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

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025