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
Price
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

Toyota GR86 Fast Fleet test – three months in the budget sports coupe
evo Fast Fleet Toyota GR86
Long term tests

Toyota GR86 Fast Fleet test – three months in the budget sports coupe

It shines in shorter tests, but what’s the GR86 like to live with day-in, day-out? We now have the answer
1 Nov 2024
Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2024 review – still a foil for the Audi RS3?
Mercedes-AMG A45 S front
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2024 review – still a foil for the Audi RS3?

Big hitting AMG A45 S hyper-hatch gets the mildest of facelifts but still packs a heavyweight punch 
1 Nov 2024
Circuito do Sol is Europe’s new racing track, inspired by the Nürburgring
Circuito do Sol
News

Circuito do Sol is Europe’s new racing track, inspired by the Nürburgring

Brand new circuit in Portugal offers corners inspired by the world’s best tracks, and villas and track cars for hire
4 Nov 2024