Top ‘4x4 of the Year’ award for new Terios

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 40 mpg 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."

Commenting on the award, Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors Managing Director, Paul Tunnicliffe, said: "We are delighted that our efforts to create an affordable, convincing 4x4 which is also a pleasure to drive on-road have been recognised."

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.