Daihatsu YRV (2001 Ð to 2005) Car Review

DaihatsuÕs ÔYoung Recreational VehicleÕ may not have had the nation scrambling for their chequebooks the first time around, but that doesnÕt mean it isnÕt a sound used purchase. With a weak reputation to fall back on, demand isnÕt huge, yet youÕre buying into a manufacturer with a superb reputation for reliability and innovation. Think of it as a cut-price Toyota Yaris and you wonÕt be too far off the mark.

History
The YRV was introduced to the British public at the 2000 Birmingham Motor Show and was instantly viewed as just another in a long line of tiny Daihatsu oddities. The Cuore and Sirion models hadnÕt made much impact on domestic sales figures and although the YRV seemed an entire generation forward in terms of styling and build, few reckoned it would capture the publicÕs imagination.
And so it has proved. Two models were initially available, a standard trim base model and an upspec Premium trim level. These were followed in summer 2001 by the F-Speed which boasted a trick semi-automatic version and the 4Trak which, as its name suggests, was fitted with all-wheel drive. Perhaps realising that the aggressively priced Citroen Saxo was capturing the spoils in this market sector, Daihatsu released the Radical and Radical2 versions of the YRV, value models that lowered the entry price to YRV ownership to an accessible £7,995. All models were powered by the same 86bhp 1.3-litre engine until the YRV Turbo arrived with a 130bhp turbocharged version of that powerplant. The last YRVs were sold in 2005 once the model range had been replaced by a new Sirion.

Opinion
Viewed from the front, the YRV could be nothing but Japanese. The slightly self-conscious detailing and twin-tracheotomy intakes either side of the numberplate are certainly more Tokyo than Turin, although the effect isnÕt altogether unattractive. From the side, the story gets more confusing. Borrowing elements of standard supermini design and adding the slightest dash of micro-MPV makes the YRV slightly uneasy on the eye. The overall effect is of a hall-of-mirrors VW Polo with some Toyota Yaris Verso genes thrown into the mix somewhere.
The signature styling touch is the Ôdouble-wedgeÕ design applied to the side doors. Whereas most cars have a clearly defined Ôbelt lineÕ, in other words the line marked by the bottom of the side windows, the YRV junks this styling tradition. Instead it opts for two big windows which cant upwards at the bottoms. Distinctive, certainly, but does it work aesthetically? The juryÕs still out on that one. What is a deft touch is the addition of an optional ÔpanoramaÕ fixed glass roof, which has the effect of making the windscreen look as if it arcs back into the roof.
Seven YRV models are available, six of which are powered by that 86bhp 1.3-litre engine from part-owners Toyota, based on the unit fitted to the Yaris. Entry-level and Premium models based on a five-speed manual gearbox are most commonplace, but the more interesting variants are the four-wheel drive 4Trak and the YRV F-Speed. This range-topping version offers a Formula One-inspired steering wheel gear change, based on a conventional four-speed automatic gearbox. This system is operated with Ô+Õ and Ô-Ô buttons mounted on the arms of the steering wheels. To enable the system, a dashboard switch must be flicked, else the system reverts to operation via the standard floor-mounted gear lever. If the system is anything like other ÔTiptronic-styleÕ gearboxes, it will allow for zippy downchanges and the added reassurance of keeping both hands on the wheel. Should you wish to cut costs, the Radical and Radical2 models offer pared down fun. The Turbo130 also offers a version of the sequential automatic gearbox, this time allied to a punchy 130bhp engine.
From your position behind the wheel, the interior tries to appeal to Euro-tastes, but falls short in terms of plastics quality and a slight lack of a cohesive design theme. The dimple effect fascia and door trims are almost up to VW standards, but the aluminium-effect display panel is not carried off with any great conviction. Despite this, the YRV impresses with its tally of standard equipment. Some of the clever packaging ideas that were trialed on DaihatsuÕs mini-MPVs have found their way into the YRV. High-mounted rear seas that offer 150mm of sliding adjustment are fitted, and these seats can also be folded into an entirely flat position by virtue of boasting removable cushions. Models from standard trim upwards boast body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, as well as central locking, electric door mirrors, electric windows all round and a driving seat height adjuster. The Premium manual and F-Speed models also add air conditioning, remote keyless entry, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and alloy wheels as standard as well as the optional panorama glass roof. The 4Trak features an uprated stereo system and bigger wheels and tyres.

By ANDY ENRIGHT.

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Daihatsu Terios (1997 - to 2006) Car Review

How much road space do one adult and two kids need on the school run? The Renault Espace takes up 81.8 square metres and a Land Rover Discovery 103.1m. A used Daihatsu Terios will cast a shadow over only 60.1, the same as ToyotaÕs baby Yaris. How can a proper 4x4 look this funky, be so manoeuvrable and yet so inexpensive? ItÕs part of DaihatsuÕs aim to target buyers in the family hatchback market and offer them something completely different. The 4x4 fashion market is still growing hugely, and the Terios has been one of a number of small 4x4s such as the Suzuki Jimny, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin that have aimed to reap a share of it. The idea has been to steal sales from ÔwarmÕ hatches, mini MPVs and also from sectors where buyers were purchasing utility they didnÕt need. Part of the appeal is low pricing, and in the used arena this usually means nearly new cars at bargain prices. In this respect the Terios doesnÕt disappoint. Interested? HereÕs the background on DaihatsuÕs baby.

History
Though it sounds as if it could have been named after a mythical Greek God of Lifestyle 4x4s, Terios was in fact named after the Latin derivation of ÔGroundÕ. In fact, ground zero for UK Terios sales was in August 1997, with two trim levels being made available, the base model and the Terios+. Both models shared the same 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine developing 82bhp. The following April saw the launch of a limited edition SE version, which was on sale until August.
Two months later, in October 1998, Daihatsu decided that the SE was, after all, a good idea, and installed it as a part of the range proper before withdrawing marketing support for it shortly afterwards. Since then the Terios range has remained largely unchanged, benefiting from a price cut of over £2,000 in autumn 1998.
The first major changes came in August 2000. This new model boasted styling that was a whole lot beefier, especially around the front end. There was a more aggressive looking grille, bigger bumpers, aerodynamic spoiler lips on the front bumper and revised headlamps. The most significant change however, was reserved for the engine Ð now a state-of-the-art 1.3-litre 16v all-alloy unit borrowed from ToyotaÕs little Yaris. As well as revising the interior, Daihatsu also unveiled a different logic with trim levels. Out went the Terios and Terios+ designations: in came Terios E, EL and range-topping SL. A Terios Tundra special edition made a brief appearance but the range was thoroughly rationalised in April 2003.
The E model was dropped, the EL became the Tracker and the SL became the Sport. Prices were slashed and the Terios was in the best shape of its life. The all new Terios hit the streets in Spring 2006 replacing this model.

Opinion
You may have noticed the terms ÔlifestyleÕ, Ôsports activityÕ and Ô4x4Õ being used a fair amount when discussing the Terios. One term noticeable by its absence is Ôoff-roaderÕ. As you may have guessed, the Terios doesnÕt make a convincing case for itself as a rugged mud-plugger. The driverÕs handbook makes this abundantly clear, threatening all kinds of bodily injury should the vehicle be driven inappropriately. As this includes most heavy off road work, it is perhaps not surprising that the Terios isnÕt fitted with a low range gearbox. There is a differential lock that will enable exit from muddy fields, but thatÕs about the extent of the TeriosÕ off road remit.
As you would expect from a vehicle taking up less road space than a Toyota Yaris, the Terios is, as eighties estate agents once crowed, compact and bijou. ItÕs narrowness Ð only 1715 mm Ð makes seating four people a task best reserved for intimate friends. ThereÕs a fair amount of standard equipment considering the price. A driver's airbag, power steering, central locking, an engine immobiliser, tinted glass and a Pioneer audio system all come as standard. The Terios + adds air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, a passenger airbag, alloy wheels, electric front windows and mirrors, plus stylish roof rails. All this plus the three-year unlimited mileage warranty that's standard on all Daihatsu models and which can be transferred to the new owner.

By ANDY ENRIGHT.