The Daihatsu Xenia II (F650), specifically the 1.3-liter variant producing 97 horsepower, was a significant model within the Indonesian and Philippine automotive markets from 2015 to 2019. This facelifted version of the second-generation Xenia, built upon the 1HX0 platform, aimed to provide affordable and practical family transportation. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Xenia lineup, it catered to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and passenger capacity over outright performance. The Xenia, and its twin the Toyota Avanza, were consistently among the best-selling vehicles in their respective markets, fulfilling a crucial need for multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) capable of handling both urban commutes and occasional long-distance travel.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daihatsu |
| Model | Xenia |
| Generation | Xenia II (F650, facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 (97 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm, 110 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 97 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73 Hp/l |
| Torque | 121 Nm @ 4200 rpm, 89.25 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1NR-VE |
| Engine displacement | 1329 cm3, 81.1 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm, 2.85 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm, 3.17 in. |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, Dual VVT-i |
| Kerb Weight | 1100-1115 kg, 2425.08 – 2458.15 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1680 kg, 3703.77 lbs. |
| Max load | 565-580 kg, 1245.61 – 1278.68 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l, 11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal |
| Length | 4140 mm, 162.99 in. |
| Width | 1660 mm, 65.35 in. |
| Height | 1695 mm, 66.73 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2655 mm, 104.53 in. |
| Front track | 1425 mm, 56.1 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1435 mm, 56.5 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm, 7.87 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.4 m, 30.84 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Xenia 1.3 was the 1NR-VE engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilized a multi-point fuel injection system and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) technology. The Dual VVT-i system optimized valve timing for both intake and exhaust, improving fuel efficiency and low-end torque. The engine produced 97 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 121 Nm (89.25 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a relatively simple and robust drivetrain. While an automatic transmission was available on higher trim levels, it wasn’t offered with the base 1.3L engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3-liter Xenia, paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, offered a practical but uninspiring driving experience. Acceleration was modest, geared towards efficient city driving rather than spirited performance. The gear ratios were tuned for maximizing fuel economy, meaning the engine needed to be revved relatively high to achieve brisk acceleration. Compared to the larger 1.5-liter engine options available in the Xenia range, the 1.3L felt noticeably less powerful, especially when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. However, the lighter engine weight contributed to slightly better handling and maneuverability in urban environments. The rear-wheel drive configuration, while uncommon in modern MPVs, provided a unique driving feel and decent traction under normal conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3-liter Xenia typically served as the base model, offering a relatively sparse but functional equipment list. Standard features generally included manual windows, manual air conditioning, and basic cloth upholstery. Safety features were also limited, often consisting of only a driver-side airbag and rear parking sensors. Optional extras, depending on the market and dealer, could include power windows, a basic audio system, and upgraded interior trim. The interior design was straightforward and utilitarian, prioritizing practicality and durability over aesthetics. The dashboard layout was simple, with easily accessible controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Xenia II utilized a body-on-frame construction, a relatively traditional approach for MPVs in this segment. The front suspension consisted of an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employed a rigid axle configuration. This setup prioritized ride comfort and load-carrying capacity over precise handling. The braking system featured disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Power steering was standard, providing assistance for easier maneuverability. The 185/70 R14 tires offered a reasonable balance of comfort and grip for everyday driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Xenia 1.3 was primarily targeted at budget-conscious buyers seeking a spacious and reliable family vehicle. Critics generally acknowledged its practicality and affordability but noted its lack of refinement and underwhelming performance. Compared to the higher-trim Xenia models with the 1.5-liter engine, the 1.3L offered significantly less power and a less refined driving experience. However, it also boasted better fuel economy and a lower purchase price. Against competitors like the Toyota Avanza (its twin), the Xenia 1.3 offered a similar value proposition, with the choice often coming down to brand preference and dealer availability.
Legacy
The Daihatsu Xenia II 1.3, while not a performance icon, proved to be a durable and reliable workhorse for many families in Southeast Asia. The 1NR-VE engine, known for its simplicity and robustness, generally exhibited good long-term reliability with proper maintenance. In the used car market, these Xenia models remain relatively affordable and are often sought after by buyers needing a practical and economical MPV. While newer MPVs offer more advanced features and improved performance, the Xenia 1.3 continues to represent a viable option for those prioritizing value and functionality.
