Daihatsu Esse

Daihatsu Esse: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Daihatsu Esse has two listed versions: 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT. Both belong to the same generation, use the same 659 cc Gasoline engine, produce the same 59 hp and 65 Nm, and have FWD. The decisive difference is the transmission: the 0.7 MT has a Manual gearbox and reaches 100 km/h in 14.3 seconds, while the 0.7 AT has an Automatic gearbox and takes 15 seconds.

The Daihatsu Esse has two listed versions: 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT. Both belong to the same generation, use the same 659 cc Gasoline engine, produce the same 59 hp and 65 Nm, and have FWD. The decisive difference is the transmission: the 0.7 MT has a Manual gearbox and reaches 100 km/h in 14.3 seconds, while the 0.7 AT has an Automatic gearbox and takes 15 seconds. Choose the 0.7 MT for the quicker measured acceleration; choose the 0.7 AT if an Automatic gearbox matters more than the 0.7-second difference.

Daihatsu Esse generations and versions

Only one Daihatsu Esse generation is listed, so there is no meaningful choice between generations. The 1 generation was produced from December 2005 to September 2011 as a Mini 5-doors. It contains two versions, 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT, both offered over the same production period.

Because the engine output, torque, displacement, drive, ground clearance, fuel tank, suspension and brakes are identical in the supplied specifications, neither version brings a larger engine, additional power or a different chassis specification. The buying decision therefore comes down chiefly to gearbox preference and measured acceleration.

Daihatsu Esse engine and specs comparison

Both versions use a naturally aspirated 659 cc Gasoline engine with Distributed injection (multi-point). The engine has 3 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, a 10.5 compression ratio, and a 68 × 60.5 bore-and-stroke figure. It develops 59 hp (43 kW) at 7200 rpm and 65 Nm at 4000 rpm.

The shared specific output is approximately 89.5 hp per litre, calculated from 59 hp and 659 cc. Torque density is approximately 98.6 Nm per litre, calculated from 65 Nm and 659 cc. These figures are identical for 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT, so the Automatic version does not buy additional engine performance.

For a buyer comparing the mechanical specifications, the table shows no difference in power, torque, engine size, fuel type, cylinder count, cylinder layout, boost, number of listed transmission speeds or drive. The 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT are separated by the Manual-versus-Automatic choice rather than by their engine specifications.

Performance and economy: 0–100 km/h, top speed and fuel consumption

The 0.7 MT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 14.3 seconds. The 0.7 AT requires 15 seconds. The Manual is therefore 0.7 seconds quicker in the measured acceleration test, equivalent to a reduction of about 4.7% relative to the Automatic’s time.

Top speed is not measured for either version. City, highway and combined fuel consumption are also not measured for both versions, so the available data cannot support an mpg comparison or a claim that one transmission uses less fuel. CO₂ output and environmental class are not measured as well.

The acceleration result is the only supplied performance measurement that separates the two versions. Buyers prioritizing the better recorded 0–100 km/h time should choose 0.7 MT. Buyers prioritizing an Automatic gearbox must accept the measured 0.7-second acceleration difference, but the engine’s stated power and torque remain unchanged.

Dimensions, weight and chassis specs

The 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT both have 145 mm of ground clearance and a 36-litre fuel tank. Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured, so weight per horsepower cannot be calculated responsibly for either version. Wheel sizes are also not measured.

Both versions use Independent, spring front suspension and Independent, spring rear suspension. Both have Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes. Consequently, the supplied chassis data gives neither version an advantage in clearance, tank capacity, suspension design or brake configuration.

Overall exterior length, width and height are not measured in the supplied data. Those missing measurements prevent a numerical dimensions comparison between 0.7 MT and 0.7 AT, although both share the same Mini 5-doors body designation.

Reliability and problems

Reliability records and model-specific problem data are not measured. The supplied specifications do not include failure rates, repair histories, component lifespans or maintenance costs for either 0.7 MT or 0.7 AT. It would therefore be unsupported to declare one gearbox more reliable or cheaper to maintain.

For an individual car, mechanical condition and service history may affect the buying decision, but neither is included in the available data. On catalogue figures alone, reliability cannot be used to rank the two versions.

Which Daihatsu Esse version should you choose?

Choose 0.7 MT if performance is the priority. Its 14.3-second 0–100 km/h time is 0.7 seconds quicker than the 15-second result of 0.7 AT, despite both versions having the same 59 hp, 65 Nm and 659 cc engine. It is the stronger specification-led choice because it delivers the better recorded acceleration without sacrificing stated power, torque, clearance or tank capacity.

Choose 0.7 AT if the Automatic gearbox is the deciding requirement. It offers the same 59 hp at 7200 rpm, the same 65 Nm at 4000 rpm, the same FWD layout, the same 145 mm clearance and the same 36-litre tank as 0.7 MT. What the Automatic choice buys is the gearbox type itself—not extra power, torque or a different listed chassis setup.

There is no newer or older generation to choose between: both versions belong to the sole 1 generation, produced from December 2005 to September 2011. There is also no supported price comparison because prices are not provided. Based strictly on the measurable differences, 0.7 MT is the recommendation for quicker acceleration, while 0.7 AT is the alternative for buyers who specifically want an Automatic transmission.