Daihatsu Terios Review: The Rugged and Reliable Family SUV
Introduction
In the highly competitive SUV market, the Daihatsu Terios has carved out a unique and successful niche. It's a vehicle that masterfully blends the practicality of a 7-seater with the rugged good looks and high ground clearance of an SUV, all while upholding the legendary reliability that has become a hallmark of the Daihatsu brand. The Terios is designed for families and young adventurers who need a car that can handle both the demands of city life and the occasional weekend getaway. It's a compelling choice for buyers who want more space and a higher driving position than a traditional sedan, without the high cost and fuel consumption of a full-size SUV. Our comprehensive review dives into what makes the Daihatsu Terios a popular and enduring choice.
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| Daihatsu Terios Review: The Rugged and Reliable Family SUV |
Design and Exterior: A Bold and Sporty Look
The Daihatsu Terios’s exterior design is one of its most compelling attributes. It has a bold, sporty, and modern aesthetic that gives it a confident road presence. The front fascia is dominated by a large, prominent grille and sleek, swept-back LED headlights that give it an aggressive and contemporary look. The car's side profile is characterized by a high beltline, black cladding on the wheel arches, and a high ground clearance, which add to its rugged, SUV-like appeal. The rear design is equally stylish, with a distinctive full-width LED light bar that connects the taillights, giving it a premium and recognizable appearance. The overall design successfully blends a sense of sportiness with urban sophistication.
Interior: Spacious, Practical, and Functional
The interior of the Daihatsu Terios is designed with a focus on practicality and functionality. It’s a cabin that’s surprisingly spacious for a vehicle of its size, a testament to Daihatsu's efficient packaging.
Seating and Space: The Terios offers a highly versatile 7-seat configuration with a 2-3-2 layout. The seats are well-designed and offer good support. The second row is spacious and comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for adults. The third row, while best suited for children or short trips, is a major selling point that provides the flexibility to carry extra passengers when needed. The rear seats can also be folded flat to create a large cargo area for luggage or other items, making the Terios an incredibly practical vehicle.
Infotainment and Features: The dashboard layout is clean, modern, and user-friendly. Higher-end models are equipped with a modern touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows for seamless smartphone integration, providing easy access to navigation, music, and calls. The car also features a clear and easy-to-read instrument cluster. The automatic climate control and rear air vents are a key feature that ensures all passengers stay cool and comfortable, a necessity in hot climates.
Material Quality: While the Terios may not have the soft-touch materials of a luxury car, the quality of the plastics and the overall fit and finish are excellent for its class. The cabin feels durable and well-built, with every panel fitting together perfectly, a hallmark of Daihatsu's engineering.
Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth and Efficient
The Daihatsu Terios is powered by a reliable and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter petrol engine, which is a key to its low running costs.
Engine and Power: The engine produces around 104 horsepower and 136 Nm of torque. While these numbers are modest, the Terios's light weight allows it to feel peppy and responsive in city driving. The engine is tuned for efficiency rather than outright speed, which is exactly what its target audience needs. It has enough power for comfortable cruising and is more than capable of handling daily commutes with a full load of passengers. The engine is also known for its quiet and refined operation.
Transmission: The car is available with both a manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, making it easy to drive in city traffic.
Handling and Ride Quality: The Terios's high ground clearance means it can handle uneven roads with ease. The suspension is well-tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing most bumps and road imperfections. Its compact size and light steering make it incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making parking a breeze.
Safety and Reliability
Daihatsu has a strong reputation for building safe and reliable cars, and the Terios is no exception. It is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
Dual Front Airbags: Standard on all models.
ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): An important safety feature that helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle during challenging driving conditions.
Hill Start Assist: Prevents the car from rolling backward on an incline.
Conclusion
The Daihatsu Terios is a smart and sensible choice in the urban crossover market. It successfully blends the best aspects of a 7-seat MPV and a rugged SUV, offering a versatile, practical, and enjoyable driving experience. Its bold design, spacious interior, and reliable performance make it an excellent option for young professionals and small families. While it may face stiff competition, the Terios's combination of Daihatsu's legendary reliability, excellent fuel efficiency, and a host of modern features ensures it remains a very compelling package. It’s a car with a big personality that is more than ready to tackle the challenges of modern life.
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