🚗 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX Avanzato Review
By Paquito Jr Conde | August 27, 2025
The Daihatsu Mira TR-XX Avanzato is a legendary JDM kei car that combines quirky styling, turbocharged excitement, and outstanding fuel economy. Compact yet full of personality, it’s a fun and collectible ride loved by enthusiasts worldwide. 🌍✨
🎌 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX Avanzato — Overview & Specifications
Small car, big personality! The TR-XX Avanzato blends kei-car practicality with turbocharged fun, making it a zippy city companion that’s full of character. 🚗💨
⚙️ Engine & Performance
- 659 cc turbocharged inline‑3 (DOHC, 12‑valve) engine (EF‑RL / EF‑JL).
- Output: about 64 PS (~64 hp / 47 kW) at ~6,800–7,500 rpm.
- Torque: about 10–10.7 kg·m (≈100 Nm / ~74 lb·ft) at ~4,000 rpm.
- Top speed: ~158 km/h (~98 mph).
- 0–60 mph: roughly ~10 seconds.
- Drivetrain: available in FWD or AWD, depending on the variant.
- Transmissions: 5‑speed manual (with some 4‑speed automatic units).
📏 Dimensions & Weight
- Body type: compact 3‑door hatch (kei car).
- Approx. size: 3.29 m (L) × 1.39 m (W) × 1.43 m (H).
- Curb weight: around 690–710 kg (1,520–1,565 lb).
- Seats: 4 passengers.
- Tight turning circle: about 4.5–4.6 m for easy parking. 🅿️
⛽ Fuel Economy
- Very efficient: about 4.8–5.9 L/100 km (~49 mpg US to 58.8 mpg UK).
- Fuel tank: 32 liters (~8.4 US gal) — small tank, long range. 🌿
🛞 Chassis & Handling
- Brakes: front ventilated discs, rear drums.
- Suspension: front MacPherson strut, rear semi‑trailing arm.
- Performance bits on some trims: LSD and rear toe‑control arms for sharper cornering — rare for a kei car! 🏁
🌍 Fuel Injection & Emissions
- EFI (electronic fuel injection) with an intercooler.
- Passenger versions feature a three‑way catalytic converter.
👍 Pros & Unique Strengths
- High‑performance kei car: Turbocharged punch and ~64 PS make it one of the sportier options in its class.
- Excellent fuel economy: Wallet‑friendly running costs. 💸
- Compact and maneuverable: Perfect for crowded streets and tight parking.
- Fun handling: LSD and sport‑tuned bits (on some models) deliver eager cornering.
- Characterful charm: The rev‑happy 3‑cylinder has a distinctive, enthusiast‑pleasing soundtrack. 🎶
⚠️ Cons & Considerations
- Limited power: Quick for a kei, but slower than larger subcompacts.
- Parts availability: As a niche JDM import, parts can be pricier and may need to be sourced overseas.
- Maintenance quirks: Reported issues include soft brake feel, ticking noises, and occasional misfires — a thorough inspection helps. 🔧
- Emissions & registration: Stringent regions may complicate road‑legality and inspections.
- Safety: Many examples lack modern features like airbags, ABS, and advanced crash structures.
🧠 Verdict: Should You Buy One?
Yes, if you want a quirky, economical, and spirited kei car with genuine personality. It shines as a collectible or weekend runabout that delivers smiles per mile. 😄
Think twice, if you prioritize hassle‑free parts, low maintenance, or modern safety tech. It’s best suited to enthusiasts rather than as a primary daily driver.
📋 Specifications Summary
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 659 cc turbo inline‑3 (~64 PS) |
| Transmission | 5‑speed manual (some 4‑speed auto) |
| Layout | FWD or AWD |
| Weight | ~690–710 kg |
| Fuel Consumption | ~4.8–5.9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | ~158 km/h (98 mph) |
| 0–60 mph | ~10 seconds |
🏁 Final Thought
If you’re a collector or JDM fan looking for something rare, agile, and fuel‑sipping, the Mira TR‑XX Avanzato is a delightful choice. Just budget for import logistics, careful maintenance, and a bit of tinkering. Want help hunting a good example or checking a specific listing? I’ve got your back! 🔎🤝