The 10th incarnation...
The 10th incarnation of the fast four-door will become more distinctive, thanks to the aggressive nose and headlamps influenced by the Grandis MPV. However, rally fans will be pleased to see the trademark rear spoiler has been kept to emphasise the car"s racing roots.
Based on the outgoing...
Based on the outgoing Toyota RAV4 platform, the off-roader will be bigger than its predecessor and offer a realistic budget alternative to models such as the new Land Rover Freelander and Vauxhall"s Frontera replacement.
While the car shown here is badged the D-Compact, it gives a clear indication of what Terios buyers have to look forward to. The nose is similar to that of the Sirion supermini"s, while at the rear a tailgate-mounted spare wheel is expected to give the car a traditional 4x4 appearance. And thanks to its Toyota-derived all-wheel-drive system, the Daihatsu should have the off-road capability to match its styling.
The newcomer will be powered by a choice of 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol engines, but it"s not until an oil-burning unit is added to the range that sales are likely to reach their peak.
Petrol variants will appear in showrooms next March, while the diesel - which is being developed by the company specifically for Europe - is tipped to join the line-up by the end of 2006. Bosses hope the updated design and
technology will have a dramatic impact on sales. The firm"s UK importer is looking to shift 4,000 new examples in the UK over 12 months - that"s four times more than the current Terios.
However, as this sketch of Daihatsu"s roadster concept (image) proves, the company doesn"t only do four-wheel drives. The show model will be unveiled at the German expo, and could point the way to a replacement for the Copen. It may also hint at the maker"s plans for an expanding sports car line-up.