Daihatsu Feroza: Tough SUV with a Sturdy Body Design

The Daihatsu Feroza is an iconic car from Daihatsu that is deeply ingrained in the memories of the Indonesian people, especially in the 1990s. It is a type of jeep but more friendly for urban driving due to its not overly masculine design and fuel efficiency.
First produced by Daihatsu in 1987, the Feroza was indeed adored by off-road enthusiasts. In addition to the conventional Feroza that could easily be found in the market, Daihatsu also released a special edition with a more aggressive appearance.
This Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) Daihatsu Feroza still uses gasoline as its fuel.
Daihatsu Feroza Enters Indonesia
Since its inception, the Feroza has expanded in the markets of Japan and the Americas. Besides these two countries, the Daihatsu Feroza is also marketed in Europe, Australia, and several countries in Asia.
Indonesia itself only got to know the Feroza in 1992, which was locally assembled along with its siblings, the Daihatsu Rocky and Daihatsu Taft. Unfortunately, production of the Daihatsu Feroza ceased in 1999, which was then replaced by the Daihatsu Terios and Daihatsu Taruna.
Even though it is no longer in production, the Feroza is still sought after by automotive enthusiasts, and many used editions are sold at prices below Rp100 million.
Three Generations of Feroza
The Daihatsu Feroza has three generations in Indonesia. All three have almost the same body model, but the advantages they possess are certainly different.
The first generation was born in 1993 and lasted until 1996. Known as the Feroza Standard, it is recognized for its robust engine sector. Meanwhile, the Feroza Special Edition, which was popular from 1994 to 1996, became the second generation of Feroza.
The third generation, the Feroza G2, was on the road for 4 years, from 1996 to 1999. This third generation features more complex features such as power windows, steering, door lock control, and independent suspension that feels smoother.
Advantages of Feroza as an SUV
As an SUV, the Feroza certainly has many advantages that attract car enthusiasts. To clarify, let's take a look at the following explanations, friends.
1. Body Design
The most noticeable aspect is its bold interior design that looks very macho, making it suitable for drivers who enjoy driving cars with high acceleration, especially off-road.
The Feroza's body is designed with minimal curves, giving it a robust appearance with high ground clearance. Moreover, the design of the B-pillar in this car can also function as a rollover protection.
2. Can Conquer All Terrain
The Daihatsu Feroza is indeed designed as a vehicle that can be driven in all conditions. Even during floods, the Feroza can tackle them due to its high ground clearance, preventing water from easily entering the engine or the interior of the car.
The speed of the Feroza in overcoming floods is not different from when it tackles clear roads. Besides flooded terrain, the Feroza is also very safe to drive on steep muddy roads without the fear of wheel slippage.
3. Large Load Capacity
The size of an SUV is undoubtedly capable of accommodating a large number of passengers, so the Feroza can certainly hold a significant load. If you want to go on vacation with family and enjoy off-road adventures, the Feroza can accompany you.
The Feroza cabin can accommodate around 6 passengers. It is spacious enough for friends with many family members to go on trips together.
4. Robust Engine Performance
The torque that can be achieved by the Daihatsu Feroza engine reaches 127 Nm at 4800 RPM, friends. Its engine capacity is up to 1.6 liters and can produce power up to 94Hp. Such engine specifications will surely delight automotive enthusiasts due to its brilliant performance.
Compared to cars with carburetor engines, the Feroza is certainly better with its engine specifications. The Feroza is also equipped with a 16-valve engine configuration.
5. Double Wishbone & Disc-Drum Brake System
The Daihatsu Feroza uses a double wishbone suspension system with a stabilizer in the form of a torsion bar spring. This double wishbone type is a telescopic shock absorber, ensuring that the driver will be comfortable while driving even on rough roads.
For the braking system, it uses disc brakes with a booster on the front wheels. The rear wheels use drum brakes equipped with leading and trailing. For the parking brake, the Feroza has a mechanical internal expansion brake for the front wheels, allowing the driver to feel secure even on sloping, descending, or ascending roads.
Feroza Specifications
The Daihatsu Feroza uses a 1600 cc gasoline engine with 4X2 Rear Wheel Drive, similar to other SUVs. Its maximum power is 94 Hp at 5,700 RPM. The transmission system is 5-speed manual. The maximum torque is 127 Nm, which can be achieved at 4,800 RPM.
The Feroza fuel system uses multi-point injection with a fuel tank capacity of 60L. Its fuel consumption is 12.4 liters per 100 km. The Feroza can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of up to 150 km/h.
With its large body, the Feroza has 4 seats behind the steering wheel, allowing it to accommodate many people. The empty weight of the Feroza is 1,325 kg, which can carry a load of up to 325 kg.
New and Used Feroza Prices
No longer produced by Daihatsu, the Feroza remains a sought-after car. Typically, the used car market sells the Feroza in the price range of Rp45 million to Rp85 million, depending on the year of the car's release.
For the 1994 production year, the Feroza will have a price range of Rp46 million to Rp69 million. Meanwhile, the last production year will be sold for around Rp72 million. However, if you are diligent in searching, the Feroza can be found for around Rp30 million.
Maintenance for Feroza to Stay Comfortable
Usually, Feroza owners complain about the radiator frequently overheating. Because of this, you should regularly check the water level in the radiator expansion tank and the radiator to know its condition. If the radiator cap can no longer close properly, it is best to replace it immediately.
In addition to the radiator that needs to be regularly checked for cleaning its scale, the alternator is also crucial to check. Pay attention to the cool brush when disassembling the alternator to see if it is worn out and replace it if it is.
You should also pay attention to the fuel pump. The Feroza still requires a fuel pump even though it uses a carburetor, so if the fuel pump is damaged, the car's engine will surely have difficulty starting.
That is the explanation about the Daihatsu Feroza, which remains a favorite among automotive enthusiasts, especially in the 1990s. If you are new or want to own a Feroza, you must pay attention to your needs. For sure, this car is suitable for those who want to travel with family and can traverse various terrains.
Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa