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
ManufacturerDaihatsu
ProductionDecember 2005 – September 2011
AssemblyJapan
DesignerEiji Murakami[1]
Body and chassis
ClassKei car
Body style5-door hatchback
Layout
RelatedDaihatsu Mira (L275)
Powertrain
Engine
Power output43 kW (58 hp; 58 PS)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,390 mm (94.1 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,470 mm (57.9 in)
Kerb weight700–780 kg (1,543–1,720 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorDaihatsu 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.[2]

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.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ "A00200600966". DGIP.go.id. Pangkalan Data Kekayaan Intelektual. 12 May 2006. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Daihatsu Esse" (in Japanese). Carview.co.jp. Archived from the original on 3 October 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. ^ "Daihatsu Launches New Compact Passenger Car ESSE". daihatsu.com (Press release). 19 December 2005. Retrieved 22 September 2022.

External links edit