2006 DAIHATSU Terios 1.5L 5MT AWD (105 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Daihatsu introduced the second generation of the Terios in 2006, and, just like its predecessor, it came with an unusual design for an off-roader.

The Japanese automaker was under Toyota’s umbrella, and they noticed a rise in demand for crossovers and SUVs. While other manufacturers had to develop one from scratch, Daihatsu didn’t have to since it already had a proper platform and the technological expertise to build one.

But if the technical department was ready to create a new small-sized SUV, the design department wasn’t on the same page. Thus, the Terios looked very rounded on all sides. At the front, the swept-back headlights didn’t look like they belonged to an off-road vehicle. Yet, the flared wheel fenders gave the impression of a true 4×4 vehicle. The door panels on the sides looked very tall compared to the car’s height. Moreover, the windows were not that big. Still, the designers had a good idea to install a small window behind the rear doors and blacken the D-pillars to create a wrap-around image at the back of the vehicle.

Inside, the Terios was actually roomy enough for four adults. Even though everything looked like it was penned for a small-sized city vehicle, they were installed in an SUV. The binocular-style instrument cluster hosted the speedometer in the middle, the tachometer on the left, and the fuel gauge on the right. Terios’ high-mounted front seats allowed the automaker to create more room for the rear-seated passengers. Finally, the small trunk in the back was large enough to carry a couple of backpacks for children.

Under the hood, Daihatsu placed a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that was good enough to move this small vehicle in town. Moreover, it installed a 4×4 system, which was useful in the winter.