Daihatsu Charade (1987- 2000) Car Review

If youÕre shopping for a secondhand supermini, you probably havenÕt considered DaihatsuÕs Charade. Like most small car buyers, youÕve probably set your sights on a mainstream model such as a Ford Fiesta or a Vauxhall Corsa. However, if your priorities are quality and value for money, a Daihatsu Charade might be worth tracking down. The Charade started life as a rather uninspiring looking hatchback (offered in three and five-door form) with lacklustre 1.0 and 1.3-litre engines. These were replaced in 1993 by altogether more modern machines. This expanded range included 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6-litre hatchbacks and a 1.5-litre saloon. They were better equipped and offered buyers greater value for money. Though now almost completely replaced by the smaller one-litre Sirion, the Charade remains an affordable supermini alternative and makes sense as a good second-hand buy.

History
While the earliest Charades (1987-1989 CX and the hot-hatch GTti models) are practical and affordable vehicles, post-1990 cars are a far better bet. From September of that year even the entry-level 1.0 CX added power assisted steering to its already comprehensive list of standard equipment. Creature comforts on both variants included electric door mirrors, an internal fuel filler and boot release switches as well as a good quality stereo.
Later that year, the range was extended to include a 1.0-litre, five-door turbodiesel CX version. Then, in 1991, this trio was joined by another variant, a 1.3-litre petrol-engined five-door hatch that was available in three different trim levels: CX, CXi and GXi.
However, the newer the Charade the better and the revised 1993 line-up is superior to anything that came before it. It includes an economy version (the 1.3 petrol GSe), plus a trio of three and five-door hatches with a single point fuel injected version of the 1.3-litre engine. There was also a luxury 1.5-litre variant called the GLXi SE (which boasted air conditioning and metallic paint) and a flagship 1.6 GSXi three-door hatch.
In 1996, the whole range was given a makeover and gained cheeky front end styling that singled it out from a number of more anonymous-looking competitors. These models are also longer and much roomier than their predecessors. ThereÕs more leg space for both front and rear-seat passengers, while greater glass area and careful changes to the interior have given the cabin a more airy, less claustrophobic feel. Luggage space is improved, too.
Three-door models were dropped after a couple of years and, at the end of 1999, the 1.5-litre saloon and the automatic and anti-lock brake options were deleted. The range continued as a single 1.3-litre LXi SE hatchback with generous equipment including dual airbags, central locking and electric windows and mirrors. This model was deleted at the end of 2000.

Opinion
As already mentioned, equipment levels are better than average. Standard features of the revised 1993-on cars include a rear wash/wipe, a heated rear window and a removable stereo. All have side impact beams in the doors for added safety. (A driverÕs airbag became a cost option in 1996 and standard on later cars while the latest LXi SE has a passenger Ôbag as well.)
Further up the scale, the 1.3 LXi five-door comes with power steering, electric mirrors and a rev counter. Move up to the GLXi and Daihatsu has added electric windows and central locking as well as extra speakers for the stereo.

Cost
Prices for the earliest 90G Charades start very low and you can bag a 1993K 1.3 CXi for £,400. Our money would go on the new 1.3-litre Charade, though. Prices for these start only slightly higher at £600 for a 1994L GSe. A mid-range LXi that was first registered in 1995 should cost around £700. If you prefer the nearly new option, expect to pay between £1,400 and £1,600 for a 2000V model of either the 1.3 hatch or the 1.5 saloon.

Problems?
Rust can be a problem on older models, as can worn engines, particularly on the complex GTti version, which weÕd advise buying only with a full service history. There are far less worries on post-93 cars which have proved generally reliable and durable.

Parts
(Approx for a 1.3-litre 1993 model excl VAT) A clutch assembly will be around £130 and brake pads for the front and rear are around £40. An alternator should be close to £200 and a radiator around £110.
A replacement headlamp is close to £100, a full exhaust system excluding the catalyst will be around £190, and a starter motor can be up to £170.

Road
Under the bonnet of the last generation of hatchbacks thereÕs a choice between 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6-litre power. However, youÕre far more likely to end up behind the wheel of one of the most popular mid-range 1.3 cars.
This is no hardship though, as it is one of the most refined engines in its class. Indeed, tests showed that the Charade's interior noise levels at 50mph are equal to those of Nissan Micra at just 30mph. The other emphasis with these powerplants is fuel economy: the LXi model, for example, is capable of over 60 miles to the gallon. Around town, it can average 43mpg.
Fuel economy was even a priority on the automatic version, which uses a sophisticated electronically-controlled four-speed system codenamed `ESAT`. Left in `auto` mode, the computer selects gear change points to maximise fuel efficiency. Should you need swift acceleration, though, simply plant your foot hard down on the throttle and the transmission switches to `power` mode.
Overall
Often overlooked and under-rated, the Charade is a capable and durable supermini that is certain to appeal to anyone buying a secondhand car with their head as well as their heart.

By CLAIRE EVANS.

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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.