Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daihatsu |
| Model | Sirion |
| Generation | Sirion (M1) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 i 12V (56 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 year |
| End of production | 2005 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 17.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 17.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h (86.99 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.5 kg/Hp, 69.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 56 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 88 Nm @ 3600 rpm (64.91 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 989 cm3 (60.35 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 810 kg (1785.74 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs.) |
| Max load | 510 kg (1124.36 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 235 l (8.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 3675 mm (144.69 in.) |
| Width | 1595 mm (62.8 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2345 mm (92.32 in.) |
| Front track | 1395 mm (54.92 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1365 mm (53.74 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 8.8 m (28.87 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 145/80 R13 |
The Daihatsu Sirion (M1) 1.0 i 12V, produced between 1998 and 2005, was a key player in the subcompact hatchback market, particularly in Europe and Asia. This entry-level variant, equipped with a 1.0-liter engine producing 56 horsepower, prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability. Built on the Daihatsu New Small Car platform, the M1 Sirion aimed to deliver practical transportation in a compact and easily maneuverable package. It was essentially a rebadged version of the Perodua Kancil, a popular model in Malaysia, showcasing Daihatsu’s global production strategy and collaborative partnerships.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Sirion 1.0 i 12V’s engine is the Daihatsu ED-10, a 989cc inline-three cylinder petrol engine. The ED-10 features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, enhancing its breathing efficiency for its displacement. Fuel delivery is handled by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine’s modest output – 56 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 88 Nm (64.91 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm – is a consequence of its small size and conservative tuning. The engine is mounted transversely at the front of the vehicle, powering the front wheels. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, though a three-speed automatic was also available, albeit less frequently chosen. The automatic transmission, while offering convenience, noticeably impacted acceleration performance.
Driving Characteristics
The Sirion 1.0 i 12V, especially in manual form, provided a light and nimble driving experience. However, with only 56 horsepower, acceleration was slow. The 0-60 mph time was around 16.3 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) required considerable distance. The automatic transmission version suffered even more in terms of performance, with sluggish gear changes and reduced responsiveness. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy rather than speed. The vehicle’s light weight (approximately 810 kg or 1786 lbs) helped offset the lack of power, making it reasonably easy to maneuver in urban settings. The steering, while not particularly communicative, was light and precise.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.0 i 12V Sirion typically represented the base trim level. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, and basic instrumentation. The interior was functional rather than luxurious, with cloth upholstery and a simple dashboard layout. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were power windows. Higher trim levels, like the 1.3 variants, offered more features, including alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim, and additional safety equipment. The 1.0L trim’s focus was affordability, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers or those needing a low-cost vehicle.
Chassis & Braking
The Sirion M1 employed a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension used MacPherson strut coil springs, while the rear featured a coil spring setup. The front brakes were discs, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. However, the rear brakes were drums, which were less effective and prone to fading under heavy use. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option, improving safety. The narrow tires (145/80 R13) contributed to fuel efficiency but offered limited grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 i 12V was generally well-received as an economical and practical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and ease of parking, but often criticized its lack of power and basic interior. Compared to its siblings, such as the 1.3-liter variants, the 1.0L model offered significantly less performance but at a lower price. The 1.3L models provided a more balanced driving experience, while diesel variants (where available) prioritized fuel economy even further. In terms of reliability, the Sirion proved to be a dependable vehicle, although the automatic transmission occasionally experienced issues.
Legacy
The Daihatsu Sirion M1 1.0 i 12V remains a common sight on the used car market, particularly in Europe and Asia. Its simple mechanical design and robust engine contribute to its longevity. While not a performance car, it continues to offer affordable and reliable transportation for those seeking a basic city vehicle. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are relatively low. The 1.0L engine, though underpowered by today’s standards, is known for its durability and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
