Daihatsu UK is testing a five-year warranty on two models, hoping the ‘peace of mind’ approach initiated by Kia and Hyundai will help to continue the 24% sales growth achieved in 2007.

Dealers were briefed on the idea at a conference in December when plans were drawn up to protect Daihatsu’s position in what is likely to be a testing year for all brands dependent on retail sales.

Five-year cover on the Terios compact SUV and five-door Sirion are described as permanent, but spokesman Arthur Fairley said the initiative would be reviewed at the end of June.

“If it’s a great success, we will extend it – if not, we’ll withdraw it,” he said. “We’ll judge success on Daihatsu’s performance against the market as a whole.

“Our retail network is supporting the idea.”

Fairley said dealers would not lose out on two years of potential repair work at retail rates because the cars are so reliable.

“We see the reports that confirm our cars are reliable. This idea should not cost us a great deal of money.”

Part of Daihatsu UK’s thinking is that the offer will give the three-year-old Sirion and two-year-old Terios a lift as other manufacturers introduce new products.

Keith Kingham, whose Kinghams of Croydon business has represented Daihatsu for many years, says: “This is a good idea because the cars don’t go wrong – we won’t lose out.

“There are other reliable cars around and this will help us to retain the loyalty of people who buy Daihatsus. Many are in their fifties or sixties and they will respond to Daihatsu giving them something back.”