Have you ever seen a car on the road with an emblem like stars inside a circle and wondered what brand this is? This logo immediately catches your eye - laconic, memorable, but not as common as emblems Toyota or BMW. It turns out that behind this symbol there is a whole story connected with one of the legendary automobile companies, whose cars are still valued today for their reliability and style.
In this article we will figure out what brand of car uses a circled star?, how its logo evolved, what models are produced under this brand, and why this symbol sometimes becomes an object of imitation (or even fraud). You will also learn how to correctly identify the original emblem and what to do if you become the owner of a car with such markings - from checking the history to legal nuances.
Spoiler: it's not about Mercedes-Benz (their star is in a different circle!) and not about Soviet ZILakh. The answer may surprise even experienced car enthusiasts.
What brand of car has the “star in a circle” emblem?
Emblem in the form stars in a circle owned by a Japanese automaker Daihatsu - a company that today is part of the concern Toyota, but has historically been an independent brand. Logo Daihatsu has undergone several changes, but its base - a stylized star in a circle - has remained unchanged since the 1950s.
Interestingly, many people confuse this symbol with the emblem Mercedes-Benz (three-pointed star in a circle) or even with a logo Subaru (cluster of stars). However, Daihatsu there is only one star, and it has a unique shape: three rays, symbolizing sky, earth and sea - three elements with which the history of the company is connected (initially it was engaged in the production of ships and aircraft).
Today Daihatsu specializes in compact cars, crossovers and minivans, which are especially popular in Japan and Southeast Asia. In Russia, cars of this brand are less common, but they can be found on the secondary market - especially models Daihatsu Terios, Charade or Materia.
Evolution of the logo: how the star in the circle changed
First logo Daihatsu appeared in 1951 and was a stylized letter “D” in an oval. However, within a few years the company switched to the star symbol, which was associated with innovation and the desire for leadership. Let's look at the key stages:
- 🌟 1957: The first version of a star in a circle appears - three rays pointing up, left and right. This design lasted for almost 20 years.
- 🔄 1970s: The logo becomes more geometric, the star acquires clear edges, and the circle acquires a metallic tint.
- 💎 2000s: The modern version is a star with rounded rays and a gradient fill, symbolizing dynamics and manufacturability.
- 🚗 2020s: On some models, the star is integrated into the radiator grille rather than acting as a separate emblem.
It is curious that in 1980s Daihatsu experimented with colored logos: on some export models the star was red or blue. Today, the brand adheres to a strict silver or chrome finish.
Why does Daihatsu have three beams?
The three rays of the star symbolize the three key directions of the company's development: the sky (aviation past), the earth (cars) and the sea (shipbuilding). This is a reference to Daihatsu's origins as a diversified industrial enterprise.
Which Daihatsu models have the star-in-a-circle emblem?
All cars Daihatsu, released with 1957, are equipped with a logo in the form of a star in a circle. However, in some markets (for example, the US or Europe), cars were sold under other brands - for example, as Toyota or Subaru - and had corresponding emblems. Below is a list of the most famous models with the original logo:
| Model | Years of production | Body type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daihatsu Charade | 1977–2000 | Hatchback, sedan | Compact city car, produced in 5 generations |
| Daihatsu Terios | 1997–2017 | Crossover | All-wheel drive SUV with a frame structure, popular in Russia |
| Daihatsu Materia | 2006–2013 | Minivan | Sold as Toyota bB in Japan, known for its unusual designs |
| Daihatsu Copen | 2002–present time | Roadster | Compact convertible convertible popular in Japan |
| Daihatsu Hijet | 1960–present time | Minibus, pickup | Iconic commercial vehicle, produced for over 60 years |
In Russia they are most often found Terios (especially the first generation, 1997–2006) and Charade in G100/G200 version. These cars are valued for simplicity of design, maintainability and low price on the secondary market.
If you see Daihatsu without an emblem on the grille, check the trunk or tailgate - sometimes a star in a circle is placed there.
How to distinguish the original Daihatsu emblem from a fake?
Logo Daihatsu They are not counterfeited as often as emblems of premium brands, but you can run into low-quality replicas on the spare parts market. Here 4 key features of the original:
- ✅ Material: The original emblem is made of metal (aluminum or stainless steel) with a chrome finish. Counterfeits are often made of plastic or with cheap paint.
- ✅ Fastening: Factory emblems are attached to double-sided tape or special latches. If rough soldering is visible on the reverse side, it is a replica.
- ✅ Color and shine: The star should have a uniform metallic tint without abrasions. The original does not fade in the sun.
- ✅ Marking: On the reverse side of the original emblem there is usually an engraving with a part code (for example,
89911-87010for Terios).
Check the emblems especially carefully on cars imported from Japan: sometimes they are removed during customs clearance, and then cheap copies are installed. If you buy Daihatsu from hand, ask the seller to provide a photo of the original emblem before it was removed (for example, from the service history).
☑️ Checking the Daihatsu emblem
Legal nuances: is it possible to drive with the “star in a circle” emblem in Russia?
In Russia there are no direct bans on the use of logos of foreign automakers, but there are several points worth considering:
⚠️ Attention: If you have installed the logo Daihatsu to a car of a different brand (for example, to VAZ or UAZ), this can be regarded as misrepresentation when selling or insuring a car. In extreme cases, this may result in a fine under Art. 14.7 Code of Administrative Offenses (“Deception of Consumers”).
Other legal aspects:
- 📄 Registration with the traffic police: When registering, the car must comply with the documents. If the brand name is indicated in the PTS Daihatsu, and there is an emblem of another brand on the hood, questions may arise.
- 💰 Insurance: Some insurance companies may refuse to pay if the vehicle has been modified (including re-badged emblems).
- 🚔 Road accident: When registering an accident, the inspector may indicate in the protocol a discrepancy between the brand and logo, which will complicate the analysis.
If you are restoring a rare model Daihatsu and you can’t find the original logo, it’s better to use a neutral sign (for example, just the inscription Daihatsu without a star) or order a replica from an official dealer.
Where can I buy spare parts and accessories with the star-in-a-circle logo?
Since Daihatsu is not officially represented in Russia, you can purchase original spare parts and accessories with the logo in the following ways:
| Source | Pros | Cons | Approximate prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese auctions (eg. Japan Partner) | Original parts, wide range | Long delivery, risk of counterfeit | Emblem: 1,500–3,000 RUR |
| Spare parts stores for Japanese cars (for example, JapZap) | Fast delivery, guarantee | Prices are higher than at auctions | Set of emblems: 4,000–6,000 RUR |
| 3D printing (custom order) | Unique design, low price | Low quality materials | From 800 ₽ |
| Groups on social networks (for example, owners clubs Daihatsu) | You can find used parts at a low price | Risk of fraud, no guarantee | From 500 ₽ |
When purchasing, pay attention to part number - it must match the directory Daihatsu. For example, for a logo Terios (1997–2006) fits article number 89911-87010, and for Charade (1990s) - 89911-85020.
The most reliable way to buy an original emblem is to order it through a Japanese intermediary, indicating the VIN of the car.
Common problems with Daihatsu emblems and how to solve them
Owners Daihatsu Often faced with the following logo related problems:
⚠️ Attention: If the emblem begins to peel or fade, do not attempt to clean it with abrasives (such as baking soda or sandpaper). This will damage the chrome plating. Use special metal polishes, e.g. 3M Chrome Polish.
- 🔩 The mount falls off: A common problem with cars older than 10 years. The solution is to clean the surface of the radiator grille from old glue and stick the emblem on double-sided tape 3M VHB or liquid nails.
- 🌫️ Tarnishing of chrome: Over time, the emblem may become coated with oxide. Use paste to restore shine Autosol or remedy WD-40 (apply for 5-10 minutes, then wipe with microfiber).
- 🔍 Lost emblem: If the original is lost, you can order a replica from Japanese suppliers or make it according to a template on a CNC machine (cost - from 1,200 ₽).
- 🚫 Color Mismatch: On some models (eg Daihatsu Copen) the emblem can be painted in the body color. If the paint has peeled off, you can restore it using car varnish in a can.
If you are planning a complete restoration of the exterior, pay attention to tuning emblem kits - for example, with backlighting or a modified star design. However, such modifications may require changes to the design of the car (which must be agreed with the traffic police).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about a star in a circle on a car
Is it possible to put the Daihatsu emblem on another car, for example, on a UAZ?
Technically yes, but it may raise questions when selling or insuring the car. If the machine is not Daihatsu, it is better to use neutral signs or emblems that are not associated with a specific brand. Otherwise, this may be regarded as an attempt to deceive (for example, when registering an accident).
Why don't some Daihatsu have an emblem on the grille?
On a number of models (for example, Daihatsu Mira or Move) the emblem is placed on the rear door or trunk. It could also have been removed by previous owners during tuning or repairs. Check the car's documentation - the original location of the logo should be indicated there.
How can you tell a Daihatsu from a Toyota if they look the same?
Some models Daihatsu (for example, Terios and Toyota Rush) are really similar. Main differences:
- Logo: u Toyota - oval emblem Daihatsu - a star in a circle.
- VIN code: y Daihatsu starts with
JH4orS3, y Toyota — withJT. - Documents: The original brand must be indicated in the PTS.
How much does an original Daihatsu emblem cost?
The price depends on the model and year of manufacture:
- For Charade (1980–1990s) — 1,500–2,500 rubles.
- For Terios (1997–2006) — 2 000–4 000 ₽.
- For Copen (2000s) - 3,000–5,000 rubles.
Replicas are cheaper (from 500 ₽), but their quality often leaves much to be desired.
Is it possible to order a customized Daihatsu emblem?
Yes, many workshops offer custom emblem making services. For example, you can:
- Change the color of the star (for example, gold or black).
- Add lighting (LED strip along the contour).
- Make an emblem from carbon or aluminum.
The cost of such work is from 3,000 rubles. Please note that changes that are too radical may require approval from the traffic police.