DAIHATSU Materia 2007-2010

The second generation of the Materia was introduced on the market in 2005 at the Tokyo Motor Show but landed on the U.S. as a 2007 model in 2006.

Toyota saw an opportunity to produce a car for the young generation. It was like a loudspeaker on wheels, with plenty of room to move inside and great visibility despite its narrow windows. Moreover, a comprehensive customization program allowed the customers to make their cars as they like. It was the Toyota bB and its rebadged sibling, the Daihatsu Materia.

At a glance, it might be called a tall closet on wheels with a short hood at the front. But the car was appealing with its narrow, horizontal headlights and almost non-existent grille at the front. It was a significant step forward for the design team that made the car looks sleeker than its predecessor due to an ascending beltline and narrower windows. In the back, the liftgate was excellent to be used as a roof while two people could comfortably sit on the trunk base.

Inside, the Materia offered ample space due to its vertical side panels. It was suitable for five people inside and featured a CD-player with six speakers. The carmaker designed the car, thinking that this is what teenagers needed.

Under the hood, there was a choice of two highly fuel-efficient engines and a turbocharged one. All of them were paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. That setup was good for the teenagers who didn't want to go fast or for those who didn't want to show off. Maybe that's why the car only lasted five years on the market, and then it was cut from the assembly line.