Launch report:

Daihatsu Sirion (2002) review

by Ross Finlay (13 June 2002)

The new Daihatsu Sirion range isn't so much a revision of the old one as a series of surprise packages. Unchanged in its main bodyshell dimensions and detailing, the latest Sirion has managed to move some way away from the previous Noddy Car appearance. Even so, the updated front-end styling probably shouldn't attract the kind of remark made by a casual observer who happened to catch sight of some of the cars at the launch venue: "Oh look! There's the new MINI."

A new design of headlamp, a changed bonnet, a "sportier" mesh grille and some extra chromework just about complete the exterior changes, but there's a much smarter interior, with better trim materials and finish. Several of the models in the new range also benefit from having sports front seats with greatly improved side support.

As before, all the Sirions have five-door bodywork. Rear passenger space doesn't approach the levels of the latest 2002 supermini designs, and the luggage space is just average, although a 60/40 split rear seat back is standard.

There's a whole raft of new variants, in a range which has the often-forgotten advantage of Daihatsu's expertise in building lively engines, now with the great benefit of Yaris-style variable valve timing. As before, the one-litre engine is a three-cylinder with that unmistakable beat, and the standard 1.3-litre, with just about 100bhp on tap, is a four-cylinder design.

But Daihatsu has come up with two sportier versions, developed by the UK importers themselves and Bedfordshire firm Auto Image. Priced at £9995 and £10,995, the Rally 2 and Rally 4 have modified suspension, brakes and gearchange, bigger wheels and tyres, and an engine tuned to peak at 113bhp.

Neither of them was at the launch, but these models are bound to have plenty of get-up-and-go, while delivering their performance with less "heat" than the long-gone Charade GTti, which could generate some amazing under-bonnet temperatures when being revved hard. Daihatsu says the Rally 2 gets to 60mph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed around 115mph.

There's also a new four-wheel drive 1.3-litre Sirion 4trak, but it isn't one of the sports models, more a replacement for the Hungarian-built Subaru Justy which is no longer in production. In other words, it's the kind of all-weather small car which appeals to people who have to keep mobile in all weathers, out in country districts where gritting may not be a priority, and don't want to bother with a 4x4. The price is £9995.

There are EL and Deluxe Sirions with the one-litre engine, plus EL, SL and F-Speed models with the 1.3-litre unit. One-litre prices are £7995 for the EL Auto and £8495 for the Deluxe. In the 1.3-litre range, The EL costs £7995 and the SL £8995, while the F-Speed and 4trak both come in at £9995.

You have to get these cars out onto sporting roads to appreciate just how well they go with their Yaris-inspired engines. Especially in the 1.3, the throttle response and general urge are far better than even the new modified styling suggests, and the handling is at least a step ahead of what other drivers on the same stretch of road seem to expect.

The F-Speed automatic transmission, with its option of steering wheel-mounted gearchange buttons, works very swiftly, and makes you wonder about the benefits of some similar in effect but much more expensive systems.

But it is, after all, a four-speed affair. Driving a 1.3-litre F-Speed feels fine, but when you get into a five-on-the-floor version, and start chucking the Sirion around, you realise the benefit of having a greater choice of ratios.

The manual 1.3-litre also does a remarkable 61.4mpg on the extra urban cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 134g/km. And to add to the financial incentives, Daihatsu is making a launch offer on most models of five years' free servicing, unlimited-mileage warranty and roadside servicing.