So how are the Taft and Suzuki’s rivals different when driving?
The driving feel of the two is about 50-50. This is not to say that they are evenly matched, but rather that they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
I definitely feel that the Taft has better handling characteristics that come from its high rigidity thanks to Daihatsu’s newly developed DNGA platform.
It’s not that the Hustler is significantly worse, but from the moment you start to steer, it feels fluffy. One reason is its soft suspension, but some users may feel comfortable riding because of this.
As for the powertrain, a smooth start-up from low rpm can only be experienced in the Hustler. This is probably due to its mild hybrid system.
Daihatsu’s naturally-aspirated engine is a bit sluggish and its noise at high rpm is something annoying. If you do a lot of long drives, you definitely want to choose the turbo model.
If I had to summarize the characters of both cars, I would say that the Taft is “design,” “quality,” and “masculine,” while the Hustler is “playful,” “functional,” and “cute”.
I would not say much about Suzuki’s kei crossover since it is just an evolution from the previous generation. But for the Taft, I can see the engineers aimed for an upper class while providing a tool-ish vehicle. And at those upper class is where the Jimny and Jimny Sierra stand.
Some would say nonsense when I compare a full-fledged off-roader against a kei crossover as rivals. But if you actually look at the market, there are only a handful of people who actually go off-roading in a Jimny. Most owners are attracted to its cute look rather than its outstanding off-road performance.
On the other hand, Daihatsu’s kei crossover has a road clearance of only 190mm but is enough to drive on simple dirt roads such as riverbanks and campsites.
Furthermore, looking at owners of the Jimny, most of them ride alone or one additional passenger, and the rear seat is used as a cargo space in most situations. I rarely see people actually sleep inside the Jimny but instead camping outside the car using a tent.
Sure, its design is unique with its cute-looking face and some essence that trace back the car’s long history. But its ladder frame and sub-transmission are something most normal owners do not need.
Considering the level most people require when camping, a car with monocoque chassis is enough. Some may say a front-wheel drive is already enough when compared to a full-time 4WD. To be honest, Suzuki’s off-roader is far more over-spec to be used in Japan. Unless you are from the forestry industry, just a simple compact crossover will do the job.
Even though the two models are in completely different genres, the way they are used is actually almost the same. And Daihatsu must be thinking if you are going to wait more than a year for your Jimny to be delivered, why not get a Taft?
The intense battle between the three cars, Taft, Hustler, and Jimny, is what I am now most interested in. How will these cars continue to capture the hearts of buyers and how will they be reflected in upcoming updates? Only time will tell.
