- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.3i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
64kW, 120Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 5.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Daihatsu Sirion SX
Pigeonhole: Pint-sized five-door that can box above its weight.
Philosophy: Same name, new and bigger car.
Trivia: The original Sirion came out in 1998 with a three-cylinder, 989cc 40-kilowatt engine that continued until the introduction of this model. It struggled up hills. Daihatsu is a branch of Toyota.
What the brochure says: "The funky design and colours will win new converts." Improved space and performance won't hurt either.
Who's buying it: Those who see it as an alternative to a second-hand car, and parents who'd rather see their teenagers in something new than something suspect.
Why you'd buy it: Bigger and more powerful than previous model and it's a solid, roomy, peppy car which is good to drive and super-economical. Good space for four adults. Well finished and equipped.
Why you wouldn't: Front seats are adequate rather than admirable, rear seats not particularly comfortable. Standard SX model doesn't have anti-lock brakes. The space-saver spare wheel.
Standard equipment: Air-conditioning, electric front and rear windows, power steering.
Safety: Dual air bags, head restraints and lap-sash seat belts for all three rear passenger positions. For $1980 you can have optional side and curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes. Take it.
Cabin: Higher, wider and longer than before. Modern and attractive as well as functional, with plenty of storage space; two-level glove box, wide tray beneath the passenger's side facia, good space for adults in the back.
Seating: Not the car's outstanding comfort feature. OK in the front, but fairly average in the back, although the backrest angle is adjustable.
Engine: A new 1.3-litre four-cylinder with variable valve timing and 64 kilowatts of power, although 6000rpm is needed to find it. Reasonable low-speed torque for a small engine. Sounds a bit tough and gravelly, but works well.
Transmission: Five-speed manual, although the shift movement is a bit vague. A four-speed auto is also available.
Steering: Light and accurate. The Sirion is nimble and easy to park with a 9.4-metre turning circle.
Ride: Pretty good for a small car in that it's not bouncy over Sydney's crook road surfaces.
Handling: Safe and secure in the conventional front-drive manner.
Fuel: A miser. Average 5.8 litres/100 kilometres. Love it.
Brakes: Discs at the front, drums at the back and they work pretty well, but anti-lock is an option.
Build: Very good. Tight body, nice finishes and colours to interior plastics and materials.
Warranty: Three years/100,000 kilometres, which is average for the class.
Security: Remote control central locking and the mandatory immobiliser.
Audio: Conventional single CD system. Sound is OK but it's not disco standard.
Price: $15,490, which puts it right in the middle of the highly competitive light-car market. But it's a strong competitor at this money with good equipment levels. Extra safety equipment is a cheap and highly worthwhile option.
Verdict: Stylish inside and out with respectable performance and good economy. Light, nimble and easy to drive. I'd suggest the safety option.
Prices and details correct at publication.