2005 Daihatsu Sirion S 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good value, good car

Faults:

Speaker failed and replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Bigger and better than other cars in same price range, and comes with standard extras like aircon and electric windows. Lots of rear seat room.

It's actually a Toyota so is reliable. Has a fun interior and looks good.

Economy could be better, but the 1.3 engine means you go quicker than you think.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2008

2005 Daihatsu Sirion SE 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Love it to bits and will buy another Daihatsu!

Faults:

Clutch cable transferring vibration from engine - this was rectified by replacing the cable. This was free - still under warranty.

General Comments:

Excellent reliability compared to my previous car. It starts up every morning. Apart from the above, no faults, mechanical or electrical. Huge amount of space and very comfortable with adjustable seat height and steering. Commanding view because of high position, but doesn't make you feel like a pensioner e.g. Fiat Panda which I test drove before going for this.

It's very quiet in the cabin (town driving) but roars a bit on motorways. After all, it didn't cost as much as a Polo.

I've read reviews about the so-called cheap plastics in the cabin. I don't really understand this as I didn't buy the car for the 'plastics'. My view is - if it's not leather or wood, it's plastic and plastic is plastic! It functional!

Fuel economy is excellent.

Only niggle is the radio - it's relatively weak in picking up radio signals and doesn't support MP3/WMA. Surprising really as it's got almost everything else like reverse sensors, air-con, electric windows, etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 2006

3rd Jan 2007, 06:23

Agree with previous.

My car is only 1 litre 3 cylinder (Mine is an S model) yet performance is far more than adequate (Cruises at 70-80mph no problem) and being based on Toyota, reliability is unquestioned. No problem with anything at all (touch wood)

Easy to drive and looks good too.

I do 360 miles per week in this car, mostly motorway driving which it does easily with no fuss and all the comforts I require. Plus 60mpg and £40 road tax! Perfect transport!

16th Aug 2008, 12:21

I too own the 1.0 litre engine. It has an engaging thrum to it and holds its own in all types of traffic, even motorway.

The gearbox is a bit vague but loosens a bit when there is mileage on the car.

It gets 55+ mpg in everyday use.

I would like a better sound system but its adequate for the price of the car.

The space and specification for the money cannot be bettered especially when you consider the Japanese (built) reliability that comes as standard.

I can see me looking at the new Charade (Cuore) when it is time to change.

23rd Nov 2009, 16:59

Daihatsu pulled out of the Australian car market in 2005 due to poor sales, so I was a little hesitant to put my money down for a car that would no longer be sold in Australia, but 4 years later I'm still glad I did!

The only specification level was SE or Sport, so I opted for the SE. It was a little expensive compared to the previous model, which retailed for $11,990 drive away compared to this model being $15,490, but it is a huge car compared to the previous shape, and has so much more room compared to its rivals (Suzuki Swift, Toyota Echo, Holden Barina).

It came with standard air con, power windows, mirrors and steering. The only niggle I have had was the rear right speaker now has a slight rattle to it. Nothing other than the speaker wire has gone wrong with the car. I get around 5-5.5L/100km with aircon on, which is excellent. Insurance is cheap also!

The doors are a little tinny though! I love the interior. It is so easy to keep clean, and the pod attached to the steering wheel is such a great idea!