Daihatsu Revives a Legend: The Iconic Midget Returns for a New Era
Small but mighty, the Daihatsu Midget — once a symbol of Japan’s postwar ingenuity — is coming back to life. This time it gains a fourth wheel and a futuristic face, but keeps the same practical spirit that won the hearts of hardworking Japanese drivers in the 1950s.
Daihatsu has confirmed that it will unveil the Midget X concept at the Japan Mobility Show — a modern tribute to the original Daihatsu Midget, first launched in 1957 and quickly embraced as a symbol of Japan’s economic rebirth.
The original three-wheeled Midget was the very definition of simple and durable mobility: cheap to run, easy to fix, and capable of carrying everything from mailbags to freshly caught fish through the narrowest city streets. Now, Daihatsu wants to reimagine that same philosophy for a new generation — this time as a compact four-wheeler that blends retro charm with modern practicality.
Visually, the Midget X is pure nostalgia. The round headlights, upright cabin, and swing-out side doors all echo the original’s utilitarian design, while the one-box body gives it the stance of a miniature delivery van.
Early teaser images suggest two configurations: one with a small open bed and another with a closed cargo body, making it ideal for couriers, local merchants, or small business owners navigating dense urban streets. Daihatsu says such micro-utility vehicles could form the backbone of future city logistics, especially in crowded Japanese metropolises.
Technical details remain under wraps, but it’s all but certain that the Midget X will be fully electric — lightweight, efficient, and easily adaptable to different uses. In bringing back this beloved classic, Daihatsu isn’t chasing nostalgia alone; it’s reaffirming that the simplest ideas often make the most sense, no matter the century.
