The Materia hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP, although buyers can be reassured that recent Daihatsu models have scored fairly well and offer above average protection. All cars come with five three-point seatbelts, two Isofix child seat anchor points in the back, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and twin front and side airbags.

Security features include remote central locking and an immobiliser.

One of the Materia’s big strengths is the amount of room inside. That square shape may look odd, but it creates a roomy and very usable load area – especially so when the seats are folded down. It’s capable of lugging very large boxes, plus it’s low to the ground, making it very easy to load and unload. Inside there’s a large glovebox and numerous cubbies.