AS car manufacturers are busy downsizing some models to meet market demand, Daihatsu has gone one better - its whole range is composed of compact cars.
Everything from an MPV to a sports car come in one size, small. This subsidiary of Toyota has built a reputation on compact cars and that experience with the world's biggest car maker behind it means it has a head start over rivals.
The rush towards city cars may be causing a jam in some showrooms, but for Daihatsu it's something their dealers are familiar with as customers tend to come back time and again. Some people know a good deal when they drive it.
Economy cars are all the rage at the moment and the Daihatsu Sirion series runs to no less than 14 versions from 1.0 to 1.5 litres, all petrol with five-door body, four-speed auto on some and prices spanning £8,300 to £11,780.
Three trim levels of S, SE and SX can be added to with a + pack which includes electric sunroof, leather wheel and gear knob, door casings and front fog lights. We wanted to test the model which many are now ordering, the entry level S+.
The three cylinder engine is perfectly capable of delivering good performance when lightly loaded with a driver only aboard and I find its sewing machine-like busyness a delight rather than an irritation. Its an instant starter, pulls quite well and very willingly.
You have to stir it along on the five-speed gearstick but that's no hardship either thanks to a very light clutch and a direct action. The ratios mean a quick flick out of first and little time is spent in the intermediate gears before you arrive in top.
This means it is very economical around town and on open roads.
The steering is very light because even at this level it is powered and town driving is very easy. The Sirion can be parked in the smallest places without wrist-breaking force being needed.
I would have preferred greater feedback at speed but it is something I adjusted to. The brakes need a moderately heavy foot but they slow the car quickly and with a lot of control and no signs of fading under repeated hard use.
Secondary switches are small but work well and they are conveniently set out around the fascia. Instruments are basic but good nevertheless.
For heating and ventilation, the Sirion + comes with air-conditioning and four electric windows while the pack adds an electric sunroof as well.
The boxy shape of the car gives adequate room for four with a boot that has a capacity ranging from 225 to 630 litres. Taller people would find back legroom tight and I think many might use the car with the back seat permanently down to increase the loadbed.
Visibility is very good but dealers can fit a rear parking sensor if you want it. Lights were a bit weak but wipers were good if small.
Noise levels are generally confined to that busy but pleasant engine, the suspension can make itself heard over poorer roads but the ride quality is surprisingly good. Bad roads will cause it to bump and pitch but this actually diminishes with speed.
I found the Sirion scrambling for grip on some surfaces but its overall tendency was to gently run wide around bends. Lift off and the nose comes back on line very easily.
There is no doubt that as a practical city car the Daihatsu Sirion+ is a good choice if you do not need to carry a lot of people and do not tend to push on with a car or do big distances.
Little is sometimes enough.
FAST FACTS
Daihatsu Sirion 1.0+
Price: £9,195
Mechanical: 68bhp, 1.0-litre, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Maximum speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 14sec
Combined mpg: 56mpg
Insurance group: 5
C02 emissions: 118gkm
BiK rating: 10%
Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited miles