MPV boxes clever

The car's known as the Coo in its native Japan, and the firm officially revealed the model's European badge at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. The car will go on sale in the UK in July.

Rivalling the Nissan Note, Renault Modus and Vauxhall Meriva, the quirky-looking machine features lots of sharp edges and a van-like, squared-off shape.

The Materia uses the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from Daihatsu's Terios SUV, which develops 103bhp. That's enough power to give it a 0-60mph time of around 12 seconds.

Prices for the new model have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to start from around £11,000. The supermini-MPV will slot into the company's line-up above the Charade, a replacement for which is due next year.