Daihatsu has been selling cars in the UK since 1964, longer than any other Japanese manufacturer. But the brand has never really hit it off with British car buyers: in 2006 it sold just 4,024 new cars, some 113,000 fewer than Toyota.

But statistics can be misleading and anyone who assumes that Daihatsu’s modest sales are a reflection of the abilities of the cars it builds should think again, or, better still, take the Sirion for a drive.

The supermini was first introduced here in 1998 and proved reliable but dull. Daihatsu hoped to solve that problem in 2005 when the all-new model came on sale. With more than a passing resemblance to a Toyota Aygo, the Sirion’s confident new face, neat rump and high roofline certainly represented an improvement.

Under the bonnet, owners had a choice of two petrol engines: a plucky 1 litre, three-cylinder unit producing 68bhp and a 1.3 litre, four-cylinder one with 86bhp on tap. Both engines are keen to please; the smaller unit has a great engine note and is ideal for buzzing around city streets. But load it up, point it at a long, slow incline and you will find yourself shifting down through the five-speed manual gearbox to maintain momentum.

While an additional 18bhp may not sound much, in a relatively light car such as the Sirion it makes all the difference and the 1.3 litre engine feels less frenetic and more refined, particularly at motorway speeds.

Daihatsu produces the Sirion as a five-door only and all models are generously equipped compared with many supermini rivals. The entry level S model features air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking and a single-disc CD player, while for around £300 more on the used car market an SE adds alloy wheels, parking sensors and electric door mirrors. With such a small price differential a used SE is within the reach of most buyers and it is the one buyers should hunt down.

At 5½ft wide and just under 12ft long the Sirion is no giant but it has a surprisingly roomy cabin, with good shoulder room for front and rear passengers. With the wheels pushed firmly to the corners of the car both legroom and boot space, at 225 litres, are generous.

Inside, the design is functional rather than radical. The large rotary dials that control the air-conditioning are easy to use and the main instruments, housed in a pod-like surround, are mounted to the steering column, making them easily visible when the wheel is adjusted for height.

Like most Japanese manufacturers, Daihatsu has a knack for creating interiors that, while they lack the sensation of quality found in many European marques, do seem to stand the test of time.

On the road the Sirion’s ride is about par for the supermini category and the car does a fair job of soaking up lumps and bumps. The relatively high roofline induces a bit of body roll but the tyres are grippy and the car always feels fun to drive. Happiest in the towns and cities, the Sirion’s light steering and tight 31ft turning circle make it easy to slot into parking spaces.

Running costs for the Sirion should prove reasonable. Servicing is due every 12 months or 9,000 miles, more frequent than some competitors, but dealers have a reputation for good customer service, and with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty it’s unlikely that you’ll have any additional expense.

Despite the absence of a diesel option few buyers will be disappointed to learn that the 1 litre model can achieve more than 55mpg in the combined cycle while the 1.3 does about 48mpg.

With modest new-sale volumes the Sirion is never likely to cause consternation in the boardrooms of Ford or Vauxhall but as a secondhand buy it makes a competent and attractive alternative to mainstream offerings.

Safety The 2005 model Sirion scores four stars for adult occupant safety in the Euro NCAP tests with three for child protection and two for pedestrians. All models get front and side airbags, plus Isofix child seat fittings in the rear

Boot space 225 litres with the option of folding the split-fold rear seats, which do not go completely flat, to increase that to 630 litres

Steering column Adjustable for height but not for reach

Servicing Due every 9,000 miles or 12 months, whichever is the sooner. Check on low mileage cars that this has been done or the manufacturer’s warranty can be invalidated

Stereo Single-disc CD as standard but factory unit lacks power

Warranty Three-year unlimited mileage warranty on new cars plus six years on bodywork

Security Immobiliser and remote central locking on all models

Facelift November 2007 facelift included new bumpers, tauter rear suspension and an MP3 compatible stereo

Vital statistics

Model Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 S

Engine 1298cc, four cylinders

Power 86bhp

Transmission Five-speed manual

Fuel 48.7mpg (combined cycle)

Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.3sec

Top speed 106mph

The one to buy A 2006 06 Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 S with 10,000 miles on the clock. Pay £5,850 at a Daihatsu dealer or £5,000 privately

Values

Mileage 5,000 10,000 20,000

2005 54 Trade £3,950 £3,825 £3,600

Retail £5,250 £5,125 £4,895

2006 06 Trade £4,650 £4,525 £4,250

Retail £5,995 £5,850 £5,575

2007 07 Trade £5,225 £5,075 £4,775

Retail £6,550 £6,395 £6,095

Or for similar money

2005 05 Suzuki Swift 1.3 GL 5dr

2006 55 Hyundai Getz 1.4 CDX 5dr

2006 55 Peugeot 107 1.0 Urban 5dr

2006 06 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Studio 5dr

2007 07 Fiat Panda 1.2 Eleganza 5dr