The Daihatsu Sirion is a 5-door subcompact hatchback that succeeded Daihatsu Charade. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, but was also available as a four-wheel drive in Japan.
Daihatsu used the Sirion nameplate in two generations of export-version models and three generations of Indonesian-market models. This article will cover the first two international generations (1998-2004 and 2004-2015), highlighting the first being the version sold in Australia.
First Generation: M100, Daihatsu Storia (1998–2004)
Daihatsu produced the subcompact hatchback Daihatsu Storia (M100) from 1998 to 2004, selling it in this name in Japan along with a rebranded version, the Toyota Duet. For the international market, the Japanese automaker named it Daihatsu Sirion.
The first-generation Sirion was available in the following powertrains (all variants used petrol engines) depending on the country market:
- 713-cc JC-DET inline-4 turbocharged
- 1.0-litre EJ-DE inline-3
- 1.0-litre EJ-VE inline-3
- 1.3-litre K3-VE inline-4
- 1.3-litre K3-VE2 inline-4
The engines send power to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Australia initially received the 1.0-litre EJ-DE inline-3 petrol engine (40 kW, 88 Nm) paired with either 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual gearbox. The base model came with dual front airbags, central locking, cloth trim, metallic paint, power mirrors, power windows, power steering, radio/cassette with two speakers, and remote hatch release as standard equipment.
In 2000, the sporty GTVi model was added to the Sirion lineup powered by the 1.3-litre K3-VE2 inline-4 petrol engine (75 kW, 120 Nm), mated to either 4-speed sequential automatic transmission or 5-speed manual. For the automatic transmission, there’s a switch on the dashboard to activate the sequential mode and the steering-wheel-mounted buttons for gear selection.
In addition to the basic equipment, it packed alloy wheels, anti-locking brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, engine immobiliser, radio/CD with four speakers, and seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats.
A minor facelift in 2001 modified its front grille and bumper for a sportier style. The update extended to the restyled interior and dash, increased storage spaces, and high-quality materials used. However, the exterior from the A-pillar rearward remained untouched. 2002 saw the addition of a body kit and rear spoiler, while in 2003, the transmission options reverted to 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual.
In 2005, two new trims were released in addition to the existing range, both powered by the 1.3-litre K3-VE inline-4 petrol engine (64 kW, 120 Nm) mated to either a 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual gearbox.
- SX – additional equipment: ABS, automatic air-conditioning/climate control, radio CD with four speakers
- Sports – additional equipment: ABS, automatic air-conditioning/climate control, 14-inch alloy wheels, central locking remote control, front fog lights, radio CD with four speakers
Second Generation: M300, Daihatsu Boon (2004-2015)
The second car to use the Daihatsu Sirion as its international nameplate is the Daihatsu Boon (M300), aka Toyota Passo, a subcompact 5-door hatch.
It used the following petrol engines, with one carried over from the first-generation Sirion (M100):
- 1.0-litre 1KR-FE inline-3
- 1.0-litre KJ-VET inline-4 turbocharged
- 1.3-litre K3-VE inline-4
- 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE inline-4
This generation was marketed in New Zealand but not in Australia. In 2013, Toyota New Zealand decided to drop it due to stricter regulatory standards and Daihatsu’s inability to comply with these requirements.
If you own a Sirion M100 and need replacement parts for it, you may browse Carpart.com.au for sellers of high-quality secondhand auto parts operating Australia-wide. You may also send us a parts request to make your search easier and quicker.
-JMSL