Slimline SUV

Suzuki has arguably led the way in compact SUV/4x4 vehicles with their SJ, Jimny and Vitara, but lurking in the shadows is another Japanese off-roader that deserves equal credit. The Daihatsu Terios began production in 1997 and the second-generation, which is the car shown here, was manufactured between 2006 and 2017. We’re looking at a 2007 model with a 1495cc twin-cam petrol engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive is delivered via a mid-mounted transfer box to a compact differential at the front and a traditional live axle at the rear.

The suspension on the Terios uses MacPherson struts on the front with lower arms and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, the live axle is secured with a Panhard rod and upper and lower trailing arms and is supported with separate coil springs and dampers (and it also has an anti-roll bar).

The servo-assisted braking system is seemingly dated with solid discs and single-piston calipers at the front and drums on the rear, but it all seems to be straightforward to service.

Rob says

► Don’t leave surface corrosion to chance. It may seem superficial, but it won’t fix itself, so treat any corrosion before it gets worse. We discovered light corrosion on the tops of the front suspension turrets, which if left to deteriorate, could result in an MOT failure in the future.

ROB HAWKINS

Special Contributor

Equipment required

› jack › axle stands (or ramp) › oil tray › three-jaw oil fi lter wrench or cup › 10–24mm sockets/spanners and 16mm spark plug socket › screwdrivers › wheel brace › pry bars › G-clamp › battery tester › antifreeze hydrometer › hammers › wire brush › soft brush › spray grease › brake grease › copper grease › penetrating fluid › petroleum jelly › brake cleaner