The Sirion??????????????????????????????????????s ingenious 1.0 litre engine ??????????????????????????????????????? with its ultra low CO2 emissions of 128.8 g/km ??????????????????????????????????????? has an efficient three cylinder layout which ensures a characterful, but never intrusive, engine note. Fitted with Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) from 2001 onwards, the system maximises power and torque through a wide rev-range. The engine features twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Power is high for a 1.0 litre at 58.5 PS at 6,000 rpm ??????????????????????????????????????? an increase of 3.5 PS over the previous engine. Meanwhile, torque is a strong 64.9 lb ft at an accessible 3,600 rpm. Maximum speed is 90.5 mph with a 0-62 mph time of 15.1 seconds for the manual and 87 mph and 17.2 seconds for the automatic.
Fuel economy doesn??????????????????????????????????????t get much better in a supermini at 42.2/60.1 and 51.4 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles for the Deluxe manual and 37.2/53.3 and 45.6 mpg respectively for the Sirion 1.0 EL automatic.
Thoroughly Revised Suspension
Already highly regarded for its direct, accurate steering, firm but well-damped ride and nimble handling, the Sirion??????????????????????????????????????s chassis underwent small but painstaking revisions for the 2001 model year. Spring, shock-absorber and anti-roll bar rates were all fine-tuned and the ride made quieter, especially at the front where ?????????????????????????????????bump-thump?????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????? the sound of a wheel dropping into a pot-hole ??????????????????????????????????????? was greatly reduced.
The Sirion??????????????????????????????????????s light, accurate power-assisted steering continues as does the basic suspension layout of MacPherson struts at the front with coil springs, dampers and an anti-roll bar. Its semi-independent rear end uses a torsion beam axle with coil springs and dampers. The Sirion ?????????????????????????????????4trak?????????????????????????????????????? has a solid rear axle with trailing arms, coil springs and a transverse link. Larger 175/60 x 14 tyres are fitted to the 1.3 litre F-Speed and ?????????????????????????????????4trak?????????????????????????????????????? compared to the still generous 165/65 x 14 tyres of the other models. The F-Speed and ?????????????????????????????????4trak?????????????????????????????????????? also have alloy wheels.
The new Rally 2 and Rally 4, of course, have uprated suspension and 175/55 tyres on 15x6 ins 7-spoke alloy wheels.
Big Car Safety Measures
Safety was a top priority in the design of the Sirion with standard driver and passenger airbags. In addition, the height-adjustable front seatbelts have pretensioner mechanisms as standard. The front section of the chassis has been designed to deflect the engine and transmission downwards in the event of a frontal impact, rather than intruding into the cabin.
Active safety measures include a standard anti-lock (ABS) braking system on the Sirion 1.0 Deluxe, 1.3 SL, F-Speed, ?????????????????????????????????4trak?????????????????????????????????????? and Rally 2 and Rally 4. It incorporates ?????????????????????????????????brake-assist?????????????????????????????????????? which generates strong braking force with relatively light pedal pressure and optimises the effect of ABS. High mounted brake lamps are fitted to all Sirions.
The very rigid body structure induces side impact beams, and a fuel cut-off system prevents leakage in an accident. Every model now also includes Daihatsu??????????????????????????????????????s impact release system which automatically unlocks the doors and switches on the interior and hazard lights in the event of an accident.
Sirion Styling And Packaging
The styling of the Sirion was heavily influenced by the need to have a comfortable and spacious interior. The result is a short nose and long roof and cabin area, and with six side windows, the interior has a light and spacious feel. The bodywork has mildly accented lines and is gently flared from the shoulder, making the car look wider and lower than it really is. The front is particularly distinctive, with a large mesh grille bisected by the bumper line, and multi-curve teardrop-shape headlamps.
Unlike most hatchbacks, the rear of the Sirion has a saloon-like elegance through the clear separation of glass area and bodywork.
The design of the Sirion provides ample head and legroom even within compact exterior dimensions. The interior length of 1,725 mm, width of 1,330 mm and height of 1,450 mm show that the Sirion??????????????????????????????????????s interior is especially space efficient. With four passenger doors, getting in and out is easy and the wide and low rear hatch makes loading relatively effortless.
The rear suspension arrangement means that the boot floor is flat and square. The 235 litre boot will even take a large-size Samsonite suitcase. The rear seat backrests on all models split 60/40.
The Sirion has a three year unlimited mileage warranty which includes roadside recovery. It also provides six years?????????????????????????????????????? corrosion cover plus three years?????????????????????????????????????? paintwork protection against manufacturing defects.
