Daihatsu Materia
Daihatsu have dared to be different by launching a brand new funky mini MPV christened the Materia that has such distinctive looks, it has created a cult following in Japan and the USA with manufacturers struggling to keep up with the customer demand.
So what is causing all this fuss? Well, the exterior looks is rather reminiscent of a throw back to the 1930’s American gangster cars and certainly reminded me of the cars I tried to draw as a child.
The funky new look is not just for show because the shape actually maximises the interior space
The Materia is boxy personified with a wide and squat like design along with flared wheel arches and short overhangs, but I have to say, I thought she was lovable and huggable.
Causing many heads to turn and gasps of amazement from passer by’s, in my books, is a good sign. The front of the Materia sees a seriously chunky yet short bonnet with the rectangular headlights sitting near the top then the bumper drops steeply down into the colour coded bumper with integrated fog lights just below the wide smiley grille.
The small glass area with darkened privacy glass in the rear gives the Materia almost a sinister look while the spoked alloy wheels linked by deep side skirts cements its firmness on the road. To the rear and the Chrysler PT Cruiser comes to mind due to the slightly sloping rear and narrow light clusters that gently curve over the wheel arches.
But the funky new look is not just for show because the shape actually maximises the interior space thus giving the Materia the MPV practicality. The feeling of space is further accentuated by the drivers instrument panel positioned in the centre of the dashboard and has a three dimensional looks thanks to the arc that sweeps across the whole fascia.
The funkiness continues into the cabin with black acrylic panels, blue lighting for the armrests and circular front door speakers. The Materia is action packed with height adjustable steering wheel and drivers seat, air conditioning, electric windows and door mirrors, radio CD with MP3 capability and an abundance of storage solutions. On top of that is the generous 619 litres of load space with the rear seat folded along with a compartment under the rear floor to keep the tools or first aid kit in place. The rear seats split 60/40 and come with a rake adjustable backrest, which can fully recline to make a bed. And yes the children simply loved this concept as I found them snuggled up in their sleeping bags one evening! With the rear seats in place there is still enough room to cater for the weekly shop and a bit of Christmas shopping.
The Materia 1.5 is available in either a five-speed manual with a price tag of just £10,995 or an automatic that stands in at £11,795. The only optional extra is metallic paint at £325. My test car for the week was the manual and linked to the rather sprightly 1.5 petrol engine, produced a top speed of 106 mph, raced to 62mph in 10.8 seconds as she whizzed by petrol stations because she only guzzled 39.2 mpg on a combined cycle. This engine features Dynamic Variable Valve Timing that enhances low speed pulling so she is quite quick on the uptake, and high rev response meaning she retains her speed nicely. She also has a self regenerating catalyst that was a world first on the Sirion back in 2005 and this extends the life of the catalytic converter thus reduces maintenance costs, is kinder to the environment and keeps the catalyst fit over the years so the low 169g/km does not increase as the engine gets older. The chassis has been tuned to give a smooth ride and handling while lots of sound insulation materials are used making the Materia perfect for singing in.
Tackling the parking bays proves no problems as the Materia comes with hydraulic power steering but in case you completely miss- judge, there are front and side airbags, dual side impact door beams and various materials scattered around the cabin to minimise impact injury to the knees and lower legs plus the brake pedal features a special mechanism which reduces intrusion into the cabin. Both front seats have seatbelts pretensioners and force limiters while in the rear, all three seatbelts have three-point occupant protection and the two outer seats, ISOFIX mounting points. ABS is standard along with EBD while securing the Materia is keyless entry central locking. As a result she falls into insurance group 8.
To give its owners peace of mind, the Materia comes with a three year unlimited mileage, three year roadside assistance and with years anti- perforation cover.
As the Materia left me, I did feel a pang of sorry for I truly grew to love this car over the week. It takes guts in this industry to produce something so out of the ordinary, but Daihatsu have done this and the result is a truly great practical yet compact mini MPV with a price tag making her very affordable.
FemaleFirst - Jackie Violet