Daihatsu Sirion (1998 Ð 2005) Car Review

Someone needs to have a word with Daihatsu. With the Sirion, they upset the applecart by offering a car priced and marketed as a supermini, but as big as many of the cars in the next class up. That sort of behaviour will not endear them to Seat Arosa, Nissan Micra and Volkswagen Polo owners. Getting more for your money is a used car motto, and on this basis, the Sirion looks like an interesting buy. ItÕs certainly an individualist proposition. With its vaguely retro styling and strong fuel consumption showing, a used Sirion is worth looking at if low budget, stylish urban transport is on your shopping list.

History
The Sirion is one of those cars that probably shouldnÕt exist. Daihatsu has a small car range that includes the Cuore and Charade models, not to mention the Grand Move micro MPV for those who need more room. Finding a gap in this product range is a tricky prospect indeed, but find one they did. The Sirion was introduced in June 1998 as a model more spacious than a Cuore but still offering the benefits of the three cylinder 1.0-litre engine. In fact, with all of the niche models in their range, the Sirion is probably the most mainstream item, competing head on with its supermini rivals, at least on price.
Upon launch, the range consisted of a base model and a Sirion+, with added equipment. The range then remained to all intents and purposes unchanged until October 2000 when a revised E and EL trim structure was introduced for the 1.0-litre version and a new 1.3SL version added at the top of the range. This had the option of clever F1-style gearchange controls. In mid-2002, the line-up was facelifted and smartened up inside. A 4-wheel drive Ô4trakÕ model was added to the range, as were hot hatch ÔRally2Õ and ÔRally4Õ variants. A new Sirion arrived in 2005.

Opinion
The Sirion is so stylish itÕs debatable as to whether the effect was intended or accidental. There are 1950s industrial Japan design cues all around the car, with so much that is noteworthy and interesting. The stretched headlamps give the car an appearance of its hair being pulled back, and sit over a trim chromed bumper. This tapers off to a point along the SirionÕs flank, guiding the eye back to the kicked-up bustle tail. Not even the Ford Ka could rival the Sirion for cafŽ society cool. All it needs to complete the look are some stylish wheels and a funky old-school colour scheme, like orange or lime.
Equipment-wise, the Sirion makes a good case for itself. Both models have power steering, twin airbags, electric mirrors, an engine immobiliser and headlamp levelling, itself a rare feature in cars of this class. The Sirion+ adds side airbags, air conditioning, central locking and electric rear windows. Anti lock brakes, a four-speaker stereo, 14" wheels and tyres and a roof spoiler also mark the Sirion+ from its more humble sibling.
Despite offering more space inside than many of its rivals, the Sirion is still quite a tight squeeze for five passengers. Four is a more realistic prospect, and even then, taller passengers will have to sit splay-kneed. Front seat comfort is aided by the standard fitment of adjustable seat belt anchors. This also helps prevent ÔsubmariningÕ Ð the action of slipping under the belt in the case of an accident.
Safety is a big feature of the Sirion range, especially so with the Sirion+. As well as its ABS, twin front and side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners, the Sirion+ is also fitted with side impact beams, a door release system which unlocks the doors in an accident and also brake assist. This is a system which was pioneered by Mercedes, helping to apply maximum and prolonged pressure to the braking system if it detects a panic-braking manoeuvre.

By ANDY ENRIGHT.

Visit the Blog about daihatsu charade turbo

Daihatsu Charade (2003ÐTo Date) Car Review

DaihatsuÕs Charade may not be the most visually arresting citycar youÕve ever clapped eyes upon, but beneath those unassuming lines is one of the most entertaining small cars money can buy. The 1.0-litre engine that resides beneath the CharadeÕs stubby bonnet is more than enough to entertain and serves up a big portion of fun at a very small price.

History
The Charade was introduced in 2003 after a three-year absence from the British market. During this period, the YRV and the Sirion models had been fulfilling the small car duties for Daihatsu but neither could really fill the CharadeÕs shoes and in May 2003 a new Charade was officially offered for sale. Three models were available starting with three and five-door EL and the range-topping SL. All models were powered by the same 57bhp three-cylinder powerplant with an option of manual or automatic gearboxes.

Opinion
Unlike its predecessor, this Charade is a tiny Citycar rather than a Supermini. The franchise is well used to producing city runabouts. Its previous offering - the Cuore - competed ineffectually against the likes of FordÕs Ka and VWÕs Lupo but this car has proved to be more of a threat. WhatÕs confusing is that the Charade actually offers a longer wheelbase than either DaihatsuÕs larger Sirion or YRV Superminis. So, although itÕs tiny on the outside Ð the 3,410mm length makes it 20cm shorter than a Ford Ka Ð impressive interior space is promised within. Styling-wise, this car is certainly very neat, looking like a shrunken and chamfered Honda Jazz. The 1.0-litre engine meanwhile, is an intriguing three-cylinder affair that manages a mere 58bhp but which seems to punch way above what the bantamweight statistics promise.
The EL and SL trim levels on the Charade provide a decent haul with the SL (around £7,300 when new) adding alloy wheels and air-conditioning to the ELÕs (around £6,800 when new) ABS, twin front airbags, CD player and central locking. Other safety features include twin airbags (with side bags on the SL), height adjustable seat belts that feature force limiters and pretensioners, side impact bars and DaihatsuÕs impact-sensing release system. During a collision, this unlocks the doors, illuminates the interior lights and activates the hazard warning lights. Pedestrian safety hasnÕt been ignored either, and the engine compartment has been designed to allow it to absorb energy, the windscreen wiper pivots and bonnet hinges both being designed with shock absorbing spaces behind them.
The Charade must also be applauded for upholding the tradition of wacky Japanese translations. Fire the word ÔCharadeÕ into a thesaurus and itÕll come back with synonyms such as farce, sham, and travesty Ð hardly the image many would want to project. Most will instead associate it with a genteel parlour game. ItÕs a car that really does go that extra mile to please. Every time you turn the ignition on, the instrument display reads "HELLO, HAPPY" which brings to mind the film ÔHappy GilmoreÕ which features a golfer prone to fits of irrational violence. When you switch off, the display flashes up "SEE YOU Ð GOODBYE." How sweet.
A great deal of thought has gone into making the Charade as user-friendly as possible. The front seat height of 480mm is said to closely match most peopleÕs hip height to ease entry and exit although whether these people were Japanese or British is not clear. The doors open at right angles to the car, making entry and exit easy for those laden down with shopping or those who arenÕt as agile as they once were. The height adjustable steering wheel and front seatbelts also ensure a comfortable driving position.

By ANDY ENRIGHT.