Daihatsu Sirion

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).

There are two Rally versions of the Daihatsu 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 Daihatsu 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.

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