Quite different from the average motorhome, even among Japan’s quirky motorhomes, car dealership Mishima Daihatsu’s Quokka motorhome is a basic white delivery micro-van on the outside, a convertible log cabin on the outside. inside. A sort of refreshing spa room on wheels, the tiny motorhome surrounds campers in aromatic Japanese cypress wood long used for temples and spas. The modular interior features an indoor/outdoor dining table that drops into a full-length bed.
The Quokka is as adorable as its namesake, an elusive little Australian marsupial best known for its permanent “smile” that looks photoshopped. Mishima Daihatsu chose the friendly, domestic cat-sized wallaby, often considered the happiest animal in the world, as the perfect mascot for its smile-inspiring pint-sized micro-VR.
Mishima Daihatsu
Based on the Daihatsu Hijet van truck, a small commercial kei truck, the Quokka is just under 340cm (134in) long, putting it among the most compact small four-wheel campervans we’ve ever had. Covered. Its frame-based cab makes the most of that small size, adding elbow room with tall vertical walls. The motorhome is 194 cm (76 in) high and spans 148 cm (58 in) wide.
Mishima adds several optional VR-style windows, but the Quokka still looks quite industrial from the outside, like it’s ready to drop off fruit at the market or deliver supplies to an office park. Mishima really flipped the switch on recreation and outdoor recreation by crafting the interior entirely from hinoki (cypress) wood sourced from the base of Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain, located partly in the same Shizuoka prefecture than Mishima. Not only does this wood exude a deep, fragrant scent, but it is also valued for its durability and antibacterial properties.
Mishima Daihatsu
By sawing and carving this hinoki wood, Mishima created a functional floor plan that sets Quokka’s interior apart. Rather than basic panels, it covers the walls in a half-log style design that adds dimension and character. The furniture, meanwhile, shows a unique twist on the aft dinette configuration, with the two benches extending lengthwise from the sides of a tall central wooden table. Bench tops open to access storage compartments below.
Mishima Daihatsu
At night, the table drops down to bench level and works with four removable wooden crates to fill a bed platform extending directly to the forward cabin seats. This platform offers a sleeping space of 183 x 129 cm (72 x 51 in) for the two occupants on board.
When not in use as part of the bed, the crates can stack in shelves inside the van, function as outdoor benches or steps, or serve as storage boxes to hold and transport cargo. equipment. The table can be removed from the van and used as an outdoor table, with two of the crates serving as seats.
Mishima Daihatsu
The Quokka includes an electrical system with a 100 Ah battery and DC and USB outlets. Buyers can stop there and keep it simple, or choose from a list of options including electrical upgrades like a 200Ah lithium battery, solar charging and inverter; heating and air conditioning; and the value of a van full of blinds. We particularly like the small microwave and fridge drawer that mounts to the floor under the wooden bed platform, allowing some food prep capabilities to be built into the small RV.
Mishima Daihatsu introduced the Quokka at the 2022 Japanese Motorhome Show last weekend and is offering it starting at ¥2,579,500 (about $22,300) for a two-wheel drive with five-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel-drive variants start at ¥2,737,900 (US$23,675) and all-terrain tires are available as an option. Both prices include taxes.
Source: Mishima Daihatsu (Japanese)
