(Wed 19 Dec 07)

Daihatsu's mini-MPV scored four stars out of five for adult occupant protection in the latest Euro NCAP tests, with a warning about the effects of a frontal impact on the driver's lower body.

Euro NCAP rated the protection for the driver's knees, femurs and pelvis as "weak", though the passenger dummy fared better and the passenger compartment as a whole remained stable during impact. The Materia was not eligible to score points in the pole test since it is not provided as standard with a head-restraining airbag, though you can buy one as an optional extra.

The Materia was given three stars out of four for child occupant protection, losing points for a lack of safety information, and two out of four for pedestrian protection. Protection given by the front edge of the bonnet, and by parts of the surface which might be hit by a child's head, were rated as "poor".

More details at www.euroncap.com.

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