Convertible Meets Pickup: Daihatsu’s Basket Concept Still Stuns with Innovative Design

Daihatsu’s concept car Basket
Combines a pickup truck and a convertible
Become a hot topic for its innovative design

Daihatsu, a compact vehicle manufacturer under the Toyota Group, is known for producing diverse vehicles, from the iconic boxy mini-cars to the two-door convertible Copen. Recently, crossover vehicles combining different genres, like coupe-style SUVs and the Toyota Crown’s SUV-sedan hybrid, have gained popularity. However, one concept that stood out for its originality was Daihatsu’s Basket—a vehicle that combines a pickup truck with a convertible.

Although never mass-produced, the Basket was designed with such innovative ideas that it is still being revisited, especially as outdoor leisure trends remain strong. Let’s take a closer look at this concept car that seamlessly blends the features of a pickup truck with the freedom of a convertible.

A Concept Car from 2009 with Surprisingly Modern Appeal

The Daihatsu Basket was first introduced at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show (now the Japan Mobility Show). With a unique “slow life vehicle” ethos, the Basket was designed for small-scale gardening and leisurely activities. The vehicle fits within Japan’s mini-car standards, measuring 133.7 inches in length, 58.1 inches in width, and 61.0 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 98.0 inches.

From the exterior, the Basket is difficult to categorize—other than its open roof, it features rounded details that emphasize Daihatsu’s signature cute design. The interior, with pastel-toned colors and fabric-covered seats and dashboard, adds to its charm and reflects today’s trends of sustainability and simplicity. Even though it was designed 15 years ago, the Basket’s aesthetic still feels fresh.

Surprisingly Spacious: A Convertible Pickup in Disguise

The true value of this car is revealed in the rear. Even though it is small, it can accommodate four people and still have a fairly spacious trunk. Also, the second-row seats can be folded individually. After folding the backrest, the bulkhead of the cargo area can be fully flattened. This state’s surprising transformation makes it look like a light pickup truck initially built for two people.

The tailgate opens downwards, aligning with the cargo floor, allowing for easy loading of longer items. The front passenger seat can also fold flat, making it possible to transport long cargo securely. For added practicality, an acrylic window under the B pillar ensures separation between the interior and cargo area, protecting the cabin from the elements during rainy weather.

A Canvas Top for Flexibility and Comfort

You can cover the canvas top if you want to carry all four people and provide a comfortable living space for the rear passengers. Although it is not the electric soft top that is common these days, it will take some time to install, but its presence alone is reassuring. Looking at the back of the basket with the canvas top covered, this vehicle no longer feels like a pickup truck.

Although its novel design makes it hard to believe that it is a vehicle from 15 years ago, it did not actually go on sale. Perhaps it was a vehicle that was too ahead of its time. If the Basket were released now that outdoor activities such as vehicle camping have become common, it is expected to become a very popular vehicle model.