Daihatsu Terios

Overview:

One of the leader in small-vehicle designs, the Japanese manufacturer is also known for its off-road vehicles. Daihatsu was formed in 1951 after succeeding Hatsudoki Seizo Co. ltd. It started exporting its products in 1960, which could not be able to increase its sales there. From 1992 Toyota started marketing Daihatsu's models in North America. Daihatsu's small model Terios was introduced in 1997 which is a mini SUV. Although it is considered two small in its market segments and could not be able to swallow a considerable part of market but still it managed to get the steady sales. The first gen model was introduced with Daihatsu Charade 1.3 liter mated with five speed manual and four speed automatic transmission. It was available as five door estate and as only released in Japan as Terios Kid. Later it got the facelift and introduced with new replaced engine and revamped stylings. The second generation model made its first appearance in 2005 and went to production in 2006. It came wider compared to first generation and featured with permanent four wheel drive system via lockable central differential. In its segment Terios stands out as a baby in four wheel drive segment which comes short both in price and size. It is less substantial on road where incorporated 1.5 liter engine with variable valve timing gives better performance but is not engineered for mud-plunging. It efficiently puts 103 hp of power output at 6000 rpm while gives peak torque of 140 Nm at 4400 rpm. Terios does not squeak in high speed and gives the agile and tranquil ride. The exterior has got some changes with its facelift which is manifested with styling headlamps, exterior mirror and chrome touch to exterior parts. The interior offers the huge space inside which is comfortable for driver and passenger with ample legroom and headroom. The bootspace lies upto 379 liter which can be increased with 60/40 split rear seats. Cumulatively the current Terios is well equipped to fulfill specific needs and shows better capabilities on-road compare to its previous model.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

Terios not only offer the lowest exhaust emission in its class but also the better fuel consumption with its advanced engine technology. The four speed automatic transmission makes the gears shift smoother and enhances the agility of drive. The 1.5 liter DOHC engine makes the optimum utilization of Electronic fuel injection system and puts the combined fuel consumption of 12.82 kmpl.

Power:

In order to explore uneven dirty roads, Terios offers the acute approach and departure angles with better traction. Terios does not pretend to be the off-roader beast and perfect mountain climber rather it just gives what it shows. The mini SUV though bigger than predecessor, gives agile performance with VVTi enabled engine. The central differential dispense power equally to all wheels which results into the efficient response. Terios generates the power of 103 hp at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 140 Nm at 4400 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

The four wheel drive Terios is not the true off-roader and not oriented to be a mountain climber. However it offers the combined performance and with no vulnerability. While cruising at high speed, gives no-effort for engine. The decent ride is offered with responsive acceleration that can pull your vehicle out of the traffic. It efficiently catches the top speed of 155 kmph with catching the speedmark of 100 kmph within 13.3 secs which makes hard for it to compete.

Exterior:

After the recent facelift, Terios got the numerous changes in its exterior and interior styling which are manifested with its wider profile and attractive designs. The conventional horizontal radiating triple-slate chrome grille is embellished with company's logo and large air intake synchronizes with wider persona. The front fascia is designed with projector headlights and LED daytime running lights which looks impressive with aggressively designed front bumper and side skirts. The chrome line near windows ,chrome accent for fenders and chrome element on body colored wing mirrors which is further integrated with LED turn indicators makes it side profile more attractive. The dynamic side profile exhibits most spacious cabin. The rear part comprises new styled bumper, LED brake lights, redesigned spoiler and antenna as major add-on. The sophisticated exterior styling delivers splendid driving with stability. The wide and open door greets you to come inside with ease while the high ground clearance suits with alloy wheels. The overhangs are tried to be kept as short as possible while black door frame panels, roof mounted roof rail and extended windshield makes the look more effective. Terios posses a rugged charm. The side-hinged tailgate houses the spare wheel which enhances style but makes access difficult in tight parking situation.

Exterior Measurements:

With the recent facelift, Terios got the wider stance. It gives the effective appearance with dynamic styling manifesting its prowess. The new Terios gets the dimension of 4055 x 1695 x 1740 mm which makes its silhouette. In order to protect its chasis and give a robust look, the 200 mm ground clearance is given which result into less damage to bumpers and undercover.

Interior:

The wide front open door lets you in, with making easy egress and ingress which in turn makes you sit in well managed interior with easy to use controls. The front dashboard has hard touch cabin plastic which sometime irritates. The dignified instrument panel creates the sportiness of Terios while plating decoration effectively compliments the interior decor which is unified and vents the classic feeling with balance. The generous space inside with many features and function inside makes driving easy and comfortable. The front height adjustable driver seat gives the comfort position with ample legroom. The genuine-leather wound steering wheel houses various controls while automatic gearshifts makes the ease for driving. The spacious driver seat renders the excellent forward visibility and comfortable driving position with tilt steering. The front instrument panel is befitted with all standard gauges which displays easy to read information. The easier loading and unloading is assured with the 640 mm high load compartment. The driver seat hip point is 740 mm which raises the driver's eye point to a height assuring easy driving. The driver can sit in most comfortable position and enjoy the clear forward view. The plenty of storage space is offered with flexible seating configuration where seats can be configured in several ways depending on cargo need. Overall the spacious interior with improved headroom and legroom gives the comfortable ride surrounded with attractive range of options.

Interior Comfort:

To give convenient travel the lockable glove box with illumination, floor console with bottle holders, front door pocket with bottle holder, rear door pockets and utility box is provided which gives the space to keep your things. The Eco-friendly air conditioner with variable temperature adjustment cools, humidify and purify the air which offers multiple vents. The ergonomically arranged interior gives fidget-less access to dashboard and all controls while the comfort level increases with ample headroom and shoulder room.

Interior Measurements:

The wider and taller Terios offers the plenty of space. The seats are easily configurable in various ways. Rear seat can be folded to 60/40 which makes Terios accommodate long items. The flat floor luggage space can be created with folding and stowing the rear seat. The default cargo space amounts to 379 liters with unfolded seats.

Engine and Performance:

Terios is engineered to meet the decent expectation with four wheel drive. The powerful engine and robust suspension enhances the off-road and on-road excitement and shows the agile and active performance. Terios offers the superb driving capability , responsive acceleration and stability at high speed. In thick mud or deep rutted roads, the central differential lock can be switched on, which gives the better traction connecting the rear and front wheel directly. Within the hood Terios is packed with 1.5 liter DVVT petrol engine, which delivers the satisfying ride generating the power output of 103 hp at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 140 Nm at 4400 rpm. It produces the abundant of torque at low to mid rpm and easy acceleration at high rpm. The easily accelerating engine catches 100 kmph speedmark in 13.3 secs whereas gets to the top speed of 155 kmph.

Stereo and Accessories:

The hard-touch cabin material looks awful whereas Terios still tries to render the optimum pleasure in drive to passengers. Terios offers the standard entertainment system which comprises flash surface CD, AM/FM integrated with 6 speakers giving the ample of sound. The logically placed equipment makes the neat look to instrument panel which includes multi-information display console and LCD screen display showing important information such as : clock, average fuel consumption, maximum traveling range and ice warning.

Wheels:

The high ground clearance makes Terios look powerful while it is equipped with advance technology which dispense the energy to front and rear wheel giving better traction. It offers maximum stability with better grip over the road with 16 inch 5 spoke alloy wheels. The tyre size stands at 215/65 R16.

Braking and Handling:

The outstanding topping performance is assured with incorporated solid disc brakes. The Electronic brake force distribution technology is oriented to distribute the break power to specific wheel while the anti-lock brake system prevent wheel lock in case of panic braking situation. The enhanced riding comfort is assured with reliable suspension system which gives the outstanding driving stability. Further high performance suspension and ventilated disc brakes are also available.

Safety and Security:

The Terios is made with extra rigid structure to absorb the energy impact. The extra edge to crash safety is given with the mechanism to dissipate the energy from collision throughout the body frame. The seatbelt warning system is oriented to indicate that driver's seatbelt is not properly fastened. The 3 point ELR front seatbelt include pretensioners and force limiters which improves the restraint by winding the seatbelt in an event of strong impact. Further impact detecting fuel cut off system cuts off the fuel supply to reduce possibility of danger when an impact occurs. In order to minimize the energy SRS airbag system is deployed to protect driver and front passengers.

Pros

A. Better steering capability and stability in high speed
B. Decent and dynamic styling
C. Generous space

Cons

A. Comparatively low acceleration
B. Not the most impressive equipment range