On The Road
Like all commercial vehicles there are certain roles that the Extol excels in – such as busy urban multi-drop work. But venture out of down and onto motorways and A-roads and it starts to look less capable.
The Extol comes into its own when pottering around town and in urban traffic. Steering is exceptionally light and direct (the turning circle is a compact 8.8m) and with these dimensions, parking’s a cinch.
The gear change is surprisingly direct and works well with the free-spinning engine. It provides enough power under most conditions, though when fully laden it does struggle and you have to feather the clutch when pulling away uphill. If you head out of town, those nifty dimensions and lightweight construction conspire to work against it.
The tight steering feels nervous at higher speeds and the small wheelbase and track make it feel fidgety once you pass 50mph. Larger vehicles will buffet it when passing; cross-winds also contribute to a feeling of instability.
Fast cornering when loaded also shows up the Extol’s limitations. Daihatsu says it’s done work on the chassis, pointing to the low engine mounting and suspension improvements, but these mods don’t cure its deficiencies and inexperienced drivers might be caught out.
Cab Comfort
Yes, it’s small and yes, you could probably park it in a long-wheelbase Transit. But that sloping nose gives it more credibility than its predecessor and avoids the face-in-the-windscreen look.
Our expectations were low as we entered the Extol’s cabin, but it proved surprisingly spacious. Admittedly getting in required caution to avoid bumped heads and grazed shins, so multi-drop work may grate after a while. But once inside there’s surprisingly decent headroom, even for a 6ft 2in tester, and the seating position is adequate. Don’t get us wrong, you still feel like your feet are sticking out the bonnet – but it’s a definite improvement on previous attempts in this class.
The steering wheel is height adjustable and while it does feel as if it’s right in your lap it’s small enough to avoid rubbing on your thighs.
Dash layout is basic – options amount to air-con – and there’s no rev counter. That’s a pity because this engine demands to be revved when hauling a full load so you’ll have to take a guess at the redline.
The main dials are legible and the switch-gear’s easy to reach, but the build quality reflects the structural design in that it feels decidedly lightweight.
Storage space consists of ultra-slim door pockets, two central cup holders, a glovebox and an oddments tray.
Once on the move, the engine proves surprisingly unobtrusive unless stressed; tyre roar’s also minimal. Most of the noise is wind-generated and seeps in through the thin cab doors and windows, though this is only really a problem at higher speeds, which is not what the Extol’s designed for.
Forward vision is good thanks to the tall windscreen; side and rear views are also fine, helping to manoeuvre safely in tight spaces.
