Daihatsu Coure
Daihatsu Cuore – The Compact Urban Hero of Pakistan
The Daihatsu Cuore is a small, fuel-efficient hatchback that became highly popular in Pakistan during the 2000s. Produced by Daihatsu (a Toyota-owned brand) and assembled locally by Indus Motors, the Cuore earned a solid reputation as a reliable, easy-to-maintain car for small families, first-time car owners, and city drivers.
Overview
The Cuore was available in Pakistan from around 2000 to 2012. It featured a compact design that made it ideal for narrow roads and crowded city traffic. Known for its low maintenance cost and decent performance, it competed directly with Suzuki Mehran but offered better comfort and driving stability.
Key Features of Daihatsu Cuore
Engine and Performance:
- 847cc 3-cylinder petrol engine
- Manual 5-speed transmission (Automatic version also available in later models)
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel average: 12–14 km/l in city, 16+ km/l on highways
- Top speed: Around 140 km/h
- Smooth gear shift and stronger grip than most competitors in its category
Exterior Design:
- Compact and rounded body shape
- Simple front grille with halogen headlights
- Short wheelbase, perfect for tight parking spots
- Small steel wheels (12-inch) with plastic covers
- Available colors: White, Silver, Light Blue, Beige, Black, etc.
Interior and Comfort:
- Dual-tone dashboard with basic controls
- Comfortable seats with better cushioning than Suzuki Mehran
- Manual windows and side mirrors
- Basic air conditioning (strong cooling for a small cabin)
- FM radio/tape player in earlier models, upgraded audio in newer ones
- Seating capacity for 4 adults (tight for 5)
- Decent legroom for front passengers
Safety:
- No airbags or ABS
- Stronger metal body compared to many other local hatchbacks
- Seatbelts for front and rear seats
- Simple but sturdy structure for urban driving safety
Maintenance and Parts Availability
Daihatsu Cuore’s spare parts are easily available in major cities of Pakistan. Mechanics are well-versed in repairs, and the car is known for its low maintenance costs. Routine maintenance like oil changes, brakes, suspension, and AC service is affordable.
Market Value in 2025 (Pakistan)
The resale price of Daihatsu Cuore depends heavily on its model year, condition, and whether it’s manual or automatic:
- Older models (2001–2006): PKR 3 – 4.5 lakh
- Newer models (2007–2012): PKR 5 – 6.5 lakh
- Automatic transmission (rare, 2006+): PKR 6 – 7.5 lakh
Who Should Buy Daihatsu Cuore?
- First-time car buyers
- Students or office-goers looking for affordable daily commuting
- Families needing a second small car
- People looking for better comfort and handling than Mehran in the same size
Final Thoughts
The Daihatsu Cuore may be discontinued, but it still enjoys a solid reputation in the Pakistani used car market. It offers better driving stability, comfort, and build quality compared to other small hatchbacks in its time. For those looking for a budget-friendly, city-friendly, and fuel-efficient car, Cuore remains a strong contender even today.
