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I've driven a number of Terios models and was again recently presented with one of Daihatsu's standard versions to spend the week with.

This left me in a muddled state as to what I should write about the car. I just couldn't face up to reeling out another bog-standard road test

Firstly, full disclosure is called for. I have developed a soft spot for Daihatsu's in general – but especially the Terios. I often hear the macho journalists (that look like they just stepped out of a Men's Health photo shoot) talking about what a terrible vehicle it is. "It's not a car and it's not a 4x4," one of them once told me with a sneer on his face. What rubbish.

Sure, the Terios does not look like a tank on wheels and doesn't have a giant V6 sitting under its bonnet, but it remains a very useful vehicle.

In defence of all Terios owners out there, whether you have a standard, extended wheelbase or sport kit model, I present my list of things to do with your vehicle:

Brag

The Terios was the winner of the Red Dot Design award in 2006. The award is a renowned and coveted international product design prize awarded by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany. The Zentrum says the aim of the prize is to honour outstanding design quality and trendsetters.

The Terios was also voted UK Car Magazine best compact SUV in 2006.

So flash those facts around the next time the boys start bragging about their big toys.

Be indifferent

The wheels on the Terios are linked by full-time, all-wheel drive with a centre differential lock. All that is required to activate this – and make the vehicle clamber easily over rough terrain or through deep mud – is the push of a single switch on the fascia.

So tell the 'true' 4x4 windbags that you don't bother with diff lock and free wheeling hubs because that's all taken care of for you. When somebody remarks that their 'proper' off-roader automatically takes care of that too, stare at them for some time and then slowly ask: "So how much did you have to pay for yours?" Then stun them with the bargain sticker for the Terios.

Be annoying

Despite claims to the contrary from its critics, the Terios will go just about anywhere. It's especially versatile in deep sand and will hold its own.

Find out where the next 4x4 dune event is to be held and arrive in a nonchalant fashion. Follow other large 4x4 vehicles around on the dunes. Patronise them about their driving style.

Be annoying (take two)

Go to a shopping mall. Search for a spot adjacent, or very close, to a large 4x4. This works best if the owner is just preparing to step out or is packing their day's shopping in.

Stare intently at the 4x4 and then at your Terios. Continue doing so until the vehicle's owner takes notice of you. Then casually remark: "I see you've got a 4x4 too."

Take it over the top

The Terios is available in a number of colour and trim variations, some quite startling. Buy one in lime green and chrome, or bright yellow and chrome. Tell owners of plain-coloured 4x4s that black and white are colours for old people with no imagination.

Keep Fido safe

As odd as it sounds, the boot of a Terios is a great place to transport animals — particularly dogs — as safely as is possible in a vehicle without buying and fitting special equipment.

The depth and open top mean that dogs don't panic and can easily be reached by anybody in the back row. Most importantly, should you have a serious collision the boot and back row will prevent Fido from becoming a 20-kilogram (or more), canine cannonball in the cabin. It could also save Fido's life.

If you have any more smart ideas of things to do with a Terios, why not send the motoring team an email with your suggestions.

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