LOVE them or hate them, four wheel drive cars have a role to play - and not all off-roaders are the same.
For a start, they don't have to be big and bulbous. Many of them are of the smaller variety, operating in virtual supermini or hatchback-like fashion most of the time while still having the ability to get tough if necessary.
One such workhorse is the Daihatsu Terios, a relatively cheap and cheerful 4x4 which began its UK tour of duty back in the summer of 1997 before being succeeded during last summer by a new model.
Despite some reasonable traction producing quite decent off-road ability and having earned a favourable reputation in the reliability stakes, the Mark I Terios was perhaps more your one-star performer in the convenience and fashion stakes with accommodation a little on the cramped side and trim quality which was more durable than fashionable.
The new Terios has already acquitted itself with distinction in its first competitive event, beating rivals such as the Fiat Sedici to become 4x4 Magazine's Compact/Affordable Category Winner in the publication's recent 4x4 Of The Year 2007 competition,
The car has grown up and is now able to deliver a much more mature interpretation of the smaller, permanent all-wheel-drive 4x4. It ticks all the right boxes for seekers of traditional 4x4 qualities such as versatility, visibility and bad weather traction and should suit buyers of all ages on the trail of an affordable, proper, small 4x4 with a definite town and country attitude.
Although there is still no diesel alternative, the single engine available is new, this spritely piece of 1.5-litre petrol power coming paired with either a five-speed manual gear change or four-slot automatic transmission, while trim levels are threefold at S, SX and SE.
The entry level S model comes well decked out with kit, the manifest including air con, electric windows all round, reverse parking sensors, radio/CD, front and side airbags plus ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). The SE model adds alloys, heated door mirrors and windscreen, privacy glass, roof rails, front fogs, multi function display, leather-clad steering wheel and colour-keyed side skirts.
Although the outgoing model was never noted for its looks, the new Terios has made up for that with a strikingly stylish appearance designed to put this SUV in vogue, whether in town, country or places where the going gets tough.
Blessed with greater overall dimensions in its modern styling than the outgoing model which have translated into a longer wheelbase and wider tracking, the new Terios presents a decidedly businesslike, tough, wheel-at-each-corner stance on the tarmac, looking every inch a fully paid-up member of the town and country set.
Increased dimensions have also made for a much more versatile interior, which now offers mid-sized hatchback passenger space with a clever rear seat which splits, folds and tumbles to take a mountain bike in the vacant area.
User friendly boot space is also good, helping to take the likes of boots and saddles, baby buggy, golf bags or suitcases while the rear doors thoughtfully open in increments to allow people to get in and out more easily.
The high command driving position helps to provide some fine overall vision from a supportively comfortable driving position which, despite height-only steering wheel adjust, should suit most folk with a quite upmarket looking dash and centre console.
However, apart from the deep glovebox, perhaps the designers could have been a little more generous over providing places for your bits and bobs?
On the tarmac, the free-revving 1.5-litre petrol engine features a good spread of power from its 103bhp providing some quite punchy pull if worked hard, although I would have preferred a manual gearchange instead of the mandatory four-speed autobox of the Terios SE.
Under automatic transmission the powertrain does deliver the 0-62mph in a sedate 14 seconds while producing an mpg figure of 33.2 on avaerage.
Although the ride is on the firm side in town it is a vast improvement over the original. It's also more stable with a fairly tight turning circle and short overhangs making it easy to park.
The Terios is permanent four wheel dirve and with the benefit of an electronic differential lock and quite high ground clearance, it is a vehicle which can tackle some tough terrain.
Daihatsu is a company renowned as a maker of sturdy 4x4s and the Terios shapes up well, providing plenty of the country style while looking almost like something in the city, all from a starting price of under £13,000.
FAST FACTS
Daihatsu Terios 1.5 SE Automatic 5dr
Price: £14,995
Mechanical: 103bhp, 1,495cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 4spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 93mph
0-62mph: 14 secs
Combined mpg: 33.2
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 201g/km
BiK rating: 27%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust