The Daihatsu UFE-III shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show is the 3rd model of Daihatsu’s ‘Ultra Fuel Economy’ concepts, the original was shown at the 2001 Tokyo show.
The UFE-III is powered by a diminutive 660 cc Atkinson 3 cylinder engine and two electric motors. Part of the UFE-III’s impressive fuel economy can be traced to the aerodynamic bodywork. The flowing lines give the UFE-III a 0.168 Cd figure. Add this to a 440 kg overall weight and it is a recipe for efficiency.
The interior of the UFE III is set out in a 1+2 configuration, with two small seats crammed in behind the single central drivers seat. The UFE-III is controlled by steer-by-wire technology.
This hybrid minivehicle achieves category-leading fuel economy of 72km/litre (10-15 mode Japanese emission standard, Daihatsu in-house test data).
- New 3-seater package with driver in front and two rear seats.
- Cd of 0.168, world’s lowest* aerodynamic drag coefficient for this class of minivehicle, with polymer and aluminum ultra-light (440kg kerb weight) body and other measures to reduce rolling resistance.
- Hybrid system comprising 660cc inline 3-cylinder direct injection Atkinson engine and two motors.
- New-generation styling with a streamlined super aerodynamic shape, canopy door and pointed LED headlamps.
- Futuristic interior offers comfortable space for three persons within compact dimensions. Operational convenience and functionality with steer-by-wire technology and easy-access control layout.
*As of October 2005
Source – Daihatsu
