Sirion is up against some stiff competition; just about every car manufacturer in the world includes a product of equivalent size and packaging.

Instead of go ‘me too’, Daihatsu took another approach, and went distinctive on looks. From the European perspective, Sirion is probably the least successful Daihatsu in relation to styling.

It looks that little bit too quirky, with a lot of curves and too much chrome for comfort on the car of the size. Overcome that though, and also the car is extremely effective.

It is available in a variety of packages including an activity and a four wheel drive variant, with either the 1.0 litre engine found in the Charade, or perhaps a 1.3 four cylinder unit which provides out a good 108PS in Sport form.

Handling of the sport is particularly good, and it is tough to think about another car that delivers a lot fun for this type of small amount of cash. You just need to learn to accept the looks.