Daihatsu's new and considerably larger Terios 4x4 sport utility has gone on sale priced from £12,995.

The Terios follows on from last year's new Sirion in offering a strong European flavour to its styling, packaging and dynamics.

As a result, Daihatsu aims to boost European sales from the 32,000 of 2003 to 80,000 in 2008. And so confident is parent company, Toyota, of the new Terios's appeal that it plans to sell 1,500 per month of its version in Japan, badged Rush'.

The home-market Daihatsu equivalent is named Be-go' with a monthly goal of 500 units. Traditionally its best seller, Daihatsu expects the new Terios to regain this position, although there are already worldwide supply constraints due to its success in Japan.

The new Terios UK line-up will comprise the Terios 1.5 S initially available in Black Mica only at £12,995 on-the-road, the higher-spec 1.5 SX at £14,295 on the road expected to be the best-seller and the 1.5 SE automatic priced at £14,995.

The latter two models are offered in Black Mica, Blue Mica, Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic or Red with these colours becoming available on the Terios 1.5 S from August. The stylish small 4x4 has a dynamic, fun-to-drive appearance with strong off-road styling cues, yet short front and rear overhangs, a long wheelbase and especially wide tracks and body width.

Its roomy, four-door, five-seat body succeeds in being compact yet practical, avoiding the bulk, high fuel consumption and negative image of some 4x4s.

The car is designed to appeal to young families and older people seeking the traditional 4x4 qualities of visibility, bad-weather traction and versatility.