autoevolution
 

Segment: Compact
Production years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

DAIHATSU Applause 1997-2000
DAIHATSU Applause (1997-2000)

In 1997, Daihatsu refreshed the Applause and dropped the carburetor engine while improving the car's look.

Despite its efforts to offer an affordable, dependable, comfortable vehicle, Daihatsu was forced to admit that the Applause was not doing well on the market. In Europe, its main competitors from France, Germany, and Italy had an edge, and the customers were reluctant to spend their money on the Applause. In 1997, the carmaker tried a final refresh for the seven-year-old small-segment vehicle.

Daihatsu updated the car's look and installed bigger bumpers both front and rear, increasing the vehicle's length. The front fascia was adorned by a chromed surrounding for the grille, but the headlights kept their original shape. Its front bumper sported a lower apron with another air intake and two side scoops. To complement the front turn signals, Daihatsu installed two additional side lamps on the front fenders. At the back, depending on the trim level, the carmaker added chromed rims around the redesigned taillights.

For the interior, better upholstery fixed a part of the problem while the sunroof and the four power windows offered as an option should have brought more customers, but the result was not the expected one.

Under the hood, Daihatsu kept the 1.6-liter, fuel-injected engine, which was paired with a five-speed manual or, as an option, a four-speed automatic.

DAIHATSU Applause 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
  2 gasoline engines
  • 1.6L 16V 4AT FWD (99 HP)
  • 1.6L 16V 5MT FWD (99 HP)

DAIHATSU Applause
1.6L 16V 4AT FWD (99 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 16V 4AT FWD (99 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1590 cm3
Power:72.8 KW @ 6000 RPM
99 HP @ 6000 RPM
98 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:102 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
138 Nm @ 3600 RPM
Fuel System:Multi-point indirect injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.2 gallons (50.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:109 mph (175 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.2 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Drum
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/60R14
DIMENSIONS
Length:171.3 in (4351 mm)
Width:65.4 in (1661 mm)
Height:54.5 in (1384 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/55.7 in (1,425/1,415 mm)
Wheelbase:97.2 in (2469 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.9 in (150 mm)
Cargo Volume:14.5 cuFT (411 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2315 lbs (1050 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3241 lbs (1470 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km)
Highway:37.9 mpg US (6.2 L/100Km)

DAIHATSU Applause
1.6L 16V 5MT FWD (99 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 16V 5MT FWD (99 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1590 cm3
Power:72.8 KW @ 6000 RPM
99 HP @ 6000 RPM
98 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:102 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
138 Nm @ 3600 RPM
Fuel System:Multi-point indirect injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:13.2 gallons (50.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:112 mph (180 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Drum
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:185/60R14
DIMENSIONS
Length:171.3 in (4351 mm)
Width:65.4 in (1661 mm)
Height:54.5 in (1384 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/55.7 in (1,425/1,415 mm)
Wheelbase:97.2 in (2469 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.9 in (150 mm)
Cargo Volume:14.5 cuFT (411 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2315 lbs (1050 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3241 lbs (1470 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km)
Highway:39.9 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km)
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