Daihatsu is set to make a notable appearance at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, joining Toyota’s extensive lineup of forward-thinking concepts that represent each brand’s unique vision for the future of mobility. Among Daihatsu’s highlights is the Midget X, a fully electric reinterpretation of one of its most beloved and historic models. This concept brings back the charm and ingenuity of the original Midget, a small but mighty vehicle that played a key role in Japan’s postwar urban transport scene.
The first Daihatsu Midget debuted in 1957, originally as a compact three-wheeled utility vehicle designed for shop owners and delivery workers navigating Japan’s crowded streets. With its small footprint and motorcycle-like agility, it became a symbol of practicality and affordability. The Midget made a nostalgic return in 1996 as the Midget II, capturing retro design cues while offering modern reliability. Production ended in 2001, but the model’s legacy continued to live on in enthusiasts’ hearts — and now, over two decades later, Daihatsu has chosen to revive the icon once again in electrified form.
The Midget X Concept was first shown briefly in a teaser video ahead of its full unveiling later this month in Tokyo. This time, it returns as a tiny electric light commercial vehicle (LCV), designed to meet the evolving needs of modern urban users. Its exterior styling cleverly blends retro inspiration with futuristic detailing, paying homage to the original Midget while giving it a distinctly 21st-century identity. The concept features round LED headlights, a helicopter-style curved windshield, and semi-exposed wheels that include built-in lights and even a battery charge indicator visible on the side. The design perfectly balances nostalgia and innovation, making it both charming and forward-looking.
Inside, the cabin adopts an unusual yet practical layout. The driver sits in a central position, flanked by two passenger seats — a setup that enhances visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces. The steering wheel design is unconventional, complementing the vehicle’s quirky yet efficient personality. Behind the cabin, there’s a backpack-style storage compartment and an extended rear bed, making it ideal for small business deliveries or lifestyle use. Interestingly, Daihatsu also designed rear-hinged doors with rotating handles, adding a fun and functional touch to its accessibility.
While technical details such as motor output, range, or battery size haven’t yet been disclosed, Daihatsu emphasized that the Midget X embodies the company’s goal of creating vehicles that “fit into a variety of lifestyles” and “make everyone happy.” The concept isn’t just a nostalgic callback — it’s a statement of intent, showing Daihatsu’s ambition to evolve its heritage models into electric, people-focused mobility solutions.
The Midget X continues Daihatsu’s long tradition of small yet impactful vehicles, joining the ranks of other iconic models such as the Hijet, Charade, Mira TR-XX, Copen, Tanto, and even the Nibako, a creative mobility platform that turns light commercial vehicles into mobile shops. Although the Midget X remains a concept for now, its practicality and charm make it a strong candidate for eventual production, possibly targeting both Japanese and global markets. As the Japan Mobility Show 2025 opens its doors, more details about this delightful mini EV will emerge — and it just might signal a bright, playful new chapter in Daihatsu’s storied history.