Toyota GT 86, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Toyota GT 86, 2013

The anticipation is over: the new Toyota GT 86 sports car makes its world debut at the 2011 Tokyo motor show. The compact 2+2 model, one of the most keenly awaited new cars of the coming year, will go on sale in the UK in June 2012.

The Toyota GT 86 has been conceived as an entirely driver-focused machine, designed to deliver the core qualities of the classic sports car experience. That means precise, instant response to the smallest throttle and steering inputs and the kind of performance that appeals to those for whom driving is a passion, not a necessity.

The Toyota GT 86 is built on a new platform, with a highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the car's mechanical elements. Rather than fitting a heavy, large capacity powertrain, Toyota has opted instead to go back to its sporting roots, installing a compact, front-mounted, free-revving petrol engine that drives the rear wheels.

This four-cylinder "boxer" unit generates 197bhp at 7,000rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm at 6,600rpm, giving the Toyota GT 86 brisk, engaging performance.

The powertrain is matched to the world's most compact four-seat design to create a car that benefits from light weight, low inertia and a low centre of gravity to achieve the best possible power-to-weight ratio. For the driver that means lively, accessible performance and dynamic character with minimal intrusion from electronic systems.

Packaging
The Toyota GT 86 measures 4,240mm long, 1,285mm high and 2,570mm wide, dimensions which make it the most compact four-seater sports car available today.

Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to achieve the best balance: the car has a near-perfect 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. The flat-four engine format and the driver's hip point - the lowest of any current Toyota production model - together give the Toyota GT 86 an ultra-low centre of gravity, at just 475mm.

The Toyota GT 86 makes the most of a light kerb weight, making it easy for drivers to exploit its nimble handling and cornering poise. The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. The car rides on 17-inch wheels and is fitted with ventilated disc brakes fore and aft.

World's first horizontally opposed engine with D-4S
The Toyota GT 86's engine is the result of a joint Toyota and Subaru development programme that brings together their technical know-how and mutual passion for sports cars.

Toyota has added its D-4S injection technology to Subaru's new, horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated 1,998cc four-cylinder boxer engine. This system features separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, increasing power and torque across a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

The flat-four engine has equal bore and stroke of 86.0mm and drives through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts using a tactile, short-throw lever; the automatic transmission can be controlled using paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.

Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential to give the best possible grip in all driving conditions. The ABS and switchable vehicle stability control systems have been tuned specifically to deliver dynamic stability at the limit of the car's performance envelope with minimal electronic intervention to help preserve the purity of the driving experience.

Design
The design of the Toyota GT 86 successfully works within the technical constraints of achieving the most compact dimensions possible, a low centre of gravity and aerodynamic performance inspired by motorsport technology, while also displaying evocative, sweeping styling that recalls Toyota's sports car heritage.

Toyota's new design language informs the styling, as in the way attention is focused on the lower part of the car with the large lower grille. Elsewhere the "keen" approach can be witnessed in the clear, expressive lines.

The lower grille's "scorpion" look gives the Toyota GT 86 a more powerful appearance, with further sporting details including the model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, twin exhausts and the "86" piston logo that denotes the car's special powertrain configuration.

On board, the ergonomics and function of every element the driver interacts with have been scrutinised to make driving the car as natural, instinctive and rewarding as possible. For example, the steering wheel has a 365mm diameter, making it the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota, and it is trimmed in buckskin, developed from exhaustive feedback from test drivers on how to achieve the best steering performance and grip.

The three-meter instrument cluster is arranged around a large tachometer, its design benefiting from close attention to the positioning of the displays, markings and typeface. The result is the best possible visibility and readability. The driver-focus of the cockpit is further reinforced by the carbon-effect trim, all-black roof lining, red stitching on the upholstery, aviation-style rocker switches and lightweight, aluminium pedals.

Toyota's 50-year sports car heritage
The Toyota GT 86 may be launched as the world's only current sports car to feature a front-mounted, horizontally opposed engine and rear-wheel drive, but it cannot claim to be the first. That honour is held by Toyota's two-cylinder boxer-engined Sports 800, which the company began developing in 1962. Since then, Toyota has established a long history of producing exciting, driver-focused sports cars with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive format that have proved as popular with the public as they have been successful in competition.

The beautiful 2000 GT, a coupe powered by a 2.0-litre straight-six engine, was first displayed at the 1965 Tokyo motor show and helped establish Toyota's global reputation as a sports car manufacturer.

Launched in 1971, the first Celica models featured rear-wheel drive powertrains and were praised by enthusiasts for their agility. All four Supra generations came with straight-six engines and rear-wheel drive, while from 1984 the MR2 won recognition as one of the best handling sports cars in motoring history.

The inspiration for the Toyota GT 86, however, is the Corolla GT (or Levin) AE86, a car with an enduring reputation for delivering sheer excitement and capturing the fundamental joy of driving. Its front-engine, rear-wheel drive package, compact dimensions, light weight, impeccable balance and superior power-to-weight ratio made it a must-have choice for rallying and circuit driving throughout its production life, from 1983 to 1987. Here in the UK the GT claimed two British Touring Car Championship titles and a series of top-level rally victories.

The Toyota GT 86 is a genuinely lightweight machine that offers the intimacy and involvement of a car that can be driven as though an extension of the driver's body. In this way, it perfectly recaptures the exhilarating spirit of the last of the AE86. And, with numerous customisable parts, its shares its predecessor's aim to be an affordable car that will evolve with its owner.

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Nissan Pathfinder Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

• Nissan Pathfinder Concept, 2012

Nissan is reinventing its popular Pathfinder SUV to appeal to customers looking for SUV capabilities with more passenger comfort, innovative technology and fuel-efficient performance. The Nissan Pathfinder Concept, on display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, previews the all-new look, style and attitude Nissan will bring to the segment when the next-gen Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pathfinder, Nissan's best-known nameplate in the United States, is one of 20 new or redesigned products Nissan plans to introduce in this market within the next two years.

Nissan Pathfinder Concept: Modern Design, 7-Passenger SUV Capabilities

At first glance, it is clear the Nissan Pathfinder Concept is a game-changer for the Nissan brand. The stylish fourth-generation Pathfinder design brings a new look and packaging that's ideal for adventurous owners who need versatility and SUV capability without compromise. The sweeping character lines of the Nissan Pathfinder Concept give a hint of a design language that will carry through future Nissan models. The Pathfinder Concept also features innovative 3-row interior flexibility and room for seven passengers.

The new Pathfinder's aerodynamic body is combined with a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to make it one of the most fuel-efficient 7-passenger vehicles on the market. It is projected to deliver an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped design). In addition to offering an intuitive four-wheel-drive system, the new Pathfinder will also have towing capacity competitive with the leaders in the segment.

While the Nissan Pathfinder Concept making its world debut in Detroit provides a full glimpse of the exterior design direction the production vehicle will take, details on the interior and technology inside will have to wait. It is safe to say, however, that the next-gen Pathfinder's roomy cabin will deliver innovation and class-above craftsmanship - with excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row.

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Toyota Aygo, 2013

 

 

 

• Toyota Aygo, 2013

Launched in 2005 at the heart of the growing A-segment, the Toyota Aygo offered Europeans a radical new alternative for stylish urban mobility.

Rejecting the commonly held stereotype that compact could only mean pragmatic and economical, the Aygo's revolutionary design re-defined perceptions of what small could be.

Extensively revised at the end of 2008, the Toyota Aygo quickly established a solid reputation in the A-segment for space-efficient packaging, reliability and value for money, with over 580,000 units sold to date.

Designed and built in Europe, the new Aygo continues to set the highest standards for interior roominess and driving enjoyment in the compact car segment.

A stronger Toyota design execution, a revised interior with new colour schemes, enhanced infotainment connectivity, improvements to ride comfort and cabin quietness, and the addition of paddle shift control to MultiMode transmission versions.

A new, ECO version of the Toyota Aygo is available, offering improved fuel efficiency and generating CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.

The Toyota Aygo offers customers outstandingly low ownership costs. It achieves excellent insurance classifications in Germany (15) and the UK (3E), which reflect its very reasonable repair costs. It also features a remarkably low cumulative maintenance time of just 5.1 hours after 100,000 km.

For added peace of mind, Toyota offers every new Aygo with a 3 year (or 100,000 km - whichever comes first) pan-European warranty. The Aygo also comes with 12 years corrosion cover.

Driven by rising fuel prices and increasingly stringent environmental legislation, current downsizing trends suggest that the highly competitive and ever more fragmented A-segment is one of the few areas of the automotive market expected to grow in the coming years.

In 2011, Toyota sold more than 85,000 Aygos. The new Aygo will be on sale throughout Europe from early spring 2012.

MORE DYNAMIC EXTERIOR DESIGN
The new Toyota Aygo offers A-segment customers the ideal combination of interior roominess and driving enjoyment in the most compact possible package.

At 3,430 mm, the new Aygo is just 15 mm longer than its predecessor. Yet short front and rear overhangs, a long, 2,340 mm wheelbase and a broad overall width of 1,615 mm create a surprisingly spacious, practical interior, whilst giving the Aygo the stable stance, agile handling and small, 4.73 m turning circle essential to urban manoeuvrability.

While maintaining the friendliness and sense of fun inherent in the current model's styling, the new Toyota Aygo features a stronger, more dynamic front design. It combines improved aerodynamics and engine cooling with Toyota's new, Under Priority frontal design language.

The distinctive new face of the next generation Toyota family, Under Priority places the design emphasis on an enlarged lower grille to focus attention on the bottom half of the car for a distinctive, more assertive appearance.

Housing this large, trapezoidal, radiator air intake, the front bumper has been widened and the new, integral foglamps positioned at the bumper extremities, giving the new Aygo a wide stance and a strong road presence.

Set within the lower extremities of the grille, optional LED daytime running lamps complete the new, Under Priority frontal signature of the new Aygo.

The new front bumper design also enhances the aerodynamic performance of the new Aygo. The position of the integral front spoiler has been moved forwards by 70 mm and all openings, as well as the front wheel arch periphery, have been shaped to smooth the flow of air into and around the front of the vehicle, improving fuel efficiency.

Above a more slender form of the familiar, friendly upper grille, a new bonnet design has been shaped to create greater volume in the middle section, strengthening the new Toyota Aygo's road presence.

Privacy glass is available for the rear glazing of both 3- and 5-door versions of the new Aygo, and a new 14" steel wheel cap design is available in addition to the existing 14" 5- and 6-spoke alloys. A choice of eight exterior colours includes two new to the Aygo model range; Vibrant Metallic Orange and Bronze Mica.

UPGRADED SENSORIAL QUALITY
Combining a sense of fun with more mature finishes of a higher perceived quality, both upper and lower sections of the dashboard are now finished in Dark Grey, bringing a greater feeling of integration to the new Toyota Aygo interior.

A newly designed steering wheel is finished in leather and is now available with manual paddle shift controls for the optional MultiMode Transmission (MMT). Both MMT and new manual gear knobs are also available in leather.

The trim rings of the speedometer, tachometer and air vents are now available in a choice of Grey, Orange or Black, and the front door speaker features a new grille with a choice of Silver or Orange trim ring.

New Aygo is available with a choice of two audio systems. A 35 Watt AM/FM/CD system features a choice of two or four speakers and an AM/FM/CD unit which incorporates Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity, a multi-language display and a USB port for the connection of portable music players such as the iPod.

Further improving the practicality and convenience of the new Aygo, the opening angle of the rear parcel shelf has been increased to improve access to the loadspace.

A special, Vibrant Metallic Orange launch edition of the new Toyota Aygo features body-coloured trim rings for the speedometer, air vents and for both the optional tachometer and door speakers.

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND RIDE COMFORT
Due to price sensitivity and low average mileage, petrol currently dominates the A-segment, accounting for 85% of the sales mix.

The new Aygo is equipped with Toyota's remarkable, 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol engine. Combining light weight and compact design with the power and torque delivery essential to urban driving, the Euro V compliant engine returns highly competitive fuel consumption figures and generates low, tax-efficient CO2 emissions.

A marvel of miniaturisation, the all-aluminium, 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre petrol unit led the trend for powertrain downsizing. To this day, it remains a reference for compact, efficient engineering. At only 67 kg it is one of the lightest units in its class and has won successive Engine of the Year awards in the sub-1.0 litre category.

Toyota engineers have worked continuously to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of the engine, whilst lowering emissions with every successive upgrade. This latest version of the 998 cc unit benefits from a revised combustion chamber shape which increases the compression ratio from 10.5 to 11.0:1, improving combustion efficiency. Iridium-tipped spark plugs have also been adopted for their greater durability.

Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the 3-cylinder VVT-i engine generates 50 kW/ 68 DIN hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 93 Nm at 3,600 rpm. Fuel consumption has been lowered to 4.4 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions are just 102 g/km.

A new, ECO version of the Aygo is available for the first time. It is equipped with a longer 3rd gear ratio and fitted with low RRC (Rolling Resistance Coefficient) tyres, which reduce rolling resistance by 14%. This improves fuel efficiency without impairing ride comfort, manoeuvrability or braking performance. Fuel consumption is reduced to 4.3 l/100 km and CO2 is lowered to just 99gr/km.

Available as an option on the new Toyota Aygo, MultiMode is an automated manual transmission with a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal. It uses computer control to manage the engine, clutch and transaxle for quick, precise shifting.

Selecting E (Economy), M (Manual) or R (Reverse) allows the car to 'creep' in the manner of a conventional automatic. In E mode, the car makes automatic gear shifts that will maximise fuel economy. Selecting M mode allows the driver to manually change gear via either the gear lever itself or -for the first time on Aygo- with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift switches.

When equipped with MultiMode Transmission, the 1.0 VVT-i Aygo returns fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100km and generates CO2 emissions of only 104 g/km.

With a lightweight body shell (over 50% of which is fabricated in high tensile steel) and short front and rear overhangs, the new Toyota Aygo has been engineered to excel in the urban environment.

Speed-sensitive, fuel-efficient, Electric Power Steering (EPS) equips the new Aygo with a very tight, 4.73 metre turning circle, offering customers the ideal combination of agility and manoeuvrability.

Providing a perfect balance of ride comfort, stability and go-cart-like handling enjoyment, the new Aygo uses a proven, MacPherson strut front suspension system, and an inverted-V profile torsion beam to the rear, which brings considerable advantages in weight and torsional stiffness.

The damping force of both front and rear shock absorbers has been adjusted to promote even greater ride comfort without compromising the car's dynamic abilities and engaging handling.

Building on the comprehensive Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) improvements introduced in the current car, the new Toyota Aygo benefits from a revised clutch pre-damper system to reduce noise and vibration from the drive line.

The addition of a high density bonnet insulator -located to provide an air space between the bonnet panels- reduces the transmission of noise from the engine bay, further improving cabin quietness.

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Tramontana R, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Tramontana R, 2009

The super sports car manufacturer set in the Costa Brava, unveils its latest version, the Tramontana R. The new model is the result of a logical evolution of the previous one.
Thanks to the hard work of the whole technicians team of a.d. Tramontana, a more purist new version is being introduced. The car has been designed in order to increase the sensations experimented by the driver. These feelings give the driver the information needed to push such an extreme car to its limits.

Although the first version was already very competitive in terms of technology, the team raised new challenges to achieve.
The Tramontana R, unlike other super sports cars with radical versions, keeps the comfort as a value and provides versatility, as well as the possibility to drive the car in conventional roads. So much so that gives a surprising performance not only in the track but also outside of it.

The Tramontana team has reduced the weight of the car to 92 kg. despite the fact that the first version had already been done with the lightest materials. Remind that the chassis and the bodywork are completely made in carbon fibre.
    * Previous dry weight: 1.360 Kg
    * New dry weight: 1.268 Kg
    * Weight distribution:
          o 42% front, 58% rear
          o 50% right, 50% left

Another important challenge has been to give more pure personality to the car; the new chassis reduces the wheelbase in 50 mm and notably improves the handling of the car as well as the aerodynamic performance. All these improvements have allowed to optimize the cornering speed, specially in the track.
    * New downforce: 240 Kg (300Km/h)
    * Downforce distribution front axle: 95 kg aprox.
    * Downforce distribution rear axle: 145 kg aprox.

If you have followed the evolution of the company from its origins, you have surely noticed its constant progression. With the Tramontana R they have shown his technical capacity once more. The future is to reassert itself as a one of the best and most exclusive manufacturers in the small world of super sports cars.

Technical Specifications
    * BRAKING
          o 100-0 km/h: 32,6 m (2,45 s)
          o 200-0 km/h: 124,3 m (4,91 s)

    * ENGINE
          o Torque increase up to 1.100 Nm.

    * DYNAMICS
          o New chassis with a wheelbase distance of 3.050 mm: (50 mm shorter).
          o Monocoque rigidity torsion: 40.000 Nm/º.
          o New frontal geometry.
          o New electric power steering.
          o Lateral G forces: 1,22 g. (with standard tyres)

    * AERODYNAMICS
          o Front: New spoiler
          o Lateral: New shark gills
          o Rear: New rear wing
          o Down Force: 240 Kg at 300 km/h

    * TRACTION CONTROL
          o New scaled levels (3 + off)

    * INTERIOR
          o New TFT digital screens.

    * FINISHING
          o Carbon fiber finishing bodywork.

    * PERFORMANCE
          o 0-100 km/h: 3,6 s
          o 0-200 km/h: 10,15 s
          o Top Speed: 325 km/h (limited)

    * PRICE
          o Basic: 385.000 € (without taxes)

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Daihatsu Sirion, 2007

 

 

 

•  Daihatsu Sirion, 2007

The new Daihatsu Sirion is a totally differently proportioned car to its predecessor and more closely matches the Nissan Micra for length, width and height but with passenger space rivalling the considerably longer Honda Jazz.

For example its front and rear tracks - at 1,460 and 1,465 mm - are 65 and 60 mm wider than before. The Sirion's length of 3,600 mm is actually 95 mm shorter and even 20 mm less than the Ford Ka.

However, the wheelbase of 2,430 mm is 85 mm longer than the old model and the 1,665 mm width is 70 mm more and even 5 mm greater than the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Micra and Fiat Punto. Height grows by 100 mm to 1,550 mm - 10 mm greater than the Micra.

Especially short front and rear overhangs, a higher seating position and a gently tapering roofline provide surprising space yet cleverly mask the height.

The car looks especially wide and squat - helped by the strong swage lines over the wheelarches flowing into a protruding rear bumper. The overall effect is of a confident, well-balanced design exuding quality and solidity.

An especially impressive drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd confirms the new Daihatsu Sirion's efficiency and aids fuel economy and top speed while reducing wind noise.

As Yoshihiro Fujibayashi, Studio Leader, Styling Division, Daihatsu Motor Co, Ltd said: "We tried to give the car sculpture-like dimensions and a sense of quality. Look at the handsome, chiselled face around the headlamps, the animated and dynamic side view and the rear combination lamps integrated into the bodylines.

Impressive Interior Space
The new Daihatsu Sirion has occupant legroom and headroom from the next-size-up. Its interior width of 1,400 mm is 70 mm greater than before and 10 mm more than the Toyota Yaris.

A 590 mm seat height allows easy entry and exit aided by wide-opening doors. The rear doors, for example, open to 80 degrees.

The interior length of 1,830 mm is 20 mm more than the Yaris while the interior height is also greater than the Toyota.

Luggage space is also impressive. With both rear seats up it measures 225 litres (VDA) compared to 205 litres for the Yaris. However, with the seats folded, this rises to 630 litres - 80 litres more than the Toyota.

World-Class Engines
The new Daihatsu Sirion boasts two of the world's most efficient 1.0 and 1.3 litre petrol engines, combining strong driveability with ultra-low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Both offer punchy throttle response at town speeds, reducing the need for constant gear-changes, yet are especially sweet-spinning on the motorway, allowing the keener owner to exploit their eagerness to rev during brisker driving. Both are also Euro4-compliant.

All-New One Litre
The three cylinder, twin-overhead camshaft 1.0 litre is all-new and is bigger than before with a 998 cc capacity (was 989 cc), and a slightly smaller 71 mm bore and longer 84 mm stroke (was 72 x 81 mm).

This gives greater low-speed torque or pulling power, while the Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) allows a wider spread of high-end power and low-speed flexibility.

The new 12-valve 1.0 litre's maximum power of 69.3 PS at 6,000 rpm is exceptionally high for its size, while the 69.3 lb.ft torque is also impressive - especially at an accessible 3,600 rpm. The compression ratio is 10.5:1.

Featuring compact combustion chambers and an offset crankshaft, this engine employs resin-coated pistons and low-tension piston rings for reduced internal friction.

Both head, block and even oil-pan are made from lightweight but rigid aluminium, contributing to low vibration and quietness.

Unrivalled Performance, Economy And Emissions
No rival can match the new Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 litre's performance, fuel economy and low emissions.

The top speed is a remarkable 99.4 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 13.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is an outstanding 46.3/64.2 and 56.5 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles.

An exceptionally low CO2 emissions of 118 g/km means the car qualifies for a Road Fund Licence charge of only £75 for 12 months plus £38 first registration fee (AA band up to 120 g/km). This places it in a category largely dominated by hybrids - and the smaller Daihatsu Charade, of course.

Thoroughly Revised 1.3 Litre
The new Sirion's four-cylinder 1.3 litre engine has been thoroughly revised to provide stronger low-speed torque and a more useable power delivery in day-to-day driving.

Still featuring Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) and twin overhead camshafts, this basic engine is also supplied to Toyota by Daihatsu for use in its Yaris supermini.

In the new Sirion's application, power is 87 PS (was 102 PS) but at 6,000 rpm instead of 7,000 rpm. Torque is the same 88.5 lb.ft but at a much more useable 3,200 rpm instead of 4,400 rpm as in the previous model.

With a compression ratio of 10.3:1, this compact, light, all-alloy engine has bore and stroke dimensions of 72 x 79.7 mm and - like the 1.0 litre - employs durable chains for its camshaft drive.

Top speed for the manual is 106 mph with the four-speed automatic only slightly slower at 102 mph. The former has a 10.9 second 0-60 mph time while the automatic takes 12.6 seconds.

Fuel economy is outstanding for both at 37.7/58.9 and 48.7 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles for the manual and 32.8/54.3 and 44.1 mpg for the automatic. CO2 emissions are among the lowest in the Daihatsu Sirion's class at 137 and 151 g/km respectively.

World's First Self-Regenerating Catalyst
The new Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 litre features the world's first self-regenerating catalyst. This effectively extends the life of the catalytic converter, reducing maintenance costs.

It also is kinder to the environment as it keeps the catalyst 'healthier' over a higher mileage meaning the already low 137 g/km CO2 emissions do not increase as the engine becomes older.

This revolutionary technology works by providing a self-regenerating capability in the particles of the precious metal which normally degrades.

Using nanotechnology, the intelligent catalyst incorporates metallic ions of palladium, the most heat-sensitive of the metals used in a catalytic converter.

According to temperature and available oxygen, the particles turn in and out of a crystalline state therefore regenerating and prolonging the 'cat's' ability to clean exhaust gasses.

European-Tuned Chassis
The new Sirion's suspension has been thoroughly proven on a variety of European roads and tuned for suppleness and stability.

The front employs MacPherson struts and coil springs while the rear uses the equally popular and well-proven semi-independent torsion bar system with separate coil springs. With almost vertically-mounted shock-absorbers, this reduces the transmission of road noise and makes the damping more effective.

Unusually for a small car, anti-roll bars are fitted to both the front and rear suspension, while the front suspension stroke is especially long to improve ride comfort. The front also uses ball-joints for its anti-roll bar which also enhances ride and handling.

Special features at the rear include a lengthened suspension stroke and more rigid bearings to improve stability.

To optimise fuel economy the new Daihatsu Sirion uses an electric motor for its standard power steering. This is more efficient than the conventional power-sapping hydraulic system.

However, many electric power steering set-ups are criticised for their lack of feel so Daihatsu's chassis engineers have ensured the new Sirion avoids this failing.

The result of their meticulous fine-tuning is a chassis which is absorbent, well-damped and provides reassuringly progressive body roll during brisk cornering.

Straight-line stability is especially strong and the steering self-centres well, avoiding the vagueness and lane-wander of some electric systems.

Class-Beating Turning Circle
Despite having one of the widest tracks and bodies in its sector, the new Daihatsu Sirion boasts a class-beating turning circle.

Coupled with excellent visibility and a seating position higher than the norm, parking is made that much easier - aided by rear parking sensors on SE models.

In fact, with a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 9.4 metres, the Daihatsu Sirion is 0.4 metres tighter than the Ford Fiesta or Toyota Yaris, 0.6 metres better than the Vauxhall Corsa and a massive 0.9 metres more agile than the Renault Clio.

Top Level Safety Package

Every aspect of safety has been studied for the new Sirion with the aim of achieving 4-stars in the Euro NCAP tests.

The body was subjected to the world's most rigorous crash tests including full-on frontal and side-impact collision tests at 55 km/h, a rear impact at 50 km/h and a frontal offset collision test at 64 km/h.

In addition, the new Daihatsu Sirion was deliberately crashed against much larger cars to ensure its compatibility in 'real-life' accidents.

All main frame members are straight, joint rigidity is optimised and suspension mounts reinforced. High-tensile steel is used where needed and bonnet and bumpers are designed to lessen injury to pedestrians.

The door pillars and roof sides have special ribs which reduce possible head injury while both the brake pedal and steering wheel have been designed to avoid intruding during a frontal impact.

Standard on all models are driver, passenger and - unusually at this price - side airbags, while the front seatbelts have pretensioners and force-limiters.

The three rear seatbelts all boast three-point location plus ISOFIX for the outer belts. This gives better location for child safety seats. There are a total of five height-adjustable head-restraints.

The new Sirion's anti-lock ventilated front disc and rear drum brakes (ABS) are aided by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). This optimises braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage.

Unbeatable Equipment Levels
There is no such thing as a 'basic' entry-level Daihatsu Sirion despite prices starting at £6,995 OTR. Every model has unbeatable equipment levels.

For example, standard for all - including the Sirion 1.0 S - is air-conditioning, a radio/CD player, ABS with EBD, power steering, four electric windows, front and side airbags and remote central-locking.

The Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 S adds, for example, rear speakers, electric door mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment, chrome interior door handles and a front passenger seat back pocket.

Extra equipment for the Sirion 1.0 SE includes alloy wheels and rear parking sensors while the Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 SE adds a pod-like rev-counter, colour-keyed exterior door handles and black window surround.

The Daihatsu Sirion also boasts highly competitive insurance groups of 4D for the 1.0 S, 5D for the 1.0 SE and 6D for the 1.3 - both helping reduce running costs.

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