Skip advert
Advertisement

Daihatsu Sirion Rally IV

First it lost out to Mercedes' E-Class, and now it has truly fallen from its pedestal. The venerable BMW 5-Series has been beaten again... this time by a Daihatsu supermini. No, seriously. The new Sirion Rally IV will hit 0-60mph quicker than a BMW 520i - in only 8.9 seconds, compared to the Beemer's 9.2

The Rally IV is a performance bargain, but it's an acquired taste. If you can live with nasty plastic trim and bug-eyed looks for the satisfaction of outsprinting a BMW, it's worth a look. But if you value image and quality, go elsewhere.

First it lost out to Mercedes' E-Class, and now it has truly fallen from its pedestal. The venerable BMW 5-Series has been beaten again... this time by a Daihatsu supermini.

No, seriously. The new Sirion Rally IV will hit 0-60mph quicker than a BMW 520i - in only 8.9 seconds, compared to the Beemer's 9.2. And while it can't compete on style - with flimsy trim, a chin-between-the-knees driving position, goofy lights and a huge grille - this car is more than the sum of its parts.

Why? Because the Rally IV is such good fun. Underneath the bulbous body lurks a 113bhp 1.3-litre engine from the Toyota Yaris. But Daihatsu has tweaked it to offer more power than the T Sport's 1.5-litre, plus the Sirion has four-wheel drive and a close-ratio five-speed box. As a result, the car is quick, and boasts impressive grip and a sporty exhaust note. On twisty roads, its competent chassis makes it lively and agile, while it outperforms several cars costing twice the price. But the Rally IV disappoints on the motorway. The engine sounds buzzy and, despite a claimed 112mph potential top speed, the car struggles with inclines and lacks urgency in the higher gears. Of course, this isn't Daihatsu's first mad supermini. But where the Charade GTti was a great all-rounder, the Sirion is completely daft in nearly every respect - so you'll either love it or hate it...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £36,645Avg. savings £2,892 off RRP*Compare Offers
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £1,458 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,600 off RRP*Compare Offers
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £18,395Avg. savings £2,695 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price
MG4 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price

The MG4 is one of our favourite EVs on account of its sheer value for money. It’s our Deal of the Day for 11 December
News
11 Dec 2024
ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers
Nissan Cube

ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers

Got an ICE car on order? Don’t bet on collecting it before the New Year…
News
10 Dec 2024
McLaren gets a new owner with big plans for the future
McLaren 750S Spider - front

McLaren gets a new owner with big plans for the future

Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings aims to “redefine high-performance mobility”
News
9 Dec 2024