THE evolution of the "large" small car has been steady but we've now reached the stage where such machines can be considered as competent alternatives to conventional family hatchbacks.

Having survived a trouble-free 700-odd-mile run in Daihatsu's latest Sirion without a hitch, complete with long motorway stretches and power-sapping uphill runs, it's difficult not to be impressed by the breadth of the abilities of this new breed of maxi-sized superminis.

Although still styled on the quirky side of normal, the latest Sirion is noticeably bigger than its predecessor. That much is evident from the car's wider track, taller stance, chunky wheel arches and high bonnet and roofline. The doe-eyed headlamps and over-large grille may have gone, but from the front the new model remains a distinctive sight on the road.

Still slightly cartoonish in appearance, the car has grown larger but hasn't fully grown up.

The Sirion's interior is full of character, but, thankfully, not at the expense of quality. Levels of fit and finish are high and a huge leap over the old car. Nice touches include silver trim to lift the predominately black fascia and chunky buttons and rotary controls for the stereo and ventilation units, respectively.

Heightened visual appeal is complimented by a number of practical touches. The steering wheel moves up and down with the main instrument binnacle, so you never obscure the top portion of the speedometer. There's a handy central cubbyhole below the heater controls and an equally practical tray for the front seat passenger, while the glovebox is also above average in size.

Opt for the SE spec - the range starts with the S model - and you even get a rev counter mounted on the top surface of the fascia.

Room up front is generous and even adult rear-seat occupants will struggle to find fault with space.

The boot will hold half a dozen shopping bags and folding rear seats liberate more space.

If you think the Sirion is nothing more than a supermini that's eaten all the pies (a little bigger than its predecessor but with slack and stodgy handling from the extra girth), you're wrong.

The Sirion's enlarged footprint gives it the stability it needs to cope with everything from lunar surface-like urban streets to high-speed motorway runs. This level of competence is all the more impressive when you realise the Sirion comes with a choice of only a three-cylinder, one-litre or a four-cylinder, 1.3-litre petrol engine. Ball of fire it is not, but it performs tirelessly with a minimum of fuss and noise. Boasting 68bhp and 86bhp, respectively, these engines haul the cars around with ease.

If you regularly make long trips, the 1.3-litre model will be the better choice, as it has enough in reserve to cope better with steep hills, a full load and the hustle and bustle of the motorway.

Although the one-litre copes admirably with long trips, it proves more worthy around town, where its personality shines.