Daihatsu Sirion Range : SUITS YOU, SIR

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Cheap to buy and to run, Daihatsus Sirion is an unusual citrycar choice but its still one that makes sense. Andy Enright reports

If you already know what a Daihatsu Sirion is and youre looking for an affordable citycar runabout, then youre probably halfway to buying one. This, after all, is a car that escapes the attention of most buyers in this sector. But perhaps it shouldnt.

Three engines are offered and one of them, the 90bhp 1.3-litre, has been developed from a unit shared by the previous Sirion and indeed, the Toyota Yaris. The entry-level engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit that punches above its 68bhp weight.

There are a number of technical highlights including an innovative catalytic converter fitted to the 1.3-litre car that self-regenerates, redepositing rather than eroding its palladium molecules. At the top of the range is a 102bhp 1.5-litre petrol unit.

Prices start at £7,995 and there are three trim levels on offer S, SE and SX. All models have ABS with EBD, air-conditioning, driver, passenger and side airbags, radio/CD player, four electric windows, remote central-locking and electric power-steering tuned for feel. Marketed in Japan as both the Daihatsu Boon and the Toyota Passo, the Sirion has proved popular overseas but is still a relatively rare sight on UK roads. Still, dont let that put you off.

Since Daihatsu are part owned by Toyota, they have access to a huge amount of know-how when it comes to small cars. Not that they lack anything in pedigree having been selling cars in the UK since 1964 longer than any other Japanese manufacturer.

"An amazing proportion of owners buy another which probably tells you a lot of what you need to know"

There is some evidence of cost cutting in the materials used inside the Sirion and if youre comparing it to something like Vauxhalls latest Agila, some of the plastics used will seem a little low rent. The counterpoint to this is that the Daihatsu is larger inside. The dash is also far more adventurously styled with a silver centre console and a quirky cowled fascia pod. If you opt for a model with a rev counter, this clips to the outside of the binnacle rather like the aftermarket turbo boost gauges seen on Japanese evo cars.

This funkiness; gives the Sirion a fun feel, even if its no great shakes when it comes to handling. If you can operate a payphone, you should have no difficulty with the Sirion. No, scrub that. Ive been into some payphones that are a whole lot trickier to figure out than a Sirion.

All the controls are legibly marked, the steering is light and the ride is surprisingly supple for a small car. The manual gearbox probably isnt as direct as it could be and the windscreen pillars can be intrusive when negotiating tight roundabouts but other than that this is an extremely easy car to drive. Performance from the 1.0-litre engine is best described as unhurried, the 68bhp unit getting the Sirion to 60mph in 13.

6 seconds and on to a top speed of 99mph. Though a little noisy at speed, the off-beat three-cylinder thrum is deeper and more characterful than the rather anodyne engine note of the 1.3-litre model and for that reason alone, it would be my pick. The fuel consumption is not to be sniffed at either, the 1.

0-litre managing a combined total off 56.5 miles per gallon. Carbon dioxide emissions are pegged at a lowly 118g/km. Trade up to the 1.

3 or 1.5-litre models and you also get the option of a four-speed automatic. Unless 90 per cent of your driving is in stop/start city traffic, wed stick to the manual car. The automatic tends to hang onto gears in a manner that could well set your teeth on edge and doesnt make for a very relaxing experience.

Performance of the 1.3-litre manual model is respectable, getting to 60mph in 11 seconds and on to a top speed of 106mph, but this car isnt about speed. Its a little bit better acclimatised to open road driving than the three-cylinder variant and the fuel consumption of 48.7mpg and the emissions of 137g/km arent too far behind either.

The front end of the car has been designed to do well in pedestrian safety tests, the deformable bumper and nose cone section and ample space below the domed bonnet being a whole lot friendlier than many rivals. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard on all models, ISOFIX child seat fixings in the outer rear seats and a trio of three-point seat belts in the rear. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are also included. Theres certainly no shortage of headroom inside the Sirion.

Six footers should find no issues in either the front or the rear and legroom is also surprisingly good. Its even possible to adjust the rake of the rear backrest. Naturally this abundance of cabin space comes at a price and rear luggage space isnt the best. Like most modern superminis, the Sirion features a multitude of cup holders, stowage spaces, trays and cubbies and it also includes a split level glovebox, neither compartment yielding much in the way of useable space.

Rather surprisingly, the seats are firmer than youd expect and give good support, even to broad shouldered drivers. The Sirion might be a slightly left-field choice if youre looking for a city runabout but it is still one that makes characterful sense. An amazing proportion of owners buy another which probably tells you a lot of what you need to know if youre looking at a car of this type. Overall, worth an extra place on your shopping list.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Daihatsu Sirion range
PRICES: £7,995-£9,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 4-6
CO2 EMISSIONS: 118-137g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.3] Max Speed 106mph / 0-60mph 10.9s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.0](combined) 56.5mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side airbags, ABS, EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length 3600mm/Width1665mm/Height1550mm