2002 Daihatsu Sirion SL 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The most overlooked super-mini. What a shame!

Faults:

Faulty indicator stalk switch.

Tendency to jerk and stall when undertaking very slow manoeuvres (e.g. three point turn and traffic jams).

General Comments:

This car is serious fun to drive.

Performance is the best feature, nothing else under £11000 can touch this car! Top speed 112mph (the best I've managed is 95mph so far) and can hit sixty in under 10 seconds.

Wonderfully unique styling, a real breath of fresh air compared with the Ford Ka and Fiesta's hideous sharp edged styling.

Only one downside is the drab interior filled with cheap plastics and drab cloth seats.

Good economy from such a powerful car, with a regular return of 40 - 50mpg. Not bad for a car with 100 horses on tap!

Good driving position, with excellent visibility thanks to the high up driving position.

I cannot believe how few of these cars are around. It's the best bargain under £10K.

If you want to stand out from the mundane super-mini crowd, opt for the Daihatsu as it's so different.

The only modern car apart from the Mini with a character and personality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2003

7th Jul 2004, 02:14

I would agree with the writer of this review, I have one this past two years,and I think its great. It was my wife's car originally however I took it over and boy was I surprised. One flaw I am having with it is the clutch, but apart from that it's a great car.

22nd Jun 2005, 18:16

I have owned Daihatsu cars for the past 4 years, starting with a 1989 Charade, then a 1997 Charade F2 and at the moment a 2001 GTVI.

Apart from the low steering wheel position on the GTVI I cannot fault the styling or performance.

I am amazed that more of these very reliable cars have not been sold.

Steve Lawrence

Melb. Australia.

29th Nov 2005, 09:06

What a fantastic car; I don't have a negative thing to say about it. I bought mine 18 months ago (June 2004) and haven't looked back.

A total bargain, 100% reliable, economic, and boy is it quick! Tried it out for top speed recently (I know I shouldn't) and made it easily to 115mph.

2002 Daihatsu Sirion GS 1.3 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A car with heaps of character and loads of go!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong so far.

General Comments:

The seats are extremely comfortable, with good visibility and a high position which helps give a feeling of being totally in control of the car.

Acceleration is very quick and I haven't been beaten off the lights yet!

No squeaks, rattles or annoying noises as yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st August, 2002