Daihatsu Sirion
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| Daihatsu Sirion | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Daihatsu Motor Company |
| Production | 1998—present |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body style(s) | 5-door hatchback |
The Daihatsu Sirion is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu since 1998 and marketed variously as the Daihatsu Storia , Daihatsu Boon, Toyota Duet and Toyota Passo.
The Sirion was launched in 1998 and has since undergone two upgrades, one in 2001 and another in 2004/2005. The version of the Sirion on sale in Europe and Australia in 2005 was first released in Japan in June 2004 under the names Daihatsu Boon and Toyota Passo.
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[edit] 1998–2004
| First generation | |
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| Also called | Daihatsu Storia Toyota Duet |
| Production | 1998—2004 |
| Engine(s) | 1.0 L EJ-VE I3 1.3 L K3-VE I4 |
The 1998 incarnation of the Sirion came with two petrol engines (with multi-point fuel injection): a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder with 54 bhp (40 kW), and a 1.3 litre 4-cylinder 86 bhp (64 kW) unit (shared with the Toyota Yaris). Both were available with either a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. As of 2001, 1.3L models have 102 bhp (76 kW) engines capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h). This engine is very fuel efficient with an average rating of 49.6 mpg[vague] and the 1.0 model averaging 51.4 mpg.
There are two Rally versions of the Sirion: the Rally 2 and the Rally 4; the latter being the four-wheel drive version. The Rally models have a slightly increased engine output of 108 bhp (81 kW) and boast a class-leading 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h), giving it 'hot hatch' credibility. The 4Track (or just 4WD in Europe) is the four-wheel drive version of the standard 1.3. The F-Speed model is equipped with Formula-1 style paddle gear changers.
The Australian market only had the 1.0 litre model up until early 2001, when the sporty 1.3 litre model - known as the GTvi - was added to the line-up. At the time, the GTvi had the most powerful naturally aspirated motor available in its class, developing 101 bhp (75 kW) at 7500 rpm. This version was also known as the Toyota Duet.
In 2001, the Sirion was slightly restyled; the front grille was changed to look more sporty and in some markets the silver accents on the sides were removed. The dash was redesigned, incorporating more storage space and easier to use controls.
[edit] 2005–present
| Second generation | |
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| Also called | Daihatsu Boon Toyota Passo Perodua MyVi Subaru Justy |
| Production | 2004—present |
| Body style(s) | 5-door hatchback |
| Engine(s) | 1.0 L 1KR-FE I3 1.3 L K3-VE I4 |
The second generation of the Daihatsu Sirion received a complete makeover and looks markedly different from the first model.
This Sirion was designed for European tastes, and the model took on a larger and stockier frame. It weighs about 940 kg (2072 lb).
Boasting a remarkable amount of interior space, split-folding rear seats, numerous safety features and impressive fuel economy, the Sirion found its niche as a small-family MPV.
With the back seats down, its luggage capacity increases from 225 to 630 litres. In the 'European New Car Assessment Programme' (NCAP), it scored a credible 4 out of 5 stars.
On May 25, 2005, Malaysian car maker Perodua launched a variant of the Sirion known as the Perodua Myvi. Sporting a few cosmetic differences, the Myvi became Perodua's best-selling model.
In 2007, Daihatsu launched the Sirion in Indonesia using the facility and parts from the Perodua Myvi.
Also in 2007, the new Subaru Justy was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and using the Daihatsu Sirion/Toyota Passo model it is positioned as an entry-level model in Subaru’s line-up. This is more than expected since Toyota has some stakeholding in Subaru.
[edit] Future
Daihatsu will redesign the Sirion for 2008. The Sirion brand name will start in Japan, replacing the Boon, and the Toyota Passo is to be replaced by a new model.
[edit] External links
- Daihatsu Website
- Daihatsu Catalogue - Sirion (English version)
- Daihatsu Catalogue - Boon (Japanese version)
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