The Daihatsu Trevis 1.0 i, produced between 2006 and 2009, was a compact hatchback primarily aimed at the European market. It represented Daihatsu’s entry into the city car segment, offering an affordable and practical option for urban drivers. The Trevis was built in collaboration with Toyota, sharing its platform and some components with the Toyota Yaris (XP90 series). This particular 1.0 i variant, equipped with a 58 horsepower engine and typically paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, served as the base model in the Trevis lineup, prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of use over outright performance. It was positioned as a direct competitor to vehicles like the Fiat Panda, Renault Twingo, and other small European city cars.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daihatsu |
| Model | Trevis |
| Generation | Trevis |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 i (58 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 20.7 kg/Hp, 48.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 13.2 kg/Nm, 75.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 58 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 58.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 91 Nm @ 4000 rpm (67.12 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ-VE |
| Engine displacement | 989 cm3 (60.35 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.3 l (2.43 US qt | 2.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 167 l (5.9 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 420 l (14.83 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 l (9.51 US gal | 7.92 UK gal) |
| Length | 3400 mm (133.86 in.) |
| Width | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2375 mm (93.5 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Tires size | 155/65 R14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Trevis 1.0 i is the Daihatsu EJ-VE engine, a 989cc inline-three cylinder petrol engine. This engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating four valves per cylinder. The EJ-VE is known for its simplicity and relatively low maintenance requirements. The engine’s modest output of 58 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 91 Nm (67.12 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm is achieved through a relatively conservative tuning strategy, prioritizing fuel economy and reliability. The automatic transmission paired with this engine is a conventional four-speed unit. While providing ease of use, this transmission isn’t known for its responsiveness or efficiency compared to more modern automatic gearboxes. The transmission’s gear ratios are geared towards maximizing fuel economy rather than providing brisk acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The Trevis 1.0 i with the automatic transmission delivers a predictable, if uninspiring, driving experience. Acceleration is leisurely, taking approximately 12.2 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The four-speed automatic transmission contributes to this, often feeling hesitant during overtaking maneuvers. Compared to the five-speed manual version, the automatic noticeably reduces responsiveness. The engine feels strained when pushed hard, and the lack of gear ratios means it often operates at higher RPMs, impacting fuel economy. However, for typical city driving, the automatic transmission provides a comfortable and convenient experience, eliminating the need for constant gear changes. The steering is light and easy, making maneuvering in tight spaces effortless.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base-level Trevis 1.0 i typically came equipped with basic features such as power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an immobilizer. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically a simple cloth material. Dashboard design was functional and straightforward, with a focus on practicality. Higher trim levels, though not common with the 1.0 i engine, could add features like alloy wheels, a CD player, and upgraded interior trim. Safety features were relatively basic, including driver and passenger airbags and ABS brakes on some models.
Chassis & Braking
The Trevis utilizes a relatively simple chassis design, featuring MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling. Braking on the base model typically consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. This configuration was chosen to keep costs down. Stabilizer bars were often omitted on the base model, further contributing to a softer, more comfortable ride but reducing cornering stability. The relatively light weight of the vehicle (around 1200 kg or 2645 lbs) helps to mitigate the limitations of the braking system.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Daihatsu Trevis 1.0 i was generally well-received as an affordable and practical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and ease of use, particularly the automatic transmission. However, the engine’s lack of power and the transmission’s sluggishness were common criticisms. Compared to the more powerful 1.3-liter versions of the Trevis, the 1.0 i felt significantly underpowered. The 1.3-liter models offered a more engaging driving experience, but at the cost of increased fuel consumption. In terms of reliability, the Trevis proved to be a fairly dependable vehicle, benefiting from Toyota’s engineering input. Fuel economy figures were competitive for its class, averaging around 49 US mpg on combined cycles.
Legacy
The Daihatsu Trevis, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, established a foothold for the brand in the European city car market. The 1.0 i automatic variant remains a relatively affordable option on the used car market. The EJ-VE engine is known for its durability, and with regular maintenance, it can provide many years of reliable service. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limitations of the four-speed automatic transmission and the engine’s modest power output. Parts availability can be a concern, as Daihatsu withdrew from the European market in 2013, but many components are shared with the Toyota Yaris, making sourcing parts somewhat easier.
