DAIHATSU TERIOS 1.5 SE Auto 5dr (2006)

Daihatsu Terios - Reliable, not massively fast, confident off road

If you're coming down from a Land Rover I reckon you'll feel like the Daihatsu Terios is quite a dinky little car, with a 1.5 engine and relatively low slung body. But if you're coming up from a family saloon etc then you'll really feel like you're in a good solid off roader with good road manners as well. It's a decent, comfy, reliable car, which, when you want it to, can do a lot of fancy climbing.

The Terios is a pleasure to drive in most circumstances, very well balanced and doesn't sway much. It takes the corners well. It can be a little bit firm sometimes, and the seats aren't exactly armchairs -- although not flimsy either -- so it's a balance.

I like the recessed speed dial, cos my other half can't quite see the speed! There are enough luxuries dotted about too, the aircon is especially useful at the time of year. The Daihatsu Terios isn't overly luxurious as a car, but not too austere either.

The space inside the Daihatsu Terios is a really pleasant surprise, compared to what you see outside. The boot is very adequate indeed, easily enough for two sets of golf clubs and trolleys. The three back seats split in two, so they can be folded down separately. I mean, either the right two seats or the left one seat, which makes for a nice adaptable space. Lots of space too, the seats fold down nice and flat, although they don't tuck away under the front seats like they did on our old Yaris Verso. Still, the Daihatsu Terios is a bit taller and still have loads of space inside.

The one down side I'd say about the Daihatsu Terios, especially for the Land Rover crowd, is that despite the good off roading ability and 4x4, it aint a tower, and lugging a caravan around will be tricky with anything but a fairly small one.