1998–2001 Daihatsu Terios CX Specs & Performance

The Daihatsu Terios CX was one of those early compact SUVs that kept its formula deliberately simple: a small naturally aspirated four-cylinder, permanent all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Its 1.3-litre engine produces 82 BHP and 105 Nm, enough for everyday driving while the AWD system gives the compact body a more capable character than a conventional city-oriented hatchback. The result is a small SUV with a distinctly utilitarian personality rather than a focus on outright performance.

For 1998–2001, the Terios CX offered useful versatility within a relatively compact footprint. Five doors and seating for five made it practical for everyday family use, while its 205-litre luggage area provided a reasonable amount of space behind the rear seats. The 16.1-second 0–62 mph time makes its priorities clear: this was about straightforward mobility and traction rather than speed. Its combination of compact dimensions, simple petrol power and AWD helped give the first-generation Terios a distinctive place among small SUVs.