Used Daihatsu Atrai for sale

If you are looking for a super compact MPV, take a look at the Daihatsu Atrai for sale. Don't let the small, square appearance of the Atrai fool you. Inside that seemingly modest 'box' is a world of spaciousness and flexibility.

Moreover, in a car market that increasingly favors large, massive designs, the Atrai chooses its path, adhering to the philosophy of maximizing functionality in every centimeter.

So, what makes this microvan so attractive? Let's find out with Car From Japan!

History of the Daihatsu Atrai

Starting as a more advanced version of the Hijet light truck, Daihatsu Atrai gradually separated and made a bigger mark with its flexibility and optimal space.

First generation (1981 - 1986)

Born in 1981, the first-generation Daihatsu Atrai for sale was not a new model, but a subtle upgrade from its brother, the Hijet. If Hijet was born to transport goods, then Atrai wore a new coat to serve people.

Still retaining the chassis structure and compact 550cc engine, Atrai came with a soft fabric interior, more windows to create a space filled with light, and foldable rear seats.

It was Daihatsu's first statement: a microvan not only for work but also for enjoying life.

This generation laid a solid foundation for Atrai's "maximum functionality" philosophy. Although simple, it opened up a new segment where the practicality of a commercial vehicle met the comfort of a passenger car.

The Atrai was the seed of a legend, a bold idea that compactness can go hand-in-hand with spaciousness and comfort.

Second Generation (1986 - 1994)

The second generation was a real makeover, taking the Atrai a big step forward on the path to affirming its own identity. The design became softer and more modern, escaping the too-large shadow of the Hijet.

More importantly, this was the period that witnessed the landmark engine upgrades. Initially, it featured a new 550cc 3-cylinder engine. In 1990, when the Kei car regulations changed, the Atrai was equipped with a more powerful and efficient 660cc engine.

This was also the first generation to introduce Turbo versions and optional four-wheel drive (4WD), making the Atrai a versatile vehicle that could conquer many terrains.

The appearance of "Custom" versions with two-tone exteriors and premium equipment has shown that the Atrai is no longer a basic option, but has become a vehicle that expresses the owner's style and personal mark.

Third Generation (1994 - 1999)

Entering the 90s, the third-generation Daihatsu Atrai completely redefined the concept of interior space in a Kei-car.

With a "semi-cabover" design (the engine was pushed slightly forward instead of being placed under the driver's seat), the car's cabin became significantly more spacious and safer. The overall shape was also softer, rounder, and friendlier, very suitable for family tastes at that time.

The highlight of this generation was the maximum focus on convenience and user experience. Sliding doors on both sides (in some versions) made getting in and out of tight spaces easier than ever.

The interior space is intelligently designed with countless storage compartments and flexible seat arrangements, making the Atrai an ideal companion for weekend family picnics.

Fourth Generation (1999 - 2005)

In this generation, Daihatsu officially separated the product line by introducing the name "Atrai Wagon" for the passenger version, while the commercial version was Hijet Cargo.

This change was not only in the name, but also in the product philosophy. The Atrai Wagon was positioned as a "compact luxury passenger car", with interior quality and amenities raised to a new level.

The design became sharper and more angular, taking on the appearance of a miniature MPV. The center console was redesigned, looking more like a real passenger car than a van.

Options like leather seats, a premium audio system, and a sunroof turn the Atrai Wagon's interior into a truly comfortable and pleasant place, blurring the line between a Kei-car and a comfortable sedan.

Fifth Generation (2005 - 2021)

Fifth Generation is the longest-running generation in Atrai's history, lasting 16 years, a testament to the success and reliability of the design.

Daihatsu didn't need to change too much because they found a near-perfect formula. The design was tweaked to be a little more square, optimizing cabin space to the last millimeter.

The fifth generation was the pinnacle of comfort in a compact form. One-touch electric sliding doors became standard equipment on high-end versions, a luxury feature for a Kei-car.

Throughout its long life, the Atrai S320 was constantly updated with special editions, new colors, and minor improvements, helping it maintain its appeal in the market. It has become a familiar sight on Japanese roads, a symbol of durability and practicality.

Sixth Generation (2021 - present)

The latest generation of Atrai, launched in late 2021, is a complete revolution. Developed on Daihatsu's new global platform (DNGA), the car offers a solid, smooth, and exceptionally safe driving experience.

Most notably, the replacement of the 4-speed automatic transmission with a completely new CVT transmission makes the car operate more smoothly and save fuel.

In terms of design, the Atrai S700 returns to a purposeful square style, reminiscent of classic vans but expressed in a modern language. The interior space is likened to a "mobile room" with a completely flat floor when the seats are folded, ideal for car camping or transporting bulky items.

Along with that is a series of advanced safety technologies, Smart Assist, electronic handbrake, and modern entertainment screen, bringing Atrai into the digital age, turning it into the smartest, safest, and most versatile microvan ever.

Daihatsu Atrai Review

Before we delve into the features that make this kei car stand out, here are its basic specs for your reference.

Daihatsu Atrai basic specifications

Exterior

At first glance, the Daihatsu Atrai's boxy design may seem simple, but it's a deliberate design philosophy. Every square line, every sharp angle serves a single purpose: maximizing interior space.

The Atrai doesn't try to be curvy and sexy; it proudly flaunts its "mobile box" shape as a statement of functionality. The front end is upright with a large grille and is combined with sharp LED headlights.

The most expensive highlight on the Atrai's exterior is the pair of electric sliding doors on both sides (on high-end versions). In urban spaces, this is a helpful tool.

It allows users to get in and out of the car or load and unload goods easily, even when parking in the tightest of spaces.

The overall compact size, to Kei-car standards, helps the Atrai easily maneuver through every small alley, turning urban traffic challenges into its advantage.

Interior

If the exterior of the Atrai is a promise, then the interior is a spectacular performance of that promise. Step inside and you will be immediately overwhelmed by the surprisingly spacious interior, which contrasts with the small exterior.

The high ceiling creates a sense of airiness, while the large windows provide a panoramic view. The dashboard is designed horizontally, neat and intuitive. 

Countless storage compartments, cup holders, and utility compartments are intelligently arranged throughout the cabin, ensuring that every personal item has its place.

But the real magic of the Atrai lies in its seating versatility. Both rear seats fold completely flat into the floor, creating an incredibly flat and massive cargo area.

You can easily fit a bike, a couple of surfboards, or even turn it into a cozy camping room for two. This versatility takes the Atrai beyond the definition of a regular car, becoming a multi-purpose tool for both work and weekend adventures.

Engine

Under the hood of the Atrai is a small but big heart: a 3-cylinder, 660cc engine equipped with a turbocharger. Don't underestimate this number.

The engine produces a maximum capacity of about 64 horsepower, the limit of the Kei-car segment, but thanks to the turbo, it provides strong torque right from low rpm.

The biggest improvement in the new generation is the replacement of the old 4-speed automatic transmission with a completely new dual-variable continuously variable transmission (D-CVT).

The D-CVT gearbox not only eliminates the jerky feeling when shifting gears, providing absolute smoothness during operation, but also optimizes engine rpm. 

The result is a car that is both smoother and quieter at high speeds, while achieving impressive fuel consumption, an extremely important factor for users.

Driving experience

Driving the Daihatsu Atrai is an exciting experience. In urban environments, it is a "king". The minimum turning radius makes turning the car in narrow alleys or parking in tight spaces as easy as turning your hand.

The high seating position, similar to a mini SUV, gives the driver a panoramic view and a great sense of control. The steering wheel is light and responsive, making every steering turn precise and confident.

When it comes to the highway, the new generation Atrai continues to surprise. Built on the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) chassis platform, the body is significantly more rigid, minimizing vibration and sway.

The car feels more solid and stable than previous generations, less affected by crosswinds. The combination of the turbo engine and D-CVT gearbox helps it maintain speed without straining, providing a much more comfortable and relaxing journey.

Safety features

The concept of "small cars are unsafe cars" has been eliminated on the new generation Daihatsu Atrai. The car is equipped with the advanced active safety technology package "Smart Assist", which acts as a bodyguard that always accompanies you.

This system includes a series of modern features such as: collision warning and emergency braking support (capable of recognizing pedestrians), accelerator control system when there are obstacles, lane departure warning, and lane keeping support.

In addition to active technologies, Atrai also focuses on passive safety. The DNGA platform not only improves the driving experience but also enhances the ability to absorb force and protect passengers in the event of a collision.

Standard equipment such as airbags, anti-lock braking system ABS, electronic brake force distribution EBD, and vehicle stability control VSC are all present.

Higher-end versions even have Adaptive Cruise Control, a feature usually only found on expensive cars.

How Much Does The Daihatsu Atrai Cost On Average

As a Kei-car produced mainly for the Japanese domestic market, the Daihatsu Atrai has a competitive price.

In its home country, a brand new Atrai starts from JPY 1,562,000 to JPY 1,826,000. This price is equivalent to about USD 10,000 to USD 12,000.

This is a complete figure for a car with electric sliding doors, a turbo engine, a modern CVT gearbox, and a series of safety features.

For the used car market, we can find old Daihatsu Atrai (generation 3, 4) with prices sometimes starting from only about 1,500 USD to 4,000 USD. This is the original price at the source, reflecting a reasonable cost of ownership.

However, pay attention to the costs involved when exporting and importing any used Daihatsu Atrai for sale to countries, such as international shipping fees, insurance, and taxes (import tax, excise tax, VAT), depending on the conditions and regulations of each target country.