irishcar.com - Daihatsu Sirion

CLEAN, mean and green... that’s how they describe Daihatsu’s latest pretty five-door supermini, the Sirion.

Although smaller than a majority of its rivals it boasts one of the most fuel efficient engines in the world – a new three-cylinder one litre – and its exhaust emissions are amongst the world’s cleanest. And in its + version is unbelievably well specked for a car in this class.

Yet with all these plus points it’s surprising that the interior turns out to be so disappointing. If only they had put in a little more effort into the cheap looking trim materials and plastics. Stylish outside – it would stand out in a crowd – but this is hardly the case with the inside. Which is an awful pity.

Up front there is good legroom, but rear room for two adults is a bit cramped. And the seating isn’t that comfortable. The boot is reasonable for the size of car and space can be increased with the 60/40 split rear seat.

Available in two trim versions, Sirion and Sirion+ , the price difference is £1,200. Both models have power steering, driver and passenger airbags, electric mirrors, rear wash wipe, adjustable front seat belt anchors, an engine immobiliser, headlamp levelling, remote hatch and fuel flap opening together with numerous other features.

The + adds air con, central locking that includes an automatic door release safety system, four electric windows, ABS brakes, a four-speaker audio system, rear roof spoiler, large 14-inch wheels and wider tyres. Automatic transmission is optional at £525.

POWER: The modest new 54bhp 989cc twin-cam 12-valve three-cylinder engine performs well – 0 to 60mph in 15.2 seconds, top speed 90mph – pumping out a healthy 65lb ft. of torque, most of it available at low revs. However, the engine does feel quite rough and is noisy when pushed. But it is so economical. I returned an average 49.2mpg over the week.

Front suspension use MacPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar while a semi-independent rear end uses a torsion beam axle with coil springs and dampers and also has an anti-roll bar.

The car handles well although the ride is a little choppy around town.

Clean, mean Sirion	2000
CLEAN, mean and green... that’s how they describe Daihatsu’s latest pretty five-door supermini, the Sirion. Although smaller than a majority of its rivals it boasts one of the most fuel efficient engines in the world – a new three-cylinder one litre – and its exhaust emissions are amongst the world’s cleanest. And in its + version is unbelievably well specked for a car in this class. Yet with all these plus points it’s surprising that the interior turns out to be so disappointing. If only they had put in a little more effort into the cheap looking trim materials and plastics. Stylish outside – it would stand out in a crowd – but this is hardly the case with the inside. Which is an awful pity. Up front there is good legroom, but rear room for two adults is a bit cramped. And the seating isn’t that comfortable. The boot is reasonable for the size of car and space can be increased with the 60/40 split rear seat. Available in two trim versions, Sirion and Sirion+ , the price difference is £1,200. Both models have power steering, driver and passenger airbags, electric mirrors, rear wash wipe, adjustable front seat belt anchors, an engine immobiliser, headlamp levelling, remote hatch and fuel flap opening together with numerous other features. The + adds air con, central locking that includes an automatic door release safety system, four electric windows, ABS brakes, a four-speaker audio system, rear roof spoiler, large 14-inch wheels and wider tyres. Automatic transmission is optional at £525. POWER: The modest new 54bhp 989cc twin-cam 12-valve three-cylinder engine performs well – 0 to 60mph in 15.2 seconds, top speed 90mph – pumping out a healthy 65lb ft. of torque, most of it available at low revs. However, the engine does feel quite rough and is noisy when pushed. But it is so economical. I returned an average 49.2mpg over the week. Front suspension use MacPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar while a semi-independent rear end uses a torsion beam axle with coil springs and dampers and also has an anti-roll bar. The car handles well although the ride is a little choppy around town.
by Gerry Boud.

Clean, mean Sirion