2012 & 2011 Daihatsu SUV Reviews & Ratings

Japanese manufacturer Daihatsu has always been known for its small, compact kei vehicles, so discussing a Daihatsu SUV at all is a noteworthy endeavor. Like many auto companies of the 1990s, however, Daihatsu felt the need to begin production of these vehicles due to high consumer demand. For the 2012 model year, Daihatsu is offering two SUV models, (truthfully, one with another variant, though they are marketed separately) the Daihatsu Terios mini SUV and the Daihatsu Terios 7-Passenger SUV.

The standard Terios comes in several trim level options. The Terios features a 1.5-liter DVVT engine which delivers 75/600 (kW/rmp) and a max torque of 135/1400, which delivers a sporty, satisfying ride. Throaty, yet fuel efficient, the 1.5-liter engine has low fuel economy ratings of 7.4 liters/100km combined. This SUV has 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission choices and a well-appointed cabin with such features as a triple meter-dashboard, MP3 compatibility, a urethane steering wheel featuring audio controls, an auxiliary audio jack input, and automatic air conditionings.

Cabin space and storage is ample, with plenty of nooks and crannies to keep your belongings safe. An available black leather seating package further enhances the cabin's already appealing comfort. The Terios SUV comes in several color choices, including Grey Metallic, White, Red, Green Mice, Silver Metallic, Pearl White, Black Mice Metallic, and Champagne Metallic. Impressive safety features, like VSC and a cabin full of airbags are also sure to impress drivers. The Diahatsu Terios competes with such vehicles as the Suzuki Vitara and internally with several Toyota vehicles. The standard Terios seats five passengers and does very well for itself in off-roading situations.

The Terios 7-Seater costs about $70k and comes in the same trim choices as the standard Terios SUV and showcases such features as a dual air condition and a six-speaker audio system. Storage is again ample-even more so than the smaller Terios. Color variations are slightly different for the Terios 7-Seater and include: Black Mica, Silver Mica Metallic, Champagne Metallic, Maroon Mica, White, and Grey Metallic. The 7-feature accommodates all of its passengers with a three-row seating arrangement. Its spacious front seats keep all passengers comfortable, and its wide track and high-eye point assure the driver that he/she is aware of all that is happening on and off the surrounding roads. Despite its increased size, the Terios 7-Seater SUV features the same engine as the smaller 5-seater variant.

Both of the Terios vehicles are available throughout most of the world: in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East. Seat arrangements are versatile for both vehicles, and a 60/40 split rear seat helps the Terios and Terios 7-Seater vehicle carry large and varied loads. Diaihatsu first released the Terios in 1997, and both vehicles still manage to fit the small kei car regulations. The first generation Terios came as a four-door estate vehicle. The Terios is also known by different names in various markets- often as the Toyota Cami. In India, it is known as the Premier Rio, and in Malaysia, it's known as the Perodua Kembara.