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

Daihatsu’s popular Terios sport utility has been voted a ‘4x4 Of The Year’ winner for the second year running following tough testing by 4x4 magazine.

The 1.5 litre, five-door, five-seat Daihatsu now holds the title of: ‘Budget Class Winner – 2008’.

Launched as a totally new model last summer, the Terios already holds the title of ‘Compact/Affordable Category Winner – 2007’.

The Terios beat all major rivals such as the 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: “No one-trick pony, the Terios has an array of talents.”

It added: “The modern, rounded styling blends perfectly with traditional 4x4 features, such as the classic tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Ground clearance is fine for deepish ruts, and an electronic diff-lock enhances traction when the auto 4WD needs it.”


The magazine described the Terios’s 1.5 litre petrol engine as: “surprisingly willing, and eager to rev when you hold on to a lower gear to reach a motorway cruising speed.”

And they added: “The Terios isn’t quick, but it is light on its feet, involving to drive and a doddle to park. A practical loadall, it offers a tall uncluttered boot and an equally roomy cabin.

“Even the base-model S gets air-con and a CD stereo. True value doesn’t come more rounded than this.”

Commenting on the award, Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors Managing Director, Paul Tunnicliffe, said: “We much appreciate this accolade which endorses the Terios’s popularity. In fact, Daihatsu passenger vehicle sales are more than 18 per cent up this year, with the Terios making a major contribution to our success.”

Currently available from £11,995 on-the-road – a £1,000 saving – the Daihatsu Terios boasts 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.