Daihatsu Sirion Review

Daihatsu Sirion Review

The new Daihatsu Sirion was launched back in 2005. At that time the 1.0-litre S, base model, was reasonably priced at £7,460. Incredibly, almost three years on, the same model has increased in price by just £35, which illustrates Daihatsu’s continuing commitment to ‘value-for-money’ motoring.

In 2005, there were only two engine choices; the 1.0, 3-cylinder and the 1.3, 4-cylinder petrol units. There were also just two trim levels; S and SE. This changed in 2006 with the advent of the sporty 1.3 SX, which went on sale as a ‘special edition’.

The Sirion proved popular, as did the SX. So much so, that the SX became a permanent part of the range, until November of last year (2007), when Daihatsu upped the ante by replacing the 1.3 unit, at this level, with a new 1.5 unit.

But that is not the only good news; all Sirions now have new bumpers, wheels, grippier fabric-covered seats and revised rear suspension but still no diesel option. However, the big news is the new SX, which was the test car.

This 4-cylinder engine produces 103PS at 6,000rpm and 132Nm at 4,400rpm. The top speed is 109mph and it takes 10.1 seconds to reach 60mph (not 62mph) from a standing start.

That is with the 5-speed, manual gearbox that I found to be somewhat awkward and on occasions, a little reluctant to slip into the right gate. There is an alternative 4-speed automatic version of the SX and the 1.3 SE, which makes the car a bit slower and not quite as frugal.

The test car has fuel consumption figures of 32.8-, 54.3- and 44.1mpg for the urban, extra-urban and combined, respectively. While these numbers are good, the 1.0 Sirion takes the prize for fuel economy with a combined figure of 56.5mpg and it emits just 118g/km of CO2 as opposed to the 145g/km of the test car.

Another benefit of the 1.5SX is that it comes with Vehicle Stability Control or VSC, which is a traction control system that takes care of minor skids and indiscretions. It works well and provides an extra safety blanket alongside the standard ABS with EBD, and four airbags.

Daihatsu Sirion