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.