DAIHATSU is due to unveil its new Terios 4x4 model at next month's Geneva motor show ahead of its UK arrival in May.
Significantly larger than the current vehicle, it gets a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with 40mpg economy and the lowest CO2 emissions in its class.
The four-door, five-seat newcomer will be able to carry a mountain bike in the back and comes with permanent four wheel drive with a differential lock.
Costing from £13,000 for the 1.5 S manual model, £14,295 for the SX manual and £15,000 for the SE automatic it will be available with air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, passenger and side airbags, three rear-seat three-point seatbelts, radio/CD player, four electric windows and reverse parking sensors.
Anticipating significantly greater demand for the new vehicle, Daihatsu says it plans to increase production for Europe from the current 32,000 figure to a record high of 80,000 within two years.
So confident is parent company Toyota of the new Terios's appeal that it plans to sell 1,500 per month of its version in Japan, where it will be called the Rush.