DAIHATSU may not figure on everyone's list of first-choice cars, but that could soon change. This month sees the launch of new models in the Sirion range, a breezy family of super-minis, similar in size to the Renault Clio, and powered by the sophisticated and much-acclaimed engine used in the Toyota Yaris, an input not unexpected now that Toyota owns 60 per cent of Daihatsu.

The changes are likely to be well received. Sirion was first unveiled in the United Kingdom about four years ago, and with only a 1.0-litre engine available was soon viewed as way off the pace of the competition. A couple of years later the model went through a period of much-needed revision and was also given a boost with the arrival of a 1.3-litre engine, with the flagship model even being fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles, known as F-Speed, and similar to the Steershift used by Formula One drivers. The finger-tip up and down buttons continues in the new range, although the conventional floor-mounted gear lever is also fitted.

Now there are more new models in the family, including a much-improved and refreshed entry-level automatic 1.0-litre model, a new entry-level manual version of the 1.3-litre, as well as a new four-wheel drive Sirion, called the 4trak and two extra-special UK-developed speedsters, the Rally 2 and Rally 4.

Overall, the new range offers an attractive selection, cars for the city and others for the fast track performer, with prices starting at £7,995 and rising to £10,995.

Daihatsu UK has been taking its range of new models on a grand tour of the United Kingdom in preparation of the launch, and as an incentive to prospective customers is offering all the new models, except the Rally 2 and 4, with a triple five warranty, that is five-years' unlimited mileage cover, five years' roadside assistance, both transferable to a new owner, and five years' free servicing up to 60,000 miles, but this is not transferable.

The latest models carry a prominent new mesh grille, with chrome-effect flashes running down the side of the car, as well as bumper inserts. Similar bright work is used on the door handles on most models. The distinctive curved headlamps are also new, as is the bonnet design which now sweeps upwards from the grille.

Inside, both the fascia and interior trim have been given the plastic treatment, but seems to be of good quality and is scratch resistant. The seats are nice and comfortable, with the sports seats on most models featuring extra side bolsters.

There is a surprising amount of room, both for head and leg, front and back, and there is quite a lot of cubby-hole space as well as a lidded box between the front seats, and two glove boxes.

Boot space is always a problem with small cars, but the rear of the Sirion, more saloon-like than hatchback, provides 235-litres of packing area, certainly enough for a large suitcase, and helped by a suspension arrangement that means the boot floor is flat and square. If needs be, carrying space can be increased by folding forward all or part of the rear seat.

Importantly, the ride value of the new Sirion, is very good, even with the entry-level models. Spring, shock-absorber and anti-roll rates have all been fine-tuned and the quality of ride is much smoother and also quieter. The new Sirion range keeps its power-assisted steering, and most models come with ABS anti-lock braking.

The new 1.0-litre EL auto, costing £7,995 on the road, features a three-cylinder 58.5PS engine, fitted with dynamic variable valve timing to give a power boost, and is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel return is over 45mpg at the combined rate, while the manual version returns just over 51mpg. The similarly-priced new 1.3-litre EL, is now almost £1,000 less than the previous lowest priced 1.3-litre model.

Sirion's £9,995 1.3-litre F-speed has a similar equipment list to the £8,495 1.0-litre Deluxe and £8,995 SL but with the addition of alloy wheels. The F-Speed's gear selection buttons on the steering wheel take a bit of getting used to, especially when turning the wheel hard down.

Another new derivative is the 1.3-litre 4trak available for £9,995, which is seen as an ideal replacement for the discontinued Subaru Justy all-wheel drive model. It comes with air-conditioning, alloy wheels, a radio/CD player, sports front seats, remote central-locking, rear parking sensors and a fast-acting four-wheel drive system. The 4trak normally runs with front-wheel drive, with the extra traction at the rear coming in when needed in wet and slippery conditions. This does mean that performance and fuel economy (both penalties with full-time four-wheel drive) are not compromised: a 10.2-second dash from 0-62mph is possible, and careful drivers should get nearly 45mpg at the combined rate.

Incidentally, Daihatsu's exhaust emissions are amongst the world's cleanest. The earlier Sirion won the Supermini category for two years running in the Environmental Transport Association's 2000 and 2001 awards (for fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and recycling), and was just beaten this year by the new two-seater smart.

The new Sirion Rally 2 and Rally 4 are both models developed in the United Kingdom by Daihatsu's own technicians.

Priced at £9,995 and £10,995 on the road respectively, both R2 and R4 have been boosted with engine, chassis and braking modifications.

The standard 1.3-litre engine used in the entry-level models produces 111.5PS at 6000rpm in the Rally models, an increase in power of 9.5PS while the torque of 105lb/ft at 4600rpm is a boost of 16.5lb/ft.

The engine also receives a massive power surge in its mid-range response thanks to the dynamic variable valve timing matched to a modified electronic control unit and free flow air filter.

Top speed by Daihatsu's estimates is 115mph for the R2 and 112 for the R4 with 0-60mph times of 7.9-seconds and 8.9-seconds. Unfortunately, fuel economy figures and emission levels for these models are not yet available.

Details at a glance

Model: Daihatsu Sirion.

Prices: From £7,995 to £10,995.

Dimensions: Length 3695mm, width 1595mm, height 1450mm, wheelbase 2345mm. Ground clearance 140mm.

Engines: 1.0-litre (989cc) water cooled three-cylinder, four valves per cylinder with double overhead camshafts; dynamic variable valve timing. Maximum power 57.7bhp at 6000rpm, maximum torque 64.9lb/ft at 3600rpm. 1.3-litre (1298cc), four cylinder (and as 1.0-litre), with maximum power 100.6bhp at 7000rpm, maximum torque 88.5lb/ft at 4400rpm; 1.3-litre Rally 2 and Rally 4 1298cc, maximum power 110bhp at 6000rpm, maximum torque 105lb/ft at 4,600rpm; 1.3-litre 4trak 1298cc with maximum power 100.6bhp at 7000rpm, maximum torque 88.5lb/ft at 4400rpm.

Transmission: Front-wheel drive, with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion.

Suspension: Front independent, MacPherson struts and coil springs with anti-roll bar; rear semi-independent with torsion beam axle, coil springs.

Brakes: Ventilated discs front, rear drums. ABS anti-lock (brake assist on Deluxe SL and F-speed models).

Economy: 1.0-litre manual 42.2mpg urban, 60.1mpg extra urban, 51.4mpg combined, Emission 128.8g/km; 1.0-litre auto 37.2mpg, 53.3mpg, 45.6mpg 145.1g/km; 1.3-litre manual 37.2mpg, 61.4mpg, 49.6mpg, 134.1g/km; 1.3-litre auto 32.8mpg, 56.5mpg, 44.8mpg, 149.1g/km; 4trak 34.9mpg, 54.3mpg, 44.8mpg, 148.8g/km; Rally 2/4 to be announced.

Updated: 10:41 Friday, June 21, 2002