Daihatsu Storia

The Daihatsu Storia was a subcompact car/supermini produced by Japanese automaker Daihatsu between 1998 and 2004, and also sold as Toyota Duet. It effectively replaced the similar sized Charade, which was produced alongside it for a year until being axed in 1999.

Outside of Japan, with the exception of a few countries, the Storia was sold as the first-generation Sirion.

Production

The 1998 incarnation of the Storia/Duet (called Sirion outside of Japan) came with two petrol engines (with multi-point fuel injection): a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder with 54 bhp (40 kW; 55 PS) , and a 1.3 litre 4-cylinder 86 bhp (64 kW; 87 PS) unit. Both were available with either a 5-speed manual or an 3-speed automatic gearbox. As of 2001, 1.3L models have 102 hp (76 kW; 103 PS) engines capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h). This engine is very fuel efficient with an average rating of 49.6 mpg and the 1.0 model averaging 51.4 mpg.

There are two Rally versions of the Storia/Duet: the Rally 2 and the Rally 4; the latter being the four-wheel drive version. The Rally models have a slightly increased engine output of 108 bhp (81 kW; 109 PS) and boast a class-leading 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds (8.9 for Rally 4) and reaching a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h), giving it 'hot hatch' credibility. The 4Track (or just 4WD outside of Japan) is the four-wheel drive version of the standard 1.3. The F-Speed model is equipped with Formula-1 style paddle gear changers. Another version called the Storia X4 was released in Japan. This had an engine with 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp).

The Storia/Duet was restyled in 2000 with most changes to the front of the car, most notably the grille design. From the A-posts rearward, the design remained almost identical. The dashboard was also extensively redesigned with innovative use made of storage space and a more luxurious appearance.

The Australian market only had the 1.0 litre model up until early 2001, when the sporty 1.3 litre model - known as the GTvi - was added to the line-up. At the time, the GTvi had the most powerful naturally aspirated motor available in its class, developing 101 bhp (75 kW; 102 PS) at 7500 rpm. This version was also known as the Toyota Duet.

In December 2001, the Storia/Duet was, once again, restyled; the front grille was changed to look more sporty and in some markets the silver accents on the sides were removed. The dash was redesigned, incorporating more storage space and easier to use controls. This edition was exported to Europe and Australia as the Sirion in 2002.