Skip advert
Advertisement

Daihatsu Sirion

The Sirion SX is an endearing pocket rocket with an exuberance of character and a cheeky sub-£10,000 price tag

Evo rating
RRP
from £9,290
  • Unexpectedly entertaining
  • Crummy cabin plastics

It rolls a lot. Its wheels look too small for its tall body. Its steering verges on the over-assisted. It's not super quick. And yet... the Daihatsu Sirion SX has an exuberance of character that'll have you grinning all the way to Tesco. And back.

One of those vertical over-achievers that the Japanese produce occasionally, the SX is simply a tarted-up version of the regular 1.3 Sirion. It's not really being marketed as a hot or even warm hatch, but its racy little alloys and deeper-than-standard front spoiler lend it some visual clout.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That 1.3-litre engine is in the zone from 3000 to 5000rpm, a fat wodge of torque giving it an enthusiastic response to the throttle and some real zing, though it verges on coarseness toward the 7000rpm red line.

Without massive muscle to play with, you have to carry speed through corners. Disregard the tyre squeal as there's still grip to come, enjoy the crisp turn-in that lays beneath the power assistance, feel the chassis moving around once the initial shock of the body-roll has worn off, and you'll be having a whale of a time.

It's a remarkably jolly device with a cheeky little £9290 price tag and an equally upbeat Group 6D insurance rating, ideal for younger drivers. Just be warned that its gung-ho nature means you'll often be going quicker than you think.

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4-cyl, 1298cc
Max power85bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque89lb ft @ 3600rpm
0-6011.3sec (claimed)
Top speed106mph (claimed)
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years
Nissan GT-R finishes production
News

The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years

The Nissan GT-R has finally ended production, at over 48,000 units after 18 years on sale. It’ll be missed.
28 Aug 2025
Four used BMW M cars for less than a basic new 1-series
Cheap M cars
News

Four used BMW M cars for less than a basic new 1-series

£32k will buy you a bog standard 2025 120 or a 552bhp M6, and many greats besides…
29 Aug 2025
Caterham Horse prototype 2025 review – new turbo engine keeps the Seven alive
HORSE powered Caterham
Reviews

Caterham Horse prototype 2025 review – new turbo engine keeps the Seven alive

Caterham needs a replacement for Ford’s out-of-production Sigma engine. Its solution is a 1.3 turbo from Horse. We drive it
28 Aug 2025