FirstDrive: Daihatsu TeriosThe new Terios promises to bring Daihatsu a healthy increase in sales here this year. Daniel Attwood reports
The latest version of the Terios, Daihatsu's small SUV, has been launched in Ireland. While always a niche player here as well as in Europe, Daihatsu has still managed to earn a reputation in Ireland for tough, affordable 4x4s.
While its SUV heyday was in the late 1980s with the Fourtrak, the company has continued to build value-for-money 4x4s, most notably the Terios, which first appeared here in 1997.
Now the second generation has arrived, which the Japanese manufacturer hopes will finally allow it to make significant inroads into European markets.
Interestingly, Daihatsu's parent company, Toyota, has re-badged this latest Terios for its home market and is selling it as a Toyota vehicle. However, in Ireland this small SUV remains a Daihatsu.
Similar to the outgoing model, this new model is available in both front-wheel and four-wheel drive versions, although the Terios now gets a larger 1.5-litre 103bhp petrol engine.
While the availability of just a single petrol engine will limit its appeal, Daihatsu is set to bring in a diesel version within 12 months. This oil burner will be either Daihatsu's own 1.2-litre turbo and supercharged unit or Toyota's larger 1.4-litre D4D.
Although 80 per cent of sales are expected to be made up of the €22,495 two-wheel drive model, the four-wheel drive Terios, which is available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto, is worth considering, especially if you want the security of a full-time 4x4 system or intend to put this light - it weighs just 1,140kg (and short - slightly over 4m) SUV to full use off the road.
As with most SUVs, few drivers will venture off the road, but for those willing to test its capabilities, the 4x4 Terios comes with a locking centre differential and a limited slip rear differential as standard.
Other than these diffs and the number of driven wheels, there is little to split the two models. Both come with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard and both have impressive specification levels.
While Daihatsu optimistically eyes Toyota Rav4, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda HR-V buyers for the new Terios, this little Japanese SUV still packs a punch against these heavyweight players and often beats them in terms of equipment, interior room and price.
However, more realistically, the Terios's competition will be the soon-to-be-launched Fiat Sedici and Suzuki's imminent Jimny replacement, both of which will share technology and probably Fiat's 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel.
For now however, it is Daihatsu that is offering the Irish market an affordable and, it has to be said, stylish SUV. While the performance from the 1.5-litre unit will never set the driver's heart alight, it is perky and will suit town driving, where most of these Daihatsus will find homes. Indeed, the Terios's small exterior, nippy engine and great visibility mean it will provide some fun for its buyers in the urban environment, but the engine's limits can soon be found.
Despite the Terios's compact exterior dimensions, it is surprisingly roomy inside and will afford reasonable accommodation for five people plus four suitcases.
Daihatsu is not saying what it expects the Terios to score in the EuroNCAP crash tests. The basic model only has two airbags as standard, although there is an option for side airbags and air conditioning for an additional €850.
Other toys that are thrown in for the asking price include alloy wheels, roof rails, keyless entry and the ubiquitous front fog lamps.
As a value for money SUV, the Terios punches above its weight in many respects, which will mean Daihatsu's expectations of selling more than 1,000 here next year should prove accurate, especially when the promised diesel arrives.
FACTFILE: Daihatsu Terios
Model: Compact SUV
Engine: 1.5-litre 103bhp petrol producing 140Nm of torque
Transmission: Five-speed manual and four-speed auto
Wheels driven: Two-wheel drive (front) and all-wheel drive
Seats: Five
Fuel economy (manual 2WD)
Urban: 9.2l/100km (30.7mpg)
Extra urban: 6.5l/100km (43.46mpg)
Combined: 7.5l/100km (37.66mpg)
Price: €22,495 (2WD) to €24,495 (4WD auto)