Daihatsu Sirion
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. Distinctive supercar that offers an amazing amount of interior space considering its diminutive dimensions.
Review
Daihatsu has more experience building compact city cars than pretty much any other manufacturer, with the company's expertise being evident in the new Sirion.
As with the Daihatsu Charade, the Sirion features similarly boxy styling, although it benefits from a more distinctive front end. The cabin is particularly impressive, with lots of space, an abundance of headroom and a nicely designed dashboard. Standard equipment is generous for a car in this segment, including remote control central locking and air conditioning. Rear seat accommodation is reasonable and the boot is decently proportioned by segment standards.
On the road the Sirion puts in the sort of performance that its (dynamically undemanding) clientele will expect. The revvy little 1.0 litre entry level petrol engine needs to be worked hard to produce decent performance, but the more powerful 1.3 litre motor combines respectable urge with impressive fuel economy. Both lack much in the way of grip or backroad finesse, though. The Sirion feels at home in the cut-and-thrust of crowded urban streets, but beyond derestriction signs it is loud and lacks grip.
Keen entry-level pricing masks the fact that the Sirion is fairly expensive at the top of the range, getting inside the sort of money that would buy a conventional supermini. Depreciation is also fairly acute, meaning that it's not as cost-effective as it looks at first glance.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Boxy looks are lifted by the cutesy front end - a far more harmonious piece of design than Daihatsu's other recent efforts.
Handling
2 star
Lots of roll and not much grip - the Sirion is happiest on urban streets.
Comfort
3 star
The ride gets bouncy over rougher road surfaces and lots of noise gets into the cabin at cruising speeds.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Impressive for something so small and inexpensive - the cabin feels like a cut above those of most obvious rivals.
Performance
3 star
The basic 1.0 litre petrol engine needs to be thrashed to make decent progress, but the Toyota derived 1.3 litre motor is far punchier, and almost as economical.
Roominess
4 star
Daihatsu's city car know-how has made this one of the most spacious vehicles in the segment. Surprisingly good for rear seat passengers, too.
Running Costs
4 star
Excellent fuel economy, but servicing and insurance costs are steeper than those of some rivals, and depreciation is steep.
Value for money
4 star
Less good value towards the top of the range, but the base 1.0 S comes with standard air conditioning, making it look like attractive value.
