Bigger than its funny-looking predecessor in every way, Daihatsu is expecting its new Terios to sell in significant numbers. Is this confidence warranted? CAR Magazine deputy editor, Hannes Oosthuizen, recently drove the new mini SUV in Johannesburg.
Bigger than its funny-looking predecessor in every way, Daihatsu is expecting its new Terios to sell in significant numbers. Is this confidence warranted? CAR Magazine deputy editor, Hannes Oosthuizen, recently drove the new mini SUV in Johannesburg.
While the previous-generation Terios was highly regarded for its reliability and useful – at times, surprising – off-road ability, it was a very difficult vehicle to take seriously. After all, it looked like a caricature of a “normal” SUV that had been squashed in a vice…
So, problem number one was to make the new Terios appear more, well, like a real car… a vehicle that one could buy without fear of public ridicule. And I must admit they’ve done it; New Terios looks like a scaled down Toyota RAV4, and has grown in all directions.
It’s still not butch, and more compact in the metal than it appears in pictures, but overall, the improvement is vast. In a market that’s incredibly sensitive to public taste, I suspect the Terios is going to a hit on its looks alone because it looks cute, and more grown-up.
The improvements are even more worthwhile in the cabin, where the longer wheelbase, and significantly wider (by 190 mm) body result in an interior that, according to Daihatsu, has enough space for five passengers and their luggage… Okay, perhaps not five adults, but nevertheless, it is no longer a 2+2! I’m just over 1,8m tall and managed the sit-behind-myself test easily.
The boot can take 380 litres of luggage (VDA measurement), and with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down, Daihatsu claims a mountain bike can be accommodated in the rear. Overall the bigger cabin rates as probably the vehicle’s greatest improvement.
Personally, I also really like the design of the facia, especially the hang down section with its bold ventilation outlets and neatly incorporated radio/CD player. And, while we’re on the subject of radios and such things, the standard features list is comprehensive on all three models. Air-conditioning, power steering, electric windows and mirrors, sound system, height adjustable driver’s seat and safety belts and a rake-adjustable steering wheel are all standard.
The safety package includes dual front airbags, force-limiters on the pre-tensioning front seatbelts, rear ISOFIX child seat mountings and ABS with EBD.
Three models are on offer, all powered by the same 1,5-litre engine with double overhead camshafts and DVVT variable valve control. The engine develops 77 kW at 6 000 r/min and 140 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min. Daihatsu claims a fuel economy figure of 7,9 litres/100 km for the manual models, while the automatic is claimed to consume 8,4 litres/100 km.
New Terios is available in 4×4 and 4×2 guises. In the 4×4 models the engine’s power goes to all four wheels via either a five-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A centre differential lock can be manually activated (by pressing a button on the facia).
Click here for a driving impression of the new Terios and view the gallery.
