New Daihatsu Terios Car Review
Terios - An Affordable 4X4
The Daihatsu Terios should have a solid place in the auto market as one of the most affordable 4X4 compact cars available. It would actually realize that position if only more people knew about its advantages. It is well-equipped, has reasonable fuel efficiency, is value priced and, of course, it gives buyers the chance to own a 4X4 at that low cost.
The price tag on a Daihatsu Terios is somewhere between £13,000 and £15,000. Getting a 4X4 at such a price is a happy surprise for many budget-conscious motorists. The fuel efficiency does not bump up running cost too much. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 35.8mpg, a fairly reasonable number. Emissions are a little higher than expected, with CO2 emissions sitting at 185g/km. However, the generous 5-year unlimited warranty contributes to the owner's ability to keep the Terios on the road for little extra outlay of cash.
The 105bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine of the Terios is fully capable of moving the car around the city, but it will not win any prizes for speed. It takes the Terios 12.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60mph, and the top speed is only 99mph. Yet, the Terios 4-wheel drive feature puts it into action with a 50:50 torque split. The locking centre differential gives the options of automatic deployment or manual selection. This 4X4 is capable of climbing steep hills and running on rough roads, if perhaps not great at off-road driving.
The ride of the Daihatsu Terios is fairly comfortable, with easy handling and nice cornering for a compact 4X4. It affords the riders high seating for a classic 4X4 feel, whilst allowing a great amount of visibility all around from that position at the same time. The room inside the cabin has enough space for 4 adults easily, 5 with a little squeezing or a family with children. The 5-door body style allows for easy access to luggage and other gear.
The seats of the Terios are not built for supreme comfort, but they do have height adjustments. Also inside are: a car stereo with CD, electric windows, central locking and air conditioning. The budget aspect of the car reveals itself in the interior surfaces of the Terios, which seem a little cheap. The cowled design of the instrument panel makes it a little more exciting, but the overall theme of the interior is simple, modest practicality.
Safety for the Daihatsu Terios is covered in several features. The reversing sensors help with safe parking, whilst the anti-lock brakes are improved with electronic brake-force distribution. Twin front and side airbags are standard.
People looking for a massive 4X4 with exquisite off-road capabilities will not look twice at the Daihatsu Terios. On the other hand, those who want a 4X4 just to get out of a few sticky situations on inferior roads or in poor weather conditions will want to consider the possibility of owning a Terios. For the money, it is a great little 4X4 for these conditions and for city driving as well.
by Autoweb
