10 months ago 08th Dec 13:27
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
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