Daihatsu Sirion

Performance

1.0-litre and 1.3-litre engines are both underpowered for motorway work, but the former is great in town and the latter can be pushed into a decent performance.

Driving

Soft ride means poor cornering. Grip and steering both on the light side.

Feel

Both engines are raucous at high revs, but cruise quietly enough. Cabin is well sealed from elements.

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Price

Cheap to buy and run. Depreciation won't be too good: probably under 50% after three years.

Quality

Three-year warranty with unlimited mileage is a good deal, and shows Daihatsu's confidence that you wont need to take them up on it. Interior not quite up to same quality as engines.

Safety

Front and side airbags and ABS. Not great on safety kit.

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Space

Good space for four adults, disappointing bootspace is countered by flat-folding 60/40 rear seats.

Equipment

Power steering, aircon, electric windows, central locking and a CD player as basic. Alloys and reversing sensors on higher specs.

Alternatives

Fiat Panda, Kia Picanto

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Pros

Good space and kit for money. Won't give you many headaches.

Cons

Noisy engines. Superior, if dearer, rivals.

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