Daihatsu Sirion, 2007
The new Daihatsu Sirion is a totally differently proportioned car to its predecessor and more closely matches the Nissan Micra for length, width and height but with passenger space rivalling the considerably longer Honda Jazz.
The car looks especially wide and squat - helped by the strong swage lines over the wheelarches flowing into a protruding rear bumper. The overall effect is of a confident, well-balanced design exuding quality and solidity.
An especially impressive drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd confirms the new Daihatsu Sirion's efficiency and aids fuel economy and top speed while reducing wind noise.
Impressive Interior Space
The new Daihatsu Sirion has occupant legroom and headroom from the next-size-up. Its interior width of 1,400 mm is 70 mm greater than before and 10 mm more than the Toyota Yaris.
A 590 mm seat height allows easy entry and exit aided by wide-opening doors. The rear doors, for example, open to 80 degrees.
The interior length of 1,830 mm is 20 mm more than the Yaris while the interior height is also greater than the Toyota.
Luggage space is also impressive. With both rear seats up it measures 225 litres (VDA) compared to 205 litres for the Yaris. However, with the seats folded, this rises to 630 litres - 80 litres more than the Toyota.
World-Class Engines
The new Daihatsu Sirion boasts two of the world's most efficient 1.0 and 1.3 litre petrol engines, combining strong driveability with ultra-low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
All-New One Litre
The three cylinder, twin-overhead camshaft 1.0 litre is all-new and is bigger than before with a 998 cc capacity (was 989 cc), and a slightly smaller 71 mm bore and longer 84 mm stroke (was 72 x 81 mm).
This gives greater low-speed torque or pulling power, while the Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) allows a wider spread of high-end power and low-speed flexibility.
The new 12-valve 1.0 litre's maximum power of 69.3 PS at 6,000 rpm is exceptionally high for its size, while the 69.3 lb.ft torque is also impressive - especially at an accessible 3,600 rpm. The compression ratio is 10.5:1.
Unrivalled Performance, Economy And Emissions
No rival can match the new Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 litre's performance, fuel economy and low emissions.
Thoroughly Revised 1.3 Litre
The new Sirion's four-cylinder 1.3 litre engine has been thoroughly revised to provide stronger low-speed torque and a more useable power delivery in day-to-day driving.
Still featuring Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) and twin overhead camshafts, this basic engine is also supplied to Toyota by Daihatsu for use in its Yaris supermini.
In the new Sirion's application, power is 87 PS (was 102 PS) but at 6,000 rpm instead of 7,000 rpm. Torque is the same 88.5 lb.ft but at a much more useable 3,200 rpm instead of 4,400 rpm as in the previous model.
With a compression ratio of 10.3:1, this compact, light, all-alloy engine has bore and stroke dimensions of 72 x 79.7 mm and - like the 1.0 litre - employs durable chains for its camshaft drive.
Top speed for the manual is 106 mph with the four-speed automatic only slightly slower at 102 mph. The former has a 10.9 second 0-60 mph time while the automatic takes 12.6 seconds.
Fuel economy is outstanding for both at 37.7/58.9 and 48.7 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles for the manual and 32.8/54.3 and 44.1 mpg for the automatic. CO2 emissions are among the lowest in the Daihatsu Sirion's class at 137 and 151 g/km respectively.
World's First Self-Regenerating Catalyst
The new Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 litre features the world's first self-regenerating catalyst. This effectively extends the life of the catalytic converter, reducing maintenance costs.
It also is kinder to the environment as it keeps the catalyst 'healthier' over a higher mileage meaning the already low 137 g/km CO2 emissions do not increase as the engine becomes older.
This revolutionary technology works by providing a self-regenerating capability in the particles of the precious metal which normally degrades.
Using nanotechnology, the intelligent catalyst incorporates metallic ions of palladium, the most heat-sensitive of the metals used in a catalytic converter.
According to temperature and available oxygen, the particles turn in and out of a crystalline state therefore regenerating and prolonging the 'cat's' ability to clean exhaust gasses.
Top Level Safety Package
Every aspect of safety has been studied for the new Sirion with the aim of achieving 4-stars in the Euro NCAP tests.
The body was subjected to the world's most rigorous crash tests including full-on frontal and side-impact collision tests at 55 km/h, a rear impact at 50 km/h and a frontal offset collision test at 64 km/h.
In addition, the new Daihatsu Sirion was deliberately crashed against much larger cars to ensure its compatibility in 'real-life' accidents.
All main frame members are straight, joint rigidity is optimised and suspension mounts reinforced. High-tensile steel is used where needed and bonnet and bumpers are designed to lessen injury to pedestrians.
The door pillars and roof sides have special ribs which reduce possible head injury while both the brake pedal and steering wheel have been designed to avoid intruding during a frontal impact.
Standard on all models are driver, passenger and - unusually at this price - side airbags, while the front seatbelts have pretensioners and force-limiters.
The three rear seatbelts all boast three-point location plus ISOFIX for the outer belts. This gives better location for child safety seats. There are a total of five height-adjustable head-restraints.
The new Sirion's anti-lock ventilated front disc and rear drum brakes (ABS) are aided by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). This optimises braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage.
Unbeatable Equipment Levels
There is no such thing as a 'basic' entry-level Daihatsu Sirion despite prices starting at £6,995 OTR. Every model has unbeatable equipment levels.
For example, standard for all - including the Sirion 1.0 S - is air-conditioning, a radio/CD player, ABS with EBD, power steering, four electric windows, front and side airbags and remote central-locking.
The Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 S adds, for example, rear speakers, electric door mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment, chrome interior door handles and a front passenger seat back pocket.
Extra equipment for the Sirion 1.0 SE includes alloy wheels and rear parking sensors while the Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 SE adds a pod-like rev-counter, colour-keyed exterior door handles and black window surround.
The car looks especially wide and squat - helped by the strong swage lines over the wheelarches flowing into a protruding rear bumper. The overall effect is of a confident, well-balanced design exuding quality and solidity.
An especially impressive drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd confirms the new Daihatsu Sirion's efficiency and aids fuel economy and top speed while reducing wind noise.
Impressive Interior Space
The new Daihatsu Sirion has occupant legroom and headroom from the next-size-up. Its interior width of 1,400 mm is 70 mm greater than before and 10 mm more than the Toyota Yaris.
A 590 mm seat height allows easy entry and exit aided by wide-opening doors. The rear doors, for example, open to 80 degrees.
The interior length of 1,830 mm is 20 mm more than the Yaris while the interior height is also greater than the Toyota.
Luggage space is also impressive. With both rear seats up it measures 225 litres (VDA) compared to 205 litres for the Yaris. However, with the seats folded, this rises to 630 litres - 80 litres more than the Toyota.
World-Class Engines
The new Daihatsu Sirion boasts two of the world's most efficient 1.0 and 1.3 litre petrol engines, combining strong driveability with ultra-low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
All-New One Litre
The three cylinder, twin-overhead camshaft 1.0 litre is all-new and is bigger than before with a 998 cc capacity (was 989 cc), and a slightly smaller 71 mm bore and longer 84 mm stroke (was 72 x 81 mm).
This gives greater low-speed torque or pulling power, while the Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) allows a wider spread of high-end power and low-speed flexibility.
The new 12-valve 1.0 litre's maximum power of 69.3 PS at 6,000 rpm is exceptionally high for its size, while the 69.3 lb.ft torque is also impressive - especially at an accessible 3,600 rpm. The compression ratio is 10.5:1.
Unrivalled Performance, Economy And Emissions
No rival can match the new Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 litre's performance, fuel economy and low emissions.
Thoroughly Revised 1.3 Litre
The new Sirion's four-cylinder 1.3 litre engine has been thoroughly revised to provide stronger low-speed torque and a more useable power delivery in day-to-day driving.
Still featuring Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) and twin overhead camshafts, this basic engine is also supplied to Toyota by Daihatsu for use in its Yaris supermini.
In the new Sirion's application, power is 87 PS (was 102 PS) but at 6,000 rpm instead of 7,000 rpm. Torque is the same 88.5 lb.ft but at a much more useable 3,200 rpm instead of 4,400 rpm as in the previous model.
With a compression ratio of 10.3:1, this compact, light, all-alloy engine has bore and stroke dimensions of 72 x 79.7 mm and - like the 1.0 litre - employs durable chains for its camshaft drive.
Top speed for the manual is 106 mph with the four-speed automatic only slightly slower at 102 mph. The former has a 10.9 second 0-60 mph time while the automatic takes 12.6 seconds.
Fuel economy is outstanding for both at 37.7/58.9 and 48.7 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles for the manual and 32.8/54.3 and 44.1 mpg for the automatic. CO2 emissions are among the lowest in the Daihatsu Sirion's class at 137 and 151 g/km respectively.
World's First Self-Regenerating Catalyst
The new Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 litre features the world's first self-regenerating catalyst. This effectively extends the life of the catalytic converter, reducing maintenance costs.
It also is kinder to the environment as it keeps the catalyst 'healthier' over a higher mileage meaning the already low 137 g/km CO2 emissions do not increase as the engine becomes older.
This revolutionary technology works by providing a self-regenerating capability in the particles of the precious metal which normally degrades.
Using nanotechnology, the intelligent catalyst incorporates metallic ions of palladium, the most heat-sensitive of the metals used in a catalytic converter.
According to temperature and available oxygen, the particles turn in and out of a crystalline state therefore regenerating and prolonging the 'cat's' ability to clean exhaust gasses.
Top Level Safety Package
Every aspect of safety has been studied for the new Sirion with the aim of achieving 4-stars in the Euro NCAP tests.
The body was subjected to the world's most rigorous crash tests including full-on frontal and side-impact collision tests at 55 km/h, a rear impact at 50 km/h and a frontal offset collision test at 64 km/h.
In addition, the new Daihatsu Sirion was deliberately crashed against much larger cars to ensure its compatibility in 'real-life' accidents.
All main frame members are straight, joint rigidity is optimised and suspension mounts reinforced. High-tensile steel is used where needed and bonnet and bumpers are designed to lessen injury to pedestrians.
The door pillars and roof sides have special ribs which reduce possible head injury while both the brake pedal and steering wheel have been designed to avoid intruding during a frontal impact.
Standard on all models are driver, passenger and - unusually at this price - side airbags, while the front seatbelts have pretensioners and force-limiters.
The three rear seatbelts all boast three-point location plus ISOFIX for the outer belts. This gives better location for child safety seats. There are a total of five height-adjustable head-restraints.
The new Sirion's anti-lock ventilated front disc and rear drum brakes (ABS) are aided by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). This optimises braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage.
Unbeatable Equipment Levels
There is no such thing as a 'basic' entry-level Daihatsu Sirion despite prices starting at £6,995 OTR. Every model has unbeatable equipment levels.
For example, standard for all - including the Sirion 1.0 S - is air-conditioning, a radio/CD player, ABS with EBD, power steering, four electric windows, front and side airbags and remote central-locking.
The Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 S adds, for example, rear speakers, electric door mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment, chrome interior door handles and a front passenger seat back pocket.
Extra equipment for the Sirion 1.0 SE includes alloy wheels and rear parking sensors while the Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 SE adds a pod-like rev-counter, colour-keyed exterior door handles and black window surround.
