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Today at the Geneva Motor Show, Daihatsu is unveiling a new 1.3-litre prototype version of the Sirion.

The original Sirion made its first appearance in 1997 as a highly innovative concept compact saloon. This model cleverly demonstrated the concept of "less means more, "through a combination of a small 1-litre engine that fulfills all the demands of the modern-day saloon and an interior that’s surprisingly spacious for a compact car measuring under 3.7 metres long.

The SIRION 1.3L, which is the model we’re introducing today, is powered by a newly developed 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder engine designed to deliver extra power without compromising on fuel consumption. The 1.3L is a new millennium version of the Sirion packed with new technologies, enhanced safety features and the latest environmental countermeasures.

If the original Sirion was an attempt to draw out the potential of the 1-litre engine, the SIRION 1.3L is a positive celebration of the joy of driving that also takes the need to minimise the automobile’s impact on the environment into full account. It’s a perfect bread-and-butter car with enough extra power to carry its driver and passengers gracefully and comfortably through long overnight and weekend trips.

Transmission

The SIRION 1.3L employs a totally new electronically controlled automatic transmission. Dubbed, "steer shift", this AT allows the driver to shift up or down while holding the steering wheel with both hands. To shift up, just press the "+" button; to shift down, press the "­" button. The system allows the driver to engage in active gear shifting, which is impossible using a traditional automatic transmission. Moreover, for most drivers, the steermatic enables significantly faster shifting than a manual transmission.

Engine

The secret of this newly developed engine’s extra power lies in the of a fourth cylinder plus some amazing technological wizardry. The 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder engine is controlled by what we call DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing). Using driving data such as the engine revolution rate and throttle opening degree, the onboard computer optimises the valve timing to make the intake and exhaust strokes as efficient and smooth as possible. Generating a maximum output of 75 kW at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 120 N·m at 4400 rpm, the SIRION 1.3L boasts the highest level performance of any 1.3-litre car on the market today with fuel consumption of 6.3L/100 km and a CO2 discharge rate of 154 g/km.

Styling

The SIRION 1.3L builds on the original Sirion’s elegant styling with a of sporty details suggestive of a really exciting driving experience. the new additions are aero parts such as the front spoiler, the side skirts and the rear skirt, along with an aerial sticking out from the centre of the that reinforces the sporty look. The chrome-plated moulding newly added to the radiator grille also complements the beauty of the original Sirion.

Furthermore, the rear combination lamps have been changed to a that better emphasises the function of these lamps. Details such as combine to give the new version a fresh appearance while retaining the compact and refined styling of the original Sirion.

Interior

The seats and the steering wheel have been newly designed to match the car’s long-distance driveability. Embarking on a long tour seated in the ergonomically designed driver’s seat, the driver will quickly forget that the new Sirion is a small car measuring only 3675 mm in length and 1595 mm in width. Driving comfort is also aided by the instrument panel—a three-dial type comprising a speedometer in the centre, a tachometer on the left and a water-temperature gauge on the right. And to further emphasise the sporty character of this car, these indicators are equipped with white dials featuring scales that light up in red at night.

Safety

The original Sirion was designed based on the safety precept compact-car users shouldn’t be denied any of the safety features taken for granted by users of larger vehicles. In keeping with this philosophy, the SIRION 1.3L is further equipped with an ABS employing EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), while a new type of side airbag has been incorporated in both the driver’s and the front passenger’s seats.

The EBD is an active safety feature that electronically adjusts the front-to-rear brake-force distribution according to the number and position of the car’s occupants. When there are passengers in the rear seat, the EBD increases the brake force applied to the rear wheels, a measure that helps to the braking distance. On the other hand, the new side airbags enhance passive safety by protecting not only the chest but also the head of the driver and the front passenger in the event of a side-on impact.