Daihatsu Sirion

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Daihatsu Sirion
Image:Daihatsu Sirion.JPG
Manufacturer Daihatsu Motor Company
Production 1998—present
Class Subcompact
Body style(s) 5-door hatchback

The Daihatsu Sirion is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu since 1998. Various versions of the Sirion have also been known as the Daihatsu Storia and Boon, and the Toyota Duet and Passo.

The Sirion was launched in 1998 and has since undergone two upgrades, one in 2001 and another in 2004/2005. The version of the Sirion on sale in Europe and Australia in 2005 was first released in Japan in June 2004 under the names Daihatsu Boon and Toyota Passo.

Contents

[edit] 1998–2001

First generation
Image:1998 Toyota Duet 01.jpg
Also calledDaihatsu Storia
Toyota Duet
Production1998—2004
Engine(s)1.0 L EJ-VE I3
1.3 L K3-VE I4

The 1998 incarnation of the Sirion came with two petrol engines (with multi-point fuel injection): a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder with 54bhp, and a 1.3 litre 4-cylinder 86bhp unit (shared with the Toyota Yaris). Both were available with either a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox.

There are also two Rally versions of the Sirion, known as the Rally 2 and the Rally 4, a four-wheel drive version called the 4Track (or just 4WD in Europe), and a version with Formula-1 style gear changes called the F-Speed.

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 101bhp (75kW) at 7500 rpm. This version was also known as the Toyota Duet.

[edit] 2001–2004

Second generation
Image:Daihatsu Sirion 2nd Gen.jpg
Also calledDaihatsu Boon
Toyota Passo
Perodua MyVi
Subaru Justy
Production2004—present
Body style(s)5-door hatchback
Engine(s)1.0 L 1KR-FE I3
1.3 L K3-VE I4

The body of this version was only 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.

[edit] 2005–present

The second generation of the Daihatsu Sirion received a complete makeover and looks markedly different from the first model.

This Sirion was designed for European tastes, and the model took on a larger and stockier frame. It weighs about 940 kg (2072 lb).

Boasting a remarkable amount of interior space, split-folding rear seats, numerous safety features and impressive fuel economy, the Sirion found its niche as a small-family MPV.

With the back seats down, its luggage capacity increases from 225 to 630 litres. In the 'European New Car Assessment Programme' (NCAP), it scored a credible 4 out of 5 stars.

On May 25, 2005, Malaysian car maker Perodua launched a variant of the Sirion known as the Perodua Myvi. Sporting a few cosmetic differences, the Myvi became Perodua's best-selling model.

In 2007, Daihatsu launched the Sirion in Indonesia using the facility and parts from the Perodua Myvi.

Also in 2007, the new Subaru Justy was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and using the Daihatsu Sirion/Toyota Passo model it is positioned as an entry-level model in Subaru’s line-up. This is more than expected since Toyota has some stakeholding in Subaru.

[edit] Future

Daihatsu will redesign the Sirion for 2008. The Sirion brand name will start in Japan, replacing the Boon, and the Toyota Passo is to be replaced by a new model.

[edit] External links

de:Daihatsu Sirion

fr:Daihatsu Sirion it:Daihatsu Sirion ja:ダイハツ・ブーン no:Daihatsu Sirion pl:Daihatsu Sirion

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