Forum:
I just thought I would share my news. I now have a Materia to add to my Daihatsu stable.
I had a rush of blood to the head and got a low mileage 2009 for the lady in my life (this way I get to keep my Sirion 1.5 SX all to myself). I have vascilated for some time over the Materia and the time came for a replacement car so push finally came to shove.
What do I think of it? I like it a lot - I wasn't sure I would like it this much though. I like it very much in fact. The driving position is terrific with a good view of the world and with the same running gear as my Sirion it all sounds and feels familiar. It drives very well and feels right on the road. The longer wheelbase over the Sirion makes for a more supple ride.
The styling is not for everyone I guess and if you don't want people staring then don't buy one. Personally, I like the typically different style I expect from Daihatsu. The inside is voluminous and well set out - it is deceptively big. It's a nice car.
So there we have it.
Regards
Basically the model Daihatsu
Basically the model Daihatsu used to replace the YRV
Shame we didn't get a turbo version as I would have upgraded the YRV Turbo for one. How do you get on with the speedo being set out in the middle of the dash?
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'12' Plate Mazda MX-5 2.0 litre NC 3.5 Venture Roadster 160BHP
'15' Plate SEAT LEON 184 FR TDI. 240BHP/500nm Torque.
Past: '53' Plate Yellow YRV Turbo Approx. 150BHP
Materia Centre Instrument Display
Jpor,
How do I get on with the centre display. A good question and one I asked myself when buying it. In short, I adapted instantly on the test drive.
I have been put off buying cars with a centre display - the Yaris for one, and Nissan X Trail for another - because they just seemed awkward and wrong. Their displays seemed somehow abandoned, remote, and thrown in from a great height as an afterthought. However with the Materia I find it of no consequence and it is aethetically right too - it just works in all ways.
So bearing in mind I have some negative views on centre displays I find I can forgive the Materia because they seem to have gotten it right somehow.
Regards