The Daihatsu Terios is a vehicle classed in three categories – mini SUV, compact SUV, and kei car. Daihatsu began building it since 1997 to replace Daihatsu Rocky, with production continuing up to this day, albeit under other international names. The name 'Terios' is a Greek word meaning 'making dreams come true'. It is called other names in other countries, including Daihatsu Taruna and Toyota Rush. Australia only received the first generation, which had the Terios nameplate.

First Generation (1997-2006)

During this time, the car was available as a wagon and a kei car. The latter was called the Terios Kid, and it was only available in Japan. A limited-edition called Terios Lucia was also introduced as a variation of the kei car, while the version of Terios that Daihatsu released in Indonesia was named Taruna. The standard version of this car had dual-tone bumpers.

This generation went through a facelift in 2000, encompassing changes in both the exterior and interior. It added a chrome grille, power windows, and alloy wheels. Modifications were done on the body and the roof rails, and the engines received updates. Australia saw a limited-edition sports version with only 200 models produced.

The following powertrains were offered for this generation:

• (Terios Kid) – 658cc EF-DEM 3-cyl petrol engine (44-47kW)
• (Terios Kid) – 658cc EF-DET 3-cyl petrol engine (44-47kW)
• (SUV) - 1.3L HC-EJ 4-cyl petrol engine (68 kW)
• (SUV) - 1.3L K3-VE 4-cyl petrol engine (66 kW)
• (SUV) - 1.3L K3-VET 4-cyl Turbocharged petrol engine (103 kW)
• (Taruna) - 1.5L HE-E 4-cyl petrol engine (73 kW)
• (Taruna) - 1.6L HD-C 4-cyl petrol engine (63–70 kW)
• (Taruna) - 1.6L HD-E 4-cyl petrol engine (76.5 kW)

Daihatsu Taruna had a slightly unusual design, especially on the front and back end styling. It accommodated seven people and thus, had a longer body. It was released initially in a short-wheelbase configuration, with a long-wheelbase version made available later.

Second Generation (2006-2017)

Both short- and long-wheelbase versions were already available by this time. A D-Compact 4x4 concept model previewed this generation at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. There were various models available. The short wheelbase model was called Daihatsu Terios J200LG. There were several variants for the long-wheelbase configuration, including the following:

• Daihatsu Terios TX F700RG
• Daihatsu Terios TS F700RG
• Daihatsu Terios TX Adventure F700RG
• Daihatsu Terios R Adventure F700RG
• Toyota Rush F700RE
• Toyota Rush TRD Sportivo F700RE
• Toyota Rush TRD Sportivo Ultimo F700RE

The models that were manufactured in this period were larger and were made available in FWD or AWD. Despite the car being a little expensive, the Terios possessed certain qualities that helped its sales. It boasted of a small turning circle and decent off-road abilities. The models came in two different versions that included a 5-seater and a 7-seater. The former has the model codes J200, J210, and J211, while the latter has F700 and F710. Both versions have the same width but differed in length.

They were offered with the following powertrains:

• 1.3L K3-VE 4-cyl petrol engine, 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic (68 kW)
• 1.5L 3SZ-VE 4-cyl petrol engine, 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic (80 kW)

The available trim levels are as follows:

• TS/X
• TS Extra/X Extra
• TX Adventure/R Adventure
• R

Third Generation (2017-Present)

Daihatsu Terios, also known as Toyota Rush and Perodua Aruz, was only produced in a long-wheelbase configuration in this period, using a platform similar to the one used for the second generation. The third generation Terios was the winner of the Good Design Indonesia of the Year Award in 2008. The body was now more streamlined than before. A liftgate replaced the rear door that opened sideways. This generation removed the spare tyre attached to the back door in the earlier versions. 

It used a 1.5L 2NR-VE 4-cyl petrol engine attached to a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic transmission (76.5 kW). 

Two trim levels were on offer—the X and Y. There were two variants to the X trim, Deluxe and Custom, while the Y trim only has Deluxe.

That sports edition in 2001 is a rare collection or hobby piece. Restoring it would be a challenge with parts and accessories that are no longer in production. Your last resort would be the used car parts market, and that’s what we offer here at Carpart.com.au. Don’t hesitate to check us out for rare auto parts or send us a parts request message, and we’d get right back to you. 

-Amara Z.