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Daihatsu Esse J 0.7 i 12V (58 Hp)
Overall Rating
Daihatsu Esse:
The Daihatsu Esse is a kei car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu. With a base price of ¥680,000, it was one of the cheapest new cars in Japan when launched in December 2005. According to Daihatsu, the name was derived from the Latin root for the English word "essence", but also serves as a backronym for "Eco, Simple and Smart, and Easy".
The Esse was sold as a 5-door hatchback in five trim levels , with front- or four-wheel drive. The Esse Custom, introduced in November 2006, had a front lip spoiler, fog lights, side skirts, and sporty seats, but received no mechanical changes. All versions are powered by a 658 cc KF-VE three-cylinder petrol engine producing 58 PS at 7,200 rpm....(Read more on Wikipedia)
J Overview:
Daihatsu Esse (J). With 65 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Daihatsu Esse (J) was primarily sold in the Japanese domestic market and was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features are basic for its era.
0.7 i 12V (58 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 58 Hp 0.7L engine provides sufficient power for city driving and light urban commuting, though it struggles at higher speeds or with heavy loads, requiring high revs.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy is a key highlight, making it very cheap to run, especially in stop-and-go traffic, aligning with its kei car designation.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional fuel economy
- • Compact and easy to maneuver in city
- • Reliable and low maintenance costs
- • Spacious interior for its class
- • Affordable purchase price
Cons:
- • Limited power for highway driving
- • Basic interior features and materials
- • Minimalistic safety equipment
- • No Euro NCAP rating
- • Noticeable road noise at higher speeds
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Daihatsu |
| Model: | Esse |
| Generation: | J |
| Modification (Engine): | 0.7 i 12V (58 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 58 Hp @ 7200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 88 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 65 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 659 |
| Number of cylinders: | 3 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 68 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 60.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 36 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3395 mm |
| Width: | 1475 mm |
| Height: | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2390 mm |
| Front track: | 1310 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1290 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 155/65R13 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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