Daihatsu Esse

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

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.

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]

  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.