Car Reviews > Daihatsu > Materia > New Daihatsu Materia Car Review

Materia - A Standout Supermini MPV

The most distinctive aspect of the new Daihatsu Materia is its flagrantly unusual shape. No other manufacturer makes a supermini MPV quite so square and boxy, especially one that is charming as well. The Materia is not a car that will appeal to everyone, but some people will like it intensely.

There are some advantages to having a chunky, squared-off car. It is both taller and wider than the average supermini. One giant plus is that there is much more room inside in the same class of car if it is boxy than if it has cutouts and ridges for stylish design. There is more room for both people and for luggage, which is a big deal in such a little car.

Fuel economy suffers a bit because of the poor aerodynamics of a box, but the Materia still gets a good 39.2mpg in combined driving. The figure is not particularly impressive among superminis, but the Materia is not the average car in that category. However, a car that gets 39.2mpg is still not a gas guzzler. CO2 emissions are not astoundingly low either, at 169g/kg.

The engine of the Materia is a 1.5-liter variable valve type, which delivers 102bhp at 6000rpm. The maximum torque of 131Nm can be accessed at 4400rpm. It makes the trip from 0 to 60mph in 10.8 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 106mph. It has all the power and torque it needs to get around in city traffic and on the open road.

The Materia has nice handling for a supermini. It has a very tight turning circle, making it easy to maneuver in close city quarters. Beyond that, though, there are several special features that add to its handling abilities. There is rack and pinion steering with hydraulic assist, as well as a firmer suspension, and an anti-roll bar to help with cornering.

There are actually a good number of standard features, considering the inexpensive cost of the Materia. Air conditioning is a good one to have. The CD player sound system also has MP3 capabilities. Remote central locking is handy and more secure, and fog lamps sometimes make driving a much safer proposition. There is also good attention to safety, with twin front and side airbags and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

Although the Materia is one of the most inexpensive cars available, buyers still want their cars to retain value over time. When a vehicle is unusual, uncommon, and well-built, it has a good chance of being worth a much higher price later on than it would otherwise. The Materia covers all these bases. It is unusual in its styling and uncommon because there is not a large number being sold. It is well-built inside and out.

The Daihatsu Materia is bound to have a loyal group of avid fans. Like everything Daihatsu does, it has made the Materia a unique offering in a world where car manufacturers are all too quick to rush to the same conclusions. Drivers who want to stand out in the crowd without spending an enormous amount of money just might find their solution in the Materia.

by Autoweb