2022 Perodua Myvi facelift vs Daihatsu Sirion - Same same but slightly different?
CY Foong · Jun 3, 2022 02:35 PM
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Indonesia's Daihatsu Sirion is only available in 1.3L, but is better equipped than Myvi 1.3
It has similar equipment as the higher variants of the Myvi
No ADAS but at least there's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
While the Perodua Myvi continues racking in the dough for Malaysia’s second carmaker, its Indonesian twin, the Daihatsu Sirion isn’t doing so well due to its high price. Still, the Sirion has just received a facelift yesterday and though it loses out on ADAS and the 1.5-litre engine, it makes up with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Better car connectivity isn’t the only feature that makes the Sirion stand out against its regal Malaysian twin. Unlike the pre-facelift Sirion which was largely similar to the pre-facelift Myvi 1.3 variants, the update has a few notable differences.
The Sirion is only offered with one engine option across two variants which is the naturally-aspirated 1.3-litre 1NR-VE (95 PS/119 Nm). That engine is paired with a D-CVT gearbox and as the 5-speed manual transmission is dropped in the updated Myvi, the automatic is the only transmission offered for the Indo-spec Sirion.
Given that the Sirion is fully-imported (CBU) from Rawang, it is at a disadvantage in terms of pricing and during the model’s launch, Daihatsu’s spokespersons also added that the hatchback segment has been slipping in market share in Indonesia.
Hence, the absence of a 1.5-litre variant and Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) ADAS which would be called Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) if it was offered in Indonesia.
Just like the Myvi 1.3, the Sirion is devoid of DRLs despite looking like a Myvi 1.5 down to the 15-inch wheels which are standard. The higher Sirion R gets additional bodykits that are found on the Myvi 1.5 H and 1.5 AV.
Inside, the Sirion also resembles the Myvi 1.5, specifically the 1.5 H variant. Fabric seats are standard on the Sirion and the honeycomb design is also found on the second-highest Myvi variant.
Myvi 1.5 H (top) shown, note the different position of the 'PWR' button on the wheel
The Sirion also features a leather steering wheel with buttons and chrome door handles just like on the higher Myvi variants as well as a 4.2-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster. The latter is only available on the Sirion R while the base Sirion X uses an LCD display.
Recall that the TFT display is only available on the Myvi 1.5 AV in Malaysia, so the Sirion is already ahead in features more than our Myvi 1.3.
Note the compulsory fire extinguisher
The airbag count on the Sirion is four with two pairs of front and side airbags, just like the lower variants of the Myvi in Malaysia. Other features found on both the Sirion and Myvi are the auto-lock function, automatic headlights, and tilt steering.
Myvi 1.3 G without PSDA draws a blank where the AHB would be placed (Screenshot here)
Like for like, the Myvi 1.3 and the Sirion may share the same powertrains but the former is the absolute definition of a base-spec model. With ADAS that is, though there is a non-ADAS variant of the 1.3 G, this is mainly for company car use.
On the other hand, the Sirion is similarly equipped to the more powerful Myvi 1.5 variants and that includes the touchscreen infotainment in the middle. The multimedia system is only offered on the two highest variants of the Myvi but it’s standard on the Sirion.
ID-spec Rocky infotainment shown (Screenshot taken here)
No ‘Smart Link’ connectivity here as the Sirion’s multimedia system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. From the looks of things, the head unit appears to be similar to the ones used on the Indo-spec Daihatsu Rocky 1.2-litre variants so they might be installed in Indonesia rather than in Rawang.
Since PSDA/ASA is absent, the Sirion does not come with auto high beam (AHB). Instead, the button used to activate AHB is now occupied by an ioniser button which enables the air purifier. At least it isn’t left blank.
The updated Daihatsu Sirion is still largely a Myvi but despite only offering the less powerful engine, spec-by-spec it’s similar to the higher variants of its Malaysian twin. As the segment the Sirion is in is shrinking, perhaps pulling all the stops in features might be a way to entice Indonesian buyers instead of going for the usual 7-seaters, small LCGCs, or SUVs.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
