Terios top 4x4 scoop
Daihatsu's all-new Terios has scooped a major award just a few months after hitting our roads. Demanding off-road journalists have voted Daihatsu's totally new Terios sport utility a "4x4 Of The Year 2007" winner following their gruelling annual event.
The 1.5 litre, five-door, five-seat Daihatsu now holds the title of "Compact/Affordable Category Winner", awarded by 4x4 magazine.
The Terios beat all major rivals such as the new Fiat Sedici 4x4, smaller Fiat Panda 4x4 and even larger and more expensive all-wheel-drive models such as the Volkswagen Golf 4Motion.
Key criteria for the judges were a car which combined practicality with driving enjoyment, value for money and - of course - genuine off-road character.
The magazine editorial said: "We like our 4x4s to have some off-road character in their styling, and in this little group the Terios stands out as the only one that evokes any image of wild-country adventure."
Road testers from 4x4 magazine went on to praise the Terios's: "fresh and funky styling" and "compliant off-road ride and impressively stable handling when driving on tarmac."
And they added: "The engine's long-stroke design enhances its torque delivery, which we experienced to good effect when faced with a steep climb that we were convinced could not be scaled without low-range gearing.
"However, the Terios climbed comfortably to the top with its engine beating steadily at 3,000 rpm. Not only that, but variable valve timing extends the torque and power throughout the rev-range giving the engine an incredibly flexible nature.
"This also reduces the need to change gears on and off the road, helping towards the 40mpg economy."
The magazine also praised the space, value and standard equipment of the new Terios and concluded: "Modern styling combines off-road character with city presence and good all-round practicality."
Owners of the new Terios 4x4 can leave the beaten track with confidence thanks to the offer of free satellite navigation.
Worth £289, the Clarion MAP 360 system is free with every retail sale between September 1 and October 31.
Launched in May, the new Daihatsu Terios is available in three trim levels starting with the Terios 1.5 S which costs £12,995 on-the-road.
This is despite a high standard specification including air-conditioning, power-steering, ABS with EBD, full-time four-wheel drive with electronic centre diff-lock, driver, passenger and side airbags, radio/CD player, four electric windows and even reverse parking sensors.
Being considerably larger than the previous Terios - and boasting a generous 380 litre capacity boot - the Daihatsu flagship also has three rear-seat three-point seatbelts.
Running costs are low for a 4x4 with a 'politically-correct' extra urban fuel consumption of 40.4 mpg for the Terios 1.5 S and a highly-competitive Group 7D insurance rating.
Owners of the new Daihatsu Terios 4x4 are spoilt for choice when it comes to accessories, thanks to the unveiling of an extensive new range of styling, luxury and practical dealer-fit equipment.
The completely new 1.5 litre Terios can be customised with more than 100 individual accessory items - all carrying the same three year/unlimited mileage cover as the car itself.
Popular items include alloy wheels from £125 each in 17-inch size, with the largest wheel/tyre combination - an 18-inch alloy with 235/55 tyres - costing £325 each.
Exterior styling accessories include a painted hard wheel cover for £225, painted rear spoiler at £195.95, centre mesh grille for £79.95, aluminium side steps priced at £225 and door side mouldings for £55.
Meanwhile inside, full leather trim in a variety of colours is available for £1,028.13 including fitting with other items including a rear tonneau cover at £139.95, full dog guard for £120 and rear cargo tray costing £39.95.
Other fast-moving accessories include a detachable towbar with full electrics for £325 excluding fitting, aluminium cycle carrier at £72.50 and a wide range of navigation and security upgrades. All quoted prices include VAT.
