Unleash the Beast Within: Discover the Rally-Bred Pedigree of the Storia X4!
A Hidden Gem from Japan's Used Car Market: The Daihatsu Storia X4 Emerges
Our weekly exploration of Japan's vibrant used car marketplace, Goo-Net Exchange, has once again yielded an intriguing find: the Daihatsu Storia X4. While its appearance might suggest a mundane compact car, this vehicle, also known as the Sirion in the UK, represents a fascinating predecessor to contemporary performance hatchbacks like the Toyota GR Yaris, boasting a surprising rally heritage.
From British Streets to Rally Stages: The Storia's Global Presence and Performance Intent
The Storia found its way to British shores as the Sirion, even offering performance variants such as the all-wheel-drive Rally4. However, none quite matched the raw, focused potential of the X4. This particular model was meticulously engineered with rallying in mind, evident in its minimalist, plain white finish and stripped-down interior, ready for competitive livery and weight reduction.
Engineering Excellence: The Astonishing Powertrain of the Storia X4
At the heart of the X4 lay a truly remarkable engine. Despite its diminutive 713cc four-cylinder displacement, the addition of a turbocharger, forged crankshaft, and pistons allowed it to generate an impressive 118 horsepower. This translated to an astonishing 165 horsepower per liter, a figure that overshadowed even the highly praised Honda S2000's output at the time. Coupled with a mere 840kg curb weight, the X4 achieved a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 140 horsepower per tonne, showcasing its incredible performance potential.
Rally Roots and Modern Parallels: The X4's Advanced Drivetrain
Further enhancing its rally credentials, the Storia X4 featured an advanced all-wheel-drive system complemented by limited-slip differentials on both axles. This sophisticated setup bears a striking resemblance to the lauded Toyota GR Yaris, a vehicle celebrated by enthusiasts for its rally-derived engineering and impressive power output from a compact engine. The X4, in essence, was a pioneer in this high-performance compact segment.
An Unsung Hero: Why the Daihatsu Storia X4 Deserves More Recognition
It's genuinely surprising that the X4 remains a relatively obscure model. Perhaps its status as a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) exclusive or its unassuming aesthetics, which cleverly disguise its raw power, contributed to its understated legacy. The example currently on offer, located in Chiba, near Tokyo, with approximately 150,000km (around 93,200 miles) on the odometer, is priced at an incredibly attractive ¥1.26 million, which converts to roughly £6350. This represents an exceptional value for a genuine 1990s rally homologation special equipped with such a phenomenal engine. The only considerable hurdles for international buyers would be the complexities of importation, sourcing spare parts, and the unique challenge of explaining to curious onlookers why one chose to import a seemingly ordinary white Daihatsu from distant Japan.