Daihatsu Materia Hatchback Review

There's just one engine - a 102bhp 1.5-litre petrol unit, which comes with a five-speed manual- or four-speed auto gearbox. The engine is lively enough around town, but you'll need a lot of revs if you want to accelerate quickly.

It's a good job the Materia's seats are soft and forgiving, because its suspension isn't. Almost every bump can be felt in the cabin, although things are better on smoother, faster roads. The steering is light, which helps with parking, but it's vague. Despite its tall shape, the Materia corners with surprisingly little body roll.

The engine is rowdy even at low speeds, and although it settles down a little on the motorway, the car's square shape and big wing mirrors create a background of wind noise. Road noise is ever-present, too. The gearshift is awkward, especially in town.