Daihatsu Esse
The Daihatsu Esse (Japanese: ダイハツ・エッセ, Hepburn: Daihatsu Esse) is a kei car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu. It was launched in December 2005, which at launch was the cheapest car in Japan.
| Daihatsu Esse (L235) | |
|---|---|
2005 Daihatsu Esse | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daihatsu |
| Production | December 2005 – September 2011 |
| Assembly | Japan |
| Designer | Eiji Murakami |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei car |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | |
| Related | Daihatsu Mira (L275) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Power output | 43 kW (58 hp; 58 PS) |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,390 mm (94.1 in) |
| Length | 3,395 mm (133.7 in) |
| Width | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1,470 mm (57.9 in) |
| Kerb weight | 700–780 kg (1,543–1,720 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Daihatsu Mira e:S |
It was available as a 5-door hatchback in two distinct styles - Esse or Esse Custom. The Esse was available in Eco, D, L and X grade levels with front- or four-wheel drive layout. The Esse Custom was added in November 2006. All versions were powered by a 658 cc (40 cu in) KF-VE three-cylinder petrol engine.
The production ended in September 2011 and replaced by the Mira e:S.
According to Daihatsu, the name "Esse" was derived from the Latin root for the English word "essence", although it has also been used as a backronym for "Eco, Smart, Simple & Easy" in marketing.
- Rear view
- Interior
- ESSE NOVA