If you want a standout small car with bags of space, the Daihatsu Materia is worth a closer look.
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 5/5
Running costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality
Known for its distinctive boxy style and roomy cabin, the Daihatsu Materia offers more room than many larger hatchbacks and competitors like the Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz. Its tall, squared-off design maximises visibility and cabin comfort, with a flat floor that maximises usable space. Solidly built, it features a lively engine ideal for town driving and some decent standard equipment, making it a sound choice for those wanting low running costs without compromising on personality.
Huge cabin for its lengthSolid buildLively engine
Styling won’t suit everyoneNoticeable road noise at speedFew luxury featuresThe Daihatsu Materia features safety equipment on par with other small cars from its era, including front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Euro NCAP hasn't crash tested the car so there's no official rating there.
The Materia's available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing around 102bhp, paired to either a manual or automatic gearbox. Its peppy and easy to drive – perfect for town centres.
The Materia includes a CD stereo, electric windows and central locking as standard. Higher trims offer the likes of air conditioning, but you'll find the technology is basic by today’s standard.
Official figures suggest the Daihatsu Materia returns around 39mpg, depending on the gearbox and driving conditions. While not class-leading, this is a respectable return for a car of this size.
Check for a full service history, listen for loud road or suspension noise and inspect for any leaks or worn trims. To have your chosen used car looked over by experts, consider using The AA Vehicle Inspection service.
Daihatsu has a strong reputation for reliability and the Materia is no exception. Owners report few serious faults, with most issues limited to minor wear and tear.
Connect with us
