New Daihatsu Sirion range unveiled

The Daihatsu Sirion has had a makeover and now comes with sportier looks, a new engine and more equipment.

Every Sirion in the range benefits from new bumpers with larger air intakes, new wheel designs and extra safety equipment.

The range-topping Sirion SX gets a new 100bhp 1.5-litre engine and sporty front valence with mesh grille and front fog lamps. The look is rounded off with side skirts and a rear tailgate spoiler.

The SX has alloy wheels, air-conditioning, four electric windows, driver, passenger and side airbags. There is also remote central locking, a radio CD player and red interior trim.

A fashionable pod for the speedometer sits above the steering wheel and an LCD panel shows fuel consumption.

An MP3 player can be played through the stereo thanks to an input jack and the front passenger airbag can be deactivate while a child seat is in place.

The 1.5-litre engine accelerates the Sirion from 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds and on to a maximum of 109mph. For the first time an automatic gearbox is also available.

The Sirion SX can return a frugal 51.4mpg, while the1-litre Sirion is even more economical, returning 64.2mpg and producing 118g/km. That qualifies it for a low £35 per year tax band and makes it exempt from the new London congestion charge rates.

The evolved Daihatsu Sirion range is on sale now and begins at £7,495. The Sirion SX is priced at £9,495.