The Daihatsu Mira e:S tuned by D-SPORT Racing proved to be a rare instance where a small budget kei car generated as much excitement as a collectible sports car. Production was capped at 100 units, yet about 4,400 orders came in – a ratio of roughly 44 applicants per car.

The first car has already left the Daihatsu plant in Ikeda. This marks an unusual moment for the company, as shipment ceremonies are rarely held for such vehicles. But this project matters not just for customers but also for the production line itself. The same factory will end production of the current Copen in August, so the Mira e:S DSR serves as proof that small, driver-focused Daihatsus still have an emotional following.

The Mira e:S DSR isn't built from scratch as a standalone model. Instead, a standard car is taken, essentially dismantled, and manually turned into a motorsport-ready base. Modifications include a turbocharged KF engine, a five-speed manual gearbox, a six-point roll cage that passes through the dashboard, and a front Super LSD.

Daihatsu Mira e:S tuned by D-SPORT Racing
daihatsu.com

What's most interesting is that despite its racing focus, the car retains a five-door body and four seats. So it's not a pure track toy – it's a small car you can run errands in and then take to the circuit or motorsport events.

The serial number is hidden under the seat, but each owner receives a card bearing handwritten signatures from the employees who worked on the car. For a limited edition, that's a fitting touch: the buyer gets more than just a collection of D-SPORT parts – it's nearly a bespoke factory project.

The demand shows that the concept of 'affordable driving joy' is far from dead in Japan. When a run of 100 plain-looking Mira e:S draws 4,400 applicants, it sends a clear message to Daihatsu and SPK: the next car like this is just as necessary as pricey special editions of big sports cars.