Daihatsu Terios

Performance

1.5-litre 104bhp engine copes well enough on the flat, but uphill or laden it struggles a little. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic are available, with the former the better bet.

Driving

Nippy with good body control, but the ride is soft. Full-time 4WD helps.

Feel

Engine complains at high revs.

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Price

Cheap for a 4x4, the Terios is more comparable to a mid-size saloon. On that basis it does OK on running costs, fairly poor on depreciation and somewhere in the middle for the amount of car you get.

Quality

Looks decent and feels solid.

Safety

ABS, brakeforce distribution, four airbags.

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Space

Five adults should be OK. Bootspace is good and helped by folding rear seats providing flat storage area.

Equipment

Plenty of kit at entry-level: electric windows; central locking; CD player and aircon. SX trim provides cosmetic changes.

Alternatives

Fiat Sedici

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Pros

Cheap to run for 4x4.

Cons

Pricey for what it is.

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