And now for something completely different.

Byline: Ian Johnson 

YOU could almost expect a Batman villain to step out of the Daihatsu Materia - it really is that far out in terms of style.

And that's no bad thing when you remember the era of committee-designed cars with little or no character.

But Materia is a whole mini MPV full of individuality and turns on the big smiles from people looking for something completely different.

The beauty of the Materia is that it may be cartoon-style boxy in shape but it does not fit into any box in the market place. Size-wise it relates to the Renault Modus or Vauxhall Meriva but that's as far as it goes as when you start talking comparisons. The truth is that there is nothing else quite like it.

But the Materia is not for everybody. If it was, it would look like everything else.

The Materia is one of the latest expressions of modern motoring from Daihatsu which has always been a specialist in smaller cars.

The Materia is quite big and powerful for Daihatsu, featuring a lively 1.5-litre petrol engine that returns a reasonable mpg figure.

The Materia has four doors and a surprising amount of rear leg room. In fact, it can match a large family car for interior space. Like most cars from this manufacturer, it is well equipped with power steering, ABS with EBD, driver, passenger and side airbags, air conditioning, four electric windows, CD tuner with six speakers, remote central locking and much more as standard. The Materia has already developed into a cult car in Japan and it is gaining a devoted following in the USA. But in dear old Britain, it provokes gasps of astonishment wherever it goes. It is marketed to appeal to younger, style-conscious families but it is also hoped to appeal to older people who will like its ease of access and deep doors. In terms of price (just under pounds 11,000), it is no bargain and carbon dioxide emissions are not that hot. But a five-year unlimited mileage warranty is a big pull.

On the road, the high driving position is a great boon and the seating is very comfortable. Ride, however, on this car's small wheels can be quite harsh on some surfaces.

The rear seat is both sliding and reclining and features a 60/40 split for easy cargo moving.

FAST FACTS

Model: Daihatsu Materia 1.5 5dr

Price: pounds 10,995

Mechanical: 102bhp, 1,495cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 106mph

0-62mph: 10.8 secs

Combined mpg: 39.2

Insurance group: 8

CO2 emissions: 169g/km

BiK rating: 20%

Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited mileage, 8yrs anti-rust

CAPTION(S):

HEAD TURNER The Materia is not for everybody. If it was, it would look like everything else.