Maximum capacity - Daihatsu Sirion 1.5 SX

AS THOSE with a limited number of cliches to fall back on like to keep reminding us, the world is getting smaller. And it’s a phenomenon that’s giving more precedence to the global car.

Different markets have different requirements, but it’s the affordable small cars that appear to have the most cross-border appeal.

Different markets also have different marketing departments, which is why a small car can crop up in different markets under different guises.

Depending on where you look to buy one, this particular compact city car may be known as Daihatsu Storia, Toyota Duet, Toyota Passo, Perodua MyVi, Subaru Justy or, my particular favourite, the Daihatsu Boon.

In the UK, we're lucky enough to get three versions; the Subaru Justy, Perodua Myvi and Dahatsu Sirion, but only the latter is offered with three engine choices, including the most recent 1.5-litre petrol unit.

With a more powerful, larger capacity engine the Sirion immediately offers greater potential. A smart package regardless of engine size, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol units remain better suited to life around town. Both need to be pushed fairly hard for any kind of motorway use.

The 1.5-litre unit, essentially the 1.3-litre with a longer piston stroke providing more torque, feels much more at home on the motorway. Its 100mph-plus top speed means it comfortable cruising at motorway pace while a 0-62mph acceleration time of a shade over ten seconds is perfectly respectable. Even better is the considerably greater refinement at speed.

Yet everything’s relative and, although the 1.5-litre unit offers larger capacity benefits when compared with its smaller counterparts, it’s still a relatively small capacity engine. Given the potential for smaller engines to produce some very impressive fuel consumption figures, the Sirion 1.5 could be considered to be slightly under achieving in this department. CO2 emissions and combined fuel consumption figures are less impressive than those of the similarly powerful 1.33-litre Toyota Yaris, for example.

However, the running costs for the Sirion 1.5 are not to be scoffed at, and it’s certainly worth considering the lower purchase price of the model, a feature that remains a staple of the Daihatsu range.

The SX trim level, uppermost but one, comes with some useful extras on top of an already surprisingly generous specification. All Sirions feature air-con, full electric windows, remote central locking and electric power steering while, on the safety side, boasting electronic brake-force distribution and driver passenger and side airbags.

The SX also gets the electric mirrors, rev counter and stability control system missing from some of the lower specification models alongside its chunky bumpers, side-skirts, rear lip spoiler and alloy wheels.

As a package, it doesn’t appear to be missing anything obvious. Build quality is good, with a visibly well put together body and an interior that doesn’t squeal or rattle even though some of the materials are less than top quality. Perhaps it’s the improved refinement and performance of the 1.5-litre engine that raises expectations; but there’s less inclination to be forgiving of the dashboard assembly in the 1.5 SX model.

Although extremely functional with masses of storage and a clear and concise instrument arrangement some of the buttons are awkwardly positioned, the switchgear feel agricultural in places and the central ventilation arrangement is ungainly.

Fortunately the driving experience is considerably more impressive. With a wide stance and a wheel at each corner the Sirion offers a responsive ride. The electric power steering is light but still offers some feedback and the ride quality is good.

It can easily be appreciated by four adults, too. The Sirion’s spacious body, particularly in terms of headroom, makes it feel like a much larger car than its footprint suggests. The boot is not the largest, narrowing at the top due to the sloping rear seat angle, but its depth means carrying a reasonable amount of luggage is not out of the question. Fold the rear seats flat and the boxy body offers small van-like potential.

It’s not without its flaws, but the 1.5-litre Daihatsu Sirion offers a level of equipment and space far in excess of its humble price tag. As a cost effective alternative, it’s definitely worth consideration.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Daihatsu Sirion 1.5 SX, £10,280 on the road.

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol unit developing 102bhp and 97lb/ft of torque.

Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 109ph, 0-62mph 10.5 seconds.