THERE are people who fancy the idea of a 4x4 vehicle but are fazed by the sight of a monster mud-plugger with a couple of gearsticks.
Too big, too daunting, too heavy, too expensive - and a good reason why Daihatsu launched the Terios back in 1997.
The 4x4 market is split into three distinct classes these days. There are the heavy duty Land Cruiser, Grand Cherokee and Discovery types that feel most at home in the rough, and the trendy but expensive executive machines like the BMW X5, Lexus RX300 and Volvo XC70 that cruise sweetly across the tarmac.
But for those preferring smaller, lighter machines at more attractive prices there's also a fashionable middle area inhabited by the likes of Toyota's Rav4, the Mitsubishi Pinin.... and the all-wheel drive Terios.
At its inception, power for the Terios came via a 1.3 litre 16-valve engine, producing a top speed of 91mph, and average fuel consumption of around 33 miles per gallon.
While these early Terios models were enjoyable to drive, there was definitely room for improvement. For one thing, the power steering was too floaty - and a stronger engine was required.
That latter criticism was addressed just over two years ago when a Toyota-derived 1.3 litre unit, tuned to give 85bhp and provide greater pulling power at lower revs, was introduced.
It was certainly a smart move because the newer engine remains more lively, smoother and noticeably quieter than its predecessor.
What buyers of used models are getting is a stylish, fun car that's a piece of cake to pilot and park and - best of all - has permanent four-wheel drive.
If the plan is to do some serious off-roading then the Terios wouldn't be on the shortlist, as urban roads are patently its most comfortable habitat.
That said, you can take it over some pretty tricky terrain without problem.
Terios interiors are bright and breezy, even if the materials feel a bit cheap, but levels of comfort are adequate while the rear seats split, fold and recline.
The spare wheel is mounted on the rear door, low enough not to hamper reversing, and there are attractive high mounted rear lamps to aid safety.
Ride quality has been softened over that of the first derivative, and the Terios is now one of the smoothest riding lightweight 4x4s on the market.
The Daihatsu was originally available in two specification levels, the Terios and Terios +, and even the base spec included driver's airbag, power steering, central locking, immobiliser, electric headlamp levelling, tinted glass and sound system.
The Plus, since superceded by E, EL and SL, added air-con, ABS, passenger airbag, alloy wheels, electric front windows and mirrors along with roof rails.
Expect to pay around £4,175 for a 1998 base level Terios in mint condition on an S-plate, or £7,915 for an SL spec model from the October 2000 revised range.
FORECOURT FACTS
Model: Daihatsu Terios
Driving: Good fun, versatile and easy to drive, but would benefit from heavier steering
Performance: Slick gearshift and good ratios allow quite spirited pick-up and relaxed cruising
Economy: Pretty good - around 35mpg from the post-2000 examples
Safety: Driver's airbag, immobiliser and central locking on original Terios. Later EL/SL models have twin front airbags
Recommended buy: Terios 1.3 SL