The Daihatsu Midget X is a charming concept car that steals the spotlight at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show with its adorable retro-modern design. But is this tiny delivery vehicle more than just a cute face? Here's the twist: it's electric!
The original Daihatsu Midget, introduced in 1957, was a quirky three-wheeled delivery ute with a single seat, handlebar steering, and no doors. Its tiny 250cc engine produced a mere 6kW, but it was a practical and efficient solution for its time. Over the years, the Midget grew slightly longer, gained a bit more power (up to 10kW), and even acquired a door.
Fast forward to 1996, and Daihatsu brought back the Midget with a four-wheeled version, still featuring a single seat and a unique design. This time, the Midget had a 660cc three-cylinder engine with 25kW, and a spare wheel mounted on the bonnet due to its short and narrow body.
Now, the Midget X concept brings this classic design into the modern era. With its round LED headlights and a bright, glassy cabin, it's a real head-turner. The driver sits in the center, like in a McLaren F1, with two smaller seats set back for children, as the Midget X's body is incredibly narrow. The interior even features playful door trim resembling playground climbing holds.
The steering is controlled via a yoke-style wheel, and vital information is displayed on small screens near the doors, along with images from the door-mounted cameras. The concept model showcases a backpack-style storage unit at the rear, but other variants in the introductory video reveal longer open trays or canvas-covered cargo bays.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Midget X is all-electric, yet Daihatsu remains tight-lipped about the motor and battery specs. While it may not pack a powerful punch, it will undoubtedly deliver an instant torque kick. Toyota's CEO, Koji Sato, calls it the 'Midget of the future', but will it ever make it past the concept stage?
Sato acknowledges the challenges of building small cars, stating, 'Making small cars is incredibly difficult... But Daihatsu continues to embrace these challenges.' This leaves us wondering: is the Midget X a glimpse into the future of compact electric vehicles, or simply a playful concept that will never see the light of day? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
