Daihatsu Unveils Super-Fuel-Efficient New Car

Daihatsu Motor Co. will incorporate a radical fuel-saving technology called “e:S” into a new subcompact by the same name to debut in September.

The “e:S” light car is 40 percent more fuel efficient than the similar-sized Daihatsu Mira. The radically improved three-cylinder engine alone will cut energy use by 14.2 percent. The e:S — which stands for “energy saving” — is 60 kilograms (132 pounds) lighter than a conventional model while retaining the same structural strength.

The e:S car also saves fuel with an idling stop system that cuts the engine when the speed drops to seven kilometers per hour (4.4 mph) or less.

The new technology enables the e:S to get 30 kilometers per a liter (about 73 miles per gallon) — the highest fuel efficiency for gasoline vehicles under a new standard set in April by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The lowest priced model of the e:S will retail for 800,000 yen ($9,800) while the popularly-equipped model will be priced below 1 million yen ($12,200).