FRESH looks, a new interior, “warm-hatch” versions, a four-wheel drive model and a five-year warranty launch offer are among the highlights of Daihatsu's five-door Sirion.

The expanded Sirion stable ranges from a new entry-level 1.0 litre EL automatic to the UK-developed 1.3 litre Rally 2 and four-wheel drive Rally 4 models with punchy 111.5 PS powerplants.

The mainstream 102 PS 1.3 SL continues with its unbeatable combination of a 112 mph top speed, 0-62 mph time of 9.6 seconds, 61.4 mpg on the extra urban cycle and a class-leading CO2 emission figure of 134.1 g/km. However, there is now a high-value Sirion 1.3 EL for only £7,995 on the road and a 1.3 4trak model for £9,995 on the road. The Sirion 4trak should prove a viable replacement for Subaru's discontinued Justy AWD.

And, as a special launch incentive running until the end of September, all Sirions, except the Rally 2 and 4, come with a five-year 555 warranty. It means five years' unlimited mileage cover plus roadside assistance - both transferable - and five years, free servicing up to 60,000 miles (non-transferable).

Priced at £9,995 and £10,995 on the road respectively, the Rally 2 and Rally 4 feature extensive engine, chassis and braking modifications and follow in the tradition of the Charade GTti.

Top speed is an estimated 115 mph for the Rally 2 and 112 mph for the Rally 4, with 0-60 mph times of 7.9 and 8.9 seconds respectively. Fuel and emission figures will be released shortly.

New, uprated front and rear springs are stiffened by 15 per cent and the ride height reduced by 20 mm for sharper handling. Wheel and tyre size grow to 185/55 R15 on 15 x 6 ins rims while the wheels themselves are sporty seven-spoke alloys.

Brake pads are changed to an uprated competition-type material, which complement the standard anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

So extensive are the modifications that even changing gear is a crisper experience. A new uprated gear selector bush gives a more positive change with a 20 per cent reduction in gear lever movement.