Parallel importers do well here largely because they bring in Japan domestic market models - cars which are reserved for consumers in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Motorists who tire of the limited range of Japanese export models here are tempted by these domestic products.

But many are at the same time wary of them because these cars sometimes suffer from poor radio reception, may not be 'tropicalised' and lack the comprehensive aftersales care that authorised agents promise.

If that sounds like you, then Daihatsu has an offer you might want to check out: the new Materia.

The Materia is a funky van-like hatchback which has a Japan domestic market clone: the new Toyota bB.

It follows hot on the heels of the Daihatsu Terios, which is the Toyota Rush (another domestic model). Daihatsu is a compact car specialist which Toyota owns.

Will the Materia have the same success as the Terios? Going by our test-drive, it has a pretty good chance.

The boxy car offers lots of usable space, split rear seats which can be folded flat and a cockpit that is as unique as its body shape.

Tweeter speaker cones are encased alongside the front air-con vents, a factory-fitted hi-fi is panelled in a piano-black centre console and the door speakers are ringed by blue light. The same blue glow illuminates the inside door handles.

The instrumentation is stunning too, with the meters straight out of a jukebox.

The Deluxe version may have fewer goodies but, overall, the Materia is a youthful, energetic product that is hip and functional. And not many cars actually fit the two adjectives. Products like the Renault Kangoo, Volkswagen Caddy and Citroen Berlingo are functional but geeky.

The only part that does not quite gel with the fine finishing is the ceiling, which is lined with an incongruous felt-like material.

But that's mitigated by its great distance from your head. The tall car is all the more roomy because of its high roof.

The Materia is not all form and no substance. It drives pretty well, thanks to a sharp steering response and a pretty neat turn-in.

It rides decently except for the occasional damper vibrations. Undercarriage insulation could be better, and there is some rear cabin rattle. Its gear upshifts are more noticeable than in many other cars in its price segment.

Such as the Toyota Vios, which is the newest model in the bracket. And you know what? You won't find another car that is so different from the straitlaced sedan.

Actually, that's not true. The Toyota bB is just as dissimilar.

Price: $57,900 with COE
Engine: 1,495cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Power: 103bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 138Nm at 4,400rpm
0-100kmh: 13.7 seconds
Top speed: 164kmh
Fuel consumption: 7.5 litres/100km (city-highway)
Agent: Sin Tien Seng