The Materia’s angular proportions offer unquestionable benefits in interior packaging. Even compared with other mini-MPVs, passenger space is impressive.
Like others in the class, the rear bench slides, trading legroom for boot space, but even with it set to a median position there is sufficient room for knees, regardless
of the driver’s height.
The forward accommodation is just as spacious, though without any reach adjustment to the steering wheel the driving position is more hit and miss.
Daihatsu has clearly tried to incorporate a little design flair, mostly with the speakers; the main door units are lit with a blue halo effect and the tweeters are positioned prominently in the dash. Also, the stereo surround gets a piano-black effect. We applaud Daihatsu for trying, but ultimately the budget restrictions shine through.
Other disappointments extend to cubby space; despite a littering of storage pouches, none is large enough. And while the seating capacity is impressive, comfort could be better. Finally, the high window line and thick C-pillar restricts visibility and gives a gloomy ambience.
Choosing a Materia will not be a lengthy process. Other than deciding whether to have manual or automatic (£800), the only other option is the colour and whether that should be metallic (£325).
This doesn’t spell a poverty specification, though; the Materia comes with air con, four airbags, electric windows, an MP3-compatible six speaker stereo, privacy glass and rear parking sensors. An impressive list, but then it needs to be, because at £10,995 it’s not exactly a bargain; all the main rivals are available for similar money.
Furthermore, the Materia’s larger engine and house-like aerodynamic properties spell below-average fuel economy and higher emissions, and finally its group eight insurance rating is four higher than the class average. Its residual values are not predicted to be healthy, either.