ONE thing is absolutely certain in the car market, which is that manufacturers and importers only ever reduce prices when they are anxious to shift stocks.
This appears to be the case with Daihatsu's quirky YRV, which arrived here with a mission to establish itself as a Young Recreational Vehicle.
Unfortunately it did so in the face of some very formidable opposition, with just a single body style and engine size, and prices as high as almost £11,500. Even buyers of the base model needed to shell out virtually £10,000, which buys a Mazda Demio with all mod cons.
Now Daihatsu has seen the light, and has reduced the entry price of the YRV to a much more affordable £7,995 in a bid to boost sales.This makes it almost £1,500 less than the original base model, which continues to be available with a slightly better specification.
Manufacturers are always reluctant to make straightforward price cuts, because they think it smacks of desperation, so they stick on a new name badge and pretend that it is a different vehicle.
In the case of the YRV it becomes the YRV Radical, without rear electric windows, sliding and split-folding rear seat, and some missing cosmetic body parts. However, it retains the power steering, twin air bags, radio-cassette player, rear wash/wipe and electric front windows.
In all other respects it is a standard YRV, which is one of those vehicles that feels as light as a feather, yet somehow has the ability to last for ever, whilst being 100 per cent reliable into the bargain.
It is, as Daihatsu rightly claims, fairly roomy inside in relation to its overall exterior dimensions. The vehicle is relatively high, and gives excellent front leg and head room.
In the back things are slightly different from the norm, with the seats being higher than those in the front, and with the added benefit of being able to slide back and forth by 150mm, although not on the Radical version.
Even with four adults in the car there is a reasonable amount of luggage space in the back, with a very large tailgate that extends fairly low down. The rear seats fold right down, to create a perfectly flat load area, which is where the recreational bit comes in, with bikes or surfboards stashed inside.
However, in all other respects the vehicle is a conventional hatchback, which comes with the option of air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, a remote facility for the central locking, alloy wheels and different interior trim for a combined price of a further £1,000.
In manual form the YRV is a nifty little mover, with sprightly acceleration, a relatively high top speed, and impressive economy. It feels very light and agile to drive, with excellent all-round visibility, and each of its four corner extremities can be clearly seen by the driver.
However, there is one version of the car that excels, and which makes the most sense. This is the F-Speed automatic, which makes the YRV an ideal city model, whilst allowing the driver to have some fun when the opportunity arises.
In normal use it has a conventional four-speed automatic transmission, in which the D position is selected to create push-and-go operation of the accelerator pedal. However, in the case of the F-speed, there is an extra facility that can be brought into operation via a button on the fascia.
This activates the Formula One-style steering wheel buttons, which are marked plus and minus to indicate that by pressing them the transmission will automatically shift up and down. The idea is that the driver can move through the gearbox whilst maintaining contact with the steering wheel at all times.
It is good fun on country roads, where full use of engine braking can be made for hill descents, or when entering corners. However, it lifts the price to £11,460 - albeit with a CD player included - which is even more than a five-door Volkswagen Golf or a top of the range Yaris.
The only conclusion to be reached is that the YRV is an interesting addition to a sector of the market that is already well established and highly competitive. It drives quite well and offers a degree of versatility, with the promise of unrivalled reliability and durability reflected in one of the best warranties of any car.
There is even a four wheel drive version, which costs £10,995, making it one of the cheapest 4WD models available.
Daihatsu seems to have learned the hard way just how competitive this so-called recreational sector of the market is, and has now taken the appropriate action.