilograms.
Features of the Daihatsu Hijet
The Daihatsu Hijet is a simple, utilitarian vehicle. It is not designed for comfort or luxury, but for fuel efficiency and reliability.
The Daihatsu Hijet comes standard with a variety of features, including:
- A 0.66-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 58 horsepower
- A four-speed manual transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Power steering
- Air conditioning
- A radio
The Hijet is also available with a variety of optional features, including:
- A five-speed manual transmission
- All-wheel drive
- Anti-lock brakes
- Traction control
- Airbags
- A navigation system
- A backup camera
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
The Daihatsu Hijet is a very fuel-efficient vehicle. It is rated at 36 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. The Hijet also has very low emissions, making it a good choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Performance
The Daihatsu Hijet is not a fast vehicle, but it is adequate for its intended purpose. The Hijet can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 15 seconds. The Hijet also has a top speed of about 75 mph.
Cargo Capacity
The Daihatsu Hijet has a payload capacity of 1000 kilograms. This makes it ideal for transporting small loads, such as tools, equipment, and materials.
Safety
The Daihatsu Hijet is a safe vehicle. It comes standard with a variety of safety features, including power steering, air conditioning, and a radio. The Hijet is also available with a variety of optional safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, airbags, a navigation system, and a backup camera.
Reliability
The Daihatsu Hijet is a very reliable vehicle. It is known for its durability and low maintenance costs. The Hijet is also backed by a comprehensive warranty.
Price
The Daihatsu Hijet is a very affordable vehicle. It starts at around $10,000. The Hijet is a great value for the money, and it is one of the most affordable kei trucks on the market.
Overall
The Daihatsu Hijet is a great vehicle for people who need a small, fuel-efficient, and reliable vehicle for commercial use. The Hijet is also a good choice for people who are looking for an affordable vehicle that is easy to park and maneuver.
Derivatives
The Daihatsu Hijet has been used as the basis for a variety of derivatives, including:
- The Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo: A larger version of the Hijet with a longer wheelbase and a higher payload capacity.
- The Daihatsu Hijet Cargo: A van version of the Hijet.
- The Daihatsu Hijet Dump: A dump truck version of the Hijet.
- The Daihatsu Hijet Flatbed: A flatbed truck version of the Hijet.
- The Daihatsu Hijet Truck: A pickup truck version of the Hijet.
Conclusion
The Daihatsu Hijet is a great vehicle for people who need a small, fuel-efficient, and reliable vehicle for commercial use. The Hijet is also a good choice for people who are looking for an affordable vehicle that is easy to park and maneuver.