Tokyo show: XL-C concept heralds next Sirion

Expect the XL-C Concept to turn into the next-generation Sirion.

Daihatsu says the XL-C is a rational, roomy and high quality small sedan. Its design apes recent Lancia efforts, particularly at the front.

The ai 2+2 seater city car concept may soon see production.

It features a side sliding door, and can accommodate four different 660cc engines – a two cylinder, a three-cylinder diesel and petrol and a petrol-electric hybrid.

Other Daihatsu concepts of note at the 2003 Tokyo show include the D-BONE, a 4WD dune buggy, the 570kg UFE-II four-seat hybrid that’s capable of returning a world-record 1.67L/100km, and the Tanto, a tall wagon in the vein of the Citroen Berlingo.

On the technology front Daihatsu displayed its FCV-K-2, a fuel cell city car that’s been testing on public roads in Japan since early 2003.