This topic is a thread split off from a topic over in the xB2 Lounge at the suggestion of Danny (ZOMGXB).

(This is not directly addressing the TTAC "review" http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=3729 , although I found it amusing, it is addressing a question I have about the new "thing" named xB.)

The original xB was a left-hand-drive revision of the right-hand-drive bB. Very few changes other than that, and some beefing up of the door bracing.

Last year, Toyota discontinued the JDM bB model the xB was based on, and came out with an updated box on the same chassis. The new JDM box has a different 1.5L engine, side certain air bags, additional strength members, is more streamlined, has reclining rear seats that slide foreward or fold forward for more package room, carries many of the same styling cues that the t2B concept Scion did, and is actually available in LHD and RHD version RIGHT NOW (the RHD version is sold under the Toyota bB name, the LHD version is sold under the Daihatsu Materia name outside of Japan).

I really wouldn't care if the new "Daihatsu Materia" came to the US under the Daihatsu, Toyota, or Scion name, but the upgrades that they made on the old bB/xB platform are really what I would like to see. That existing model would be a superb replacement for my original xB should it need replacing.

Just for laughs, I have collected a LOT of info on the Materia. Here's the brochure: http://tijil.org/materia.pdf (3.6M) and here is the Materia (LHD bB) site: http://www.daihatsu.com/catalogue/materia/03/03.html

I see no practical reason that the Scion xB2 and the current, existing Materia, under whatever brand and name, couldn't co-exist on the US market - they wouldn't even compete with each other: they are in two different classes entirely.

http://tijil.org/bB_2.jpg

http://tijil.org/materia4.jpg

http://tijil.org/materia3.jpg

http://tijil.org/materia2.jpg

http://tijil.org/materia1.jpg

http://tijil.org/materia01_l.jpg

http://tijil.org/MateriaA8.jpg

http://tijil.org/MateriaA9.jpg

http://tijil.org/materia_03.jpg

(Links to pics expanded to pics...)

Tom

http://tijil.org/bB_2.jpg

Tom

Now that is an xB!!!!

Now that is an xB!!!!

Uh-huh. :D

http://tijil.org/materia_c.jpg

Tom

Hmmm...

http://www.leadpushers.com/images/bb_xb.jpg

Seems that the primary differences between the two are the length of the nose, and the bumpier rearend in the xB2.

Windshield angle looks a little steeper in the bB, but it's rounder. Hard to tell from the white xB, but the fenders are more pronounced in the bB, from what I see.

Tomas - agree 100%

Not a fan of the high beltline and missing rear windows, but the whole design is much less contrived than the new xB. I think the AWD version would be a hit here, no matter how slow it is.

Here's a little better comparison to work from, Basilius:

http://tijil.org/xB_Materia_xB2_comparo.jpg

Tom

Thanks for that.

To be honest, the xB2 looks more like a stretched out bB than a stretched out xB1. The wide C pillar and angled windows are the big difference.

Are those pictures to scale? They look close.

Those should be pretty close to scale, Basilius.

If you look at the specs for the Materia (LHD NewGen bB), the sizes are nearly identical to the earlier bB/xB, and the LHD version already being made for Europe and other areas could probably be fitted out for import here with only minor changes.

Here are the old and new bB specs...

http://tijil.org/bB_scale.gif

http://tijil.org/bB2_scale.gif

Tom

More pics of the old and new bBs playing together in Singapore:

http://www.clubxb.com/forums/f44/5875-ncp-qnc-singapore-picture-intensive/

:D

Tom

Here's a little better comparison to work from, Basilius:

http://tijil.org/xB_Materia_xB2_comparo.jpg

Tom

This picture of the new xB looks like you could just slap on a rear tire and call it a RAV4

:eyes: :eyes: :eyes:

tomas? sweetie baby honey? :) :love:

can you post about this in the xB first-gen lounge? this is the first time i have ever seen this quirky new little car, and frankly i just about started crying to learn that my beloved box is still alive and well. alive and well and TINY :)

...albeit living under an assumed name in a foreign country. :eyebrow: the b2 probably scared it away. :lalala: oh well, at least it's still LHD! :clap:

anyway, it's nice to see that ALL the boxes didn't Digivolve into highlander puppies, just the ones in the states...sooo would you post this on the first-gen board? i wanna see how people talk about importing them. i'll be honest -no hating, but the B2 is something i was only considering if my current ride is killed in some horrible accident involving a logging truck. the new...Materia? is something i would take in a heartbeat.

just call me Materia Girl :P

i'd post this myself, but you seem to know a liitttlllee more about the subject than I do. i would call the thread "ALIVE AND WELL" ;)

It was easiest to just split off this somewhat off-topic thread from the other in the xB2 Lounge, Danny.

I'll feel better about posting pics of the lost cousin here in first gen territory, too - in fact I'm going to go back and make those links in my first post images, instead.

Take care,
Tom

I originally didn't like the new bB. It now looks way better than the new so called xB. I say bring it on over and lets see how it does. It would prolly kick the new xB's butt in sales.

like that other one when i saw it more... and still do! bring that over here too! call the xB something else like xE or something and name the daihatsu or whater xB.... oy we've been forgotten already?! we like BOX, not crossover ugly thing!

Do you have the dimensions of the 2008 USDM model yet w/ the specifics and etc?

What might even be neat, if Toyota won't import the newgen bB/materia to the US, would be for it to be imported to Canada in a form that we could bring across the border... (Like the folks in Canada sneak xB's the other way.)

In any case, I would buy one of 'em if I could. :) I like the feature set.

Tom

Do you have the dimensions of the 2008 USDM model yet w/ the specifics and etc?

I don't have the drawings like those for the Japanese models, but I do have a little bit of info on the USEM model...

xB2 in inches:
Overall Height: 63.4
Overall Width: 69.3
Overall Length: 167.3
Wheelbase: 102.4
Track, Front/Rear: 60.1/59.9
Headroom Front/Rear: 40.0/41.2
Shoulder Room Front/Rear: 55.8/54.7
Leg Room Front/Rear: 40.7/38.0
Curb Weight M/T 3020, A/T 3086 lbs.

Tom

Does someone mind reminding me what the measurement standard is when looking at the information for the JDM bB (USDM xB)?

Curious as to the size, length, height difference...

millimeters - 25.4 of 'em to the inch. :)

I should touch up those drawings with inch measurements, eh? :)

Tom

{EDIT} I put inch measurement on the JDM drawings...

Ok F5 on my k/b is my friend since my PC cache'd the original pictures.

I say put some steel in the doors--proper lights--and bring it on!!!

They do have SOME steel in the doors, Yeller. :)

There are already anti-intrusion bars at bumper height inside the doors, would only have to add a set of the higher mounted rails to survive the US crash tests.

(Notice that the rear hatch on the newgen bB latches in THREE places? Bottom, and both sides, about half way up?)

2" longer wheelbase, wider track, shorter overall, same height, full side bags, sliding/reclining/folding rear seats. Yeah, I like the features. :)

Tom

YAAAYY :D

Words cannot express my happiness. Thanks for the thread remix, Tomas. :love: This was too good not to share with the original xB purists.

It's BACK, you guys! :D That nerdy little dorkmobile we know and love! Not that mutant little tC wAgon that your local Scion dealer wants you to buy. And best of all, it has that same head-turning style insanity that makes people turn and say, "What is that? Is that a CAR?!" :)

I've been waffling back and forth on the B2 ever since I heard about the Miami event, but I took one look at this baby and knew I would take one in a heartbeat. I don't even care about the options - as long as it has what my box has (and side airbags), I really don't give a rat's patootie. Just LEAVE THE DIMENSIONS ALONE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I'm seriously considering this vehicle as the eventual replacement for my current xB. Mind you, planning to replace a Toyota product means you have like 12 years to figure it out, but it never hurts to plan ahead. So...

Question for the group: how do we get them HERE? :)

everyone, let's stop buying the new xB2, so Toyota will bring bB to states for replacement.

I just hope you are not getting our hopes up too high!! :pray: :pray: This would solve the problem of having redily available JDM mod parts, gas mileage and the more nimble ride we all love. We can only hope Scion and/or Toyota listens. :pray: :pray: . Then again, Scion did not want to listen to anyone over 30. :doh: :doh: :blah: :blah: Tomas--I loved your point posted elsewhere that they listened to what people wanted for the new xB but NOT to what they liked about the old one. I think that, in my mind, hit the nail on the head. I can see no downside risk for Toyota bringing this one over---they would have a ready made and passionate audience.

First, the bB has never been made in a LHD model - still isn't.

The Scion for the US was the only bB clone of the older style that has been made LHD.

I've known about (and followed) the new JDM bB, but what recently perked my ears up was that there is a LHD version being marketed around the world as the Materia (except the US - we get the super sized version).

So long as there was just the RHD bB and the RHD Daihatsu Coo, both JDM only, I had little hope that there would even be a chance for one to make it here. Now, all of a sudden, the LHD version pops up all over. Maybe, just maybe, there would be a chance for it to come to the US - the development work for a LHD model is already completed...

Oh, well, I can dream.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUNEI1yizaw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHZMhTrCzwY

Tom

A HUGE THANKYOU Tom..
I ran across several mentions obout the LHD Materia... but no firm info

ZOMGXB wrote:
It's BACK, you guys! That nerdy little dorkmobile we know and love!

Dorkmobile.. haha :silly:


Quick question.. Is Daihatsu a sub of Toyota?
So overseas, Daihatsu is like Scion to Toyota?

Thanks for the info Tomas. Did you note the two engine options? 1.5L and 1.3L.

Kasra

So... I wonder how much importing and modifying a Materia to US standards would cost? (Not to mention insuring it.)

Yes, Krispies, Daihatsu is a sub of Toyota - they are a smaller manufacturer that Toyota bought when they were having some problems. In fact, the current JDM Toyota bB is made at the Daihatsu plant in Osaka, and it appears that all the Toyota vehicles that use 1.5 or smaller engines are now using Daihatsu designs.

Both Daihatsu and Scion are Toyota just as much as Chevrolet and Pontiac are General Motors.

Yeah, Kasra, I saw the 1.3 and 1.5 engines, but the original bB had those two size options, too. The 1.5 is the only one that made it in to the xA/xB in the US, though.

The import regulations into the US are so tough that it would be very unusual for one to make it in - one would have to be very dedicated to even try.

Now that Daihatsu has closed down it's US business other than providing parts for the many Daihatsu vehicles they sold here, and Scion has abandoned the little boxy citycar for the grown up xA coming in later this year (xD), our only hope would be for Toyota to add that vehicle to it's line here.

I won't hold my breath, though. :(

Tom http://tijil.org/xB_icon.gif

So Daihatsu Design, Toyota Engines? What were the past reviews on Daihatsu cars? If they had problems financialy to be bought by Toyota there must be something wrong with their cars right? So when Toyota took over, did they improve anything on the quality of cars Daihatsu releases?

Wow... that would be pretty sweet if it found its way over here.
Unfortunately, it seems that Scion has their plans now, and I wouldn't expect to see it over here.

So Daihatsu Design, Toyota Engines? What were the past reviews on Daihatsu cars? If they had problems financialy to be bought by Toyota there must be something wrong with their cars right? So when Toyota took over, did they improve anything on the quality of cars Daihatsu releases?

No, actually, all Daihatsus and Toyotas with 1.5L or smaller engines are moving to Daihatsu designed engines according to the automotive press...

Daihatsu manufactures the Toyota PASSO and bB at its Ikeda plant, along with several of their own models.

The biggest "problem" with the Daihatsus that were imported to the states, IIRC, was that they did not fit with the US market, were ugly, and just plain didn't sell well enough to warrant a nationwide dealer network.

Right now, there are four different Toyotas being built by Daihatsu at various Daihatsu plants:

http://tijil.org/Passo.jpg

http://tijil.org/probox.jpg

http://tijil.org/succeed.jpg

http://tijil.org/bB2_04.jpg

... and they are still Toyotas with Toyota quality.

Tom

This is my favorite one from the pics fresh from singapore..

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g115/MaleSG/19112006804.jpg


Not diggin' the zerbra print dash tho.. but I love the kit and wheels.

We need a grass roots campaign to get Toyota to listen!!

Nice compilation of pics and specs, Thomas!

I've said it once, and I'll say it a thousand times again: If they brought the new bB over, it'd be my next car. I held my word with the xB when it came over, and I'd buy the new bB in a heartbeat. (Plus, that white one above has my Rays Texan Shotgun wheels on it!)

if it came to the US with the same grill as that one in the picture right above me 3 posts up (the black one) then i have a feeling it could be a winner over here if offered with 16 inch rims at least stock in several colors...

I wish they would just make like an xB1 rigged up to the 1.8l motor from the Corolla. That would be like my perfect car.

(From another discussion)

...I want a gas sipper, but I still NEED my car to be big enough and safe enough for my family...
Bingo! That's why "Toyota" built this new car for you.

They didn't build it for the cool, hip, underground hip-hop, gangster, graffiti artist, alternative lifestyle, urban youth.

The new Scions are proof that Toyota's original marketing plan of creating a separate branch of operations, where they could go off-the-wall and build cars that will excite young people, has either failed, or been given up on. In my opinion they can do away with the urban marketing now. These new cars are pure Toyota. Designed to please as many people as possible.
Ya know, Don, I hadn't quite thought about it in that way, but you may be right.


In that pic of the xb, Materia and xB2 above, if the Materia (LHD bB) were the Scion and the current US xB2 were the Toyota, it would make perfect sense: The World Citycar is odd enough and different enough to definitely polarize opinions, just like the original xB did, and is a match for the urban underground viral marketing shtick that identified Scion.

The newgen xB is the perfect family wagon - the mom, 2.3 kids and a dog, "off to conquer the world" vehicle. Toyota could slip it in as a wagon in one of their sedan lines and no one would bat an eye.

Someone at Scion took their eye off the ball and let a normal family wagon slip in the back door instead of driving a quirky "thing" right through the front door, music blaring and lights dancing.

What happened to "In your face!" Scion? :(

http://tijil.org/07SCION01.jpg

http://tijil.org/07bB01.jpg

I like the bB front better than the Materia, but...

Tom http://tijil.org/xB_icon.gif

I think the bB may canabalize xD sales, though. That would be the only confilct in the lineup, IMHO.

Yaris = two door hatch (sub-compact)
xD = four door hatch (sub-compact)
bB = four-door hatch (sub-compact, less milage than the xD)
xB = four door hatch (compact)
Matrix Replacement = four door hatch, more upscale? AWD?

The bB front end has more of that Robocop/gangster thing going for it than the Materia. You can see vague hints of the bB2 in the xB2.

I second what kevets said about the 1.8 from the Corolla. You'd get more power, likely without sacrificing any fuel efficiency. Some folks might even gain some, if they drove up enough hills.

I've still got this fantasy that in 2011 we'll see something like a 1.8l bB. Sure ain't gonna hold my breath.

Well, the xD is the 1.8 liter with 128 hp. So I guess if you want a small Toyota with more than 106 hp (e.g. the Yaris) you're going to have to go with the xD.

Personally, I'd rather have the Yaris SR (1.8 from xD in the Yaris) than the xD. Then you could bring the bB over in place of the xD. However, then the xB2 and bB may look too similar.

Here's a little better comparison to work from, Basilius:

http://tijil.org/xB_Materia_xB2_comparo.jpg

Tom

:eyebrow: I don't know about "alive and well". I'm all about 1st gen, but the bB looks more like a HHR or REALLY like a PT Crapper. If I had my chose of the xB2 and the bB2 there, I got to go with the one we got. But really I don't see why they could'nt just leave the body style alone forever, some things are just classic the way they are. The orginal Volkswagen Beetle was produced from 1938 till 2003 (in some countries). Now thats a long run! No need to fix something if it is not broken!

That's a really good point on the VW Bug, prettymonkey. The 1st gen xB is an icon in much the same way the original VW Bug was an icon. Imagine what the image of the VW Bug would be today if VW kept making slight redesigns (apart from the Super Beetle and everything). Its image wouldn't be as defined and certainly not as meaningful as how most view it today.

The 2nd gen xB is a complete redesign, aesthetically almost unrelated to the 1st gen. Toyota's 2nd gen redesign of the xB made it different enough to not encroach on what made the 1st gen so appealing and quirky, and made it so it would appeal to a whole new audience.

I've been thinking of starting a topic just like this, but I didn't have anything collected like what Tomas has done. I was thinking that the new xB and a bB / Materia could co-exist in the US market since they target 2 different groups.

One thing I noticed in one of the videos that Tomas posted that I haven't heard anyone comment on is that the Materia (don't know if this applies to the bB) has part-time 4WD, which is pretty nice.

Also, if anyone was wondering, one of the videos said that the EU combined mileage was 7.2L / 100km which translates to 32.67mpg. That doesn't sound too bad to me.

Something else I have been wanting to post about is that I think Toyota should make a high-end version of the bB that would provide the performance similar to the Mini Cooper S and VW GTI with a transmissions similar to VWs DSG.

The JDM bB has pretty much always had an all-wheel-drive version, but I seriously doubt it would be viable in the US - it only comes with the little 1.3L engine, and that's a real stretch with the wide open spaces of the US...

Tom

Oh that is cool that they've had all wheel drive, but I looked on the PDF file on your first post and on page 7 it says for the Materia that the 1.3L has 2WD and 1.5L has 2WD/4WD. Maybe it was just the 1st gen bB that had AWD only for the 1.3L?

Ah! Yeah, the original only had the AWD with the little engine - I'm glad to see the new one has it on the larger engine, especially since it will suck up just a tiny bit more power than the 2WD version.

Good catch! :D

Tom

The orginal Volkswagen Beetle was produced from 1938 till 2003 (in some countries). Now thats a long run! No need to fix something if it is not broken!

...and they sold over 21 million. Not too bad for keeping the basic design all those years.

... of course Ferdinand Porsche was absolutely a genius, too...

Tom

Hey--with that article about Scion possibly sending a fourth model---maybe there is hope!!!

Yeah, it could be good - or bad. Probably bring in a sedan... :lol:

http://tijil.org/Scion_yA.gif

Tom

Reviving this very informational post!! Must read!!

Dude, I was wondering where this discussion went. I just found this thread...

Anyway, YES, the Materia deserves to be the xB replacement. Only, give it the new 1.8L dual VVTi engine from the xD, and the vertical taillights from the xB2. Oh, and for a little of that crazy, funky style that Scion claims to bring to the road, screw the single reverse light crap, give it suicide rear doors or something.

THAT would be the Scion that most 1st Gen xB owners expected. THAT would be the car to keep JDM fans and the young tuner car crowd in the Toyota family.

Sorry Scion, but these new models are... :yawn:

-THE DON

Since it hasn't been said already......Materia is an awesome name. FFVII FTW!!

Yeah, maybe we could see this someday-
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r34/mbtworks/newbbvip2.jpg

Since it hasn't been said already......Materia is an awesome name. FFVII FTW!!

hells yeah, lol

I would buy it before I would buy the new 08xb

^ AGREED, i'd buy the new JDM bb before the newly redesigned xb.... =(((

What might even be neat, if Toyota won't import the newgen bB/materia to the US, would be for it to be imported to Canada in a form that we could bring across the border... (Like the folks in Canada sneak xB's the other way.)

In any case, I would buy one of 'em if I could. :) I like the feature set.

Tom

No go. : (

Vehicles manufactured for sale in countries other than Canada and the United States do not comply with the requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act, CANNOT be altered to comply and CANNOT be imported into Canada. The only exceptions to this rule are vehicles fifteen (15) years old or older as determined by the month and year in which the vehicle was manufactured and buses manufactured before January 1, 1971.

How did I miss this thread?!? I am mostly in love with the Materia. Look at its cute little snub nose! Awww...

Hear me Lords of Toyota: When my 2006.5 Gen 1 needs to be retired to the garage, I will buy another City Car. I have no problems leaving the Toyota brand name if there is no car that fits that description. And I will be a rich lawyer by then, and you could totally upsell me on cushy options.

How about a progression of City Cars? Cheap- moderate- expensive- ridiculous. Just keep the size, mpg (or alternate fuel) and ability to put big stuff in from time to time, and some DECENT styling.

Peace,
Virginia

What might even be neat, if Toyota won't import the newgen bB/materia to the US, would be for it to be imported to Canada in a form that we could bring across the border... (Like the folks in Canada sneak xB's the other way.)

In any case, I would buy one of 'em if I could. :) I like the feature set.

Tom

No go. : (

Vehicles manufactured for sale in countries other than Canada and the United States do not comply with the requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act, CANNOT be altered to comply and CANNOT be imported into Canada. The only exceptions to this rule are vehicles fifteen (15) years old or older as determined by the month and year in which the vehicle was manufactured and buses manufactured before January 1, 1971.

No, what I'm suggesting is that a perfectly legal one that complies with the regs be imported to Canada by Toyota, just like they import Corollas (which are sold in just about every part of the planet). I'm not suggesting at all trying to sneak non-compliant Materia's into the US or Canada - I'm hoping for LEGAL ones so we can get out hands on 'em.

Tom

Something is going to have to give when they finally get to the point that each manufacturer's fleet (including trucks and SUVs) has to average 35MPG. They will have to bring out small efficient cars and stop the bigger is better syndrome.

I'm with the majority here in that the JDM bB gen 2 is a far more appealing car than the xb gen 2 we are getting here. As I said in another post, the new U.S. xb is a fine car--it's just an entirely different concept that the original.

Frankly, I can afford to drive just about any car I want, and what I want is something different. As an older guy with a decent job, kids grown up and out of the house, etc., etc., Toyota probaly would want to see me in a Lexus. But it's the original's quirkiness that made it appealing to me. I don't like driving a car that looks like every other Toyota/Honda/Nissan on the road. And the new xB U.S. gen 2 is just that...just another souless, look-alike car, IMHO and with apologies in advance to those who truly do like it.

I'm certain Toyota has the market research numbers to build the case for their current model strategy. It's a shame that that strategy flies in the face of the original Scion box personality, cause it's leaving a lot of passionate Scion car people disappointed.

I wish they would just make like an xB1 rigged up to the 1.8l motor from the Corolla. That would be like my perfect car.as is mine slap an older trd supercharger on it and call it a day

Something is going to have to give when they finally get to the point that each manufacturer's fleet (including trucks and SUVs) has to average 35MPG. They will have to bring out small efficient cars and stop the bigger is better syndrome.

yeah good luck with that ever happening

I'm with the majority here in that the JDM bB gen 2 is a far more appealing car than the xb gen 2 we are getting here. As I said in another post, the new U.S. xb is a fine car--it's just an entirely different concept that the original.

Frankly, I can afford to drive just about any car I want, and what I want is something different. As an older guy with a decent job, kids grown up and out of the house, etc., etc., Toyota probaly would want to see me in a Lexus. But it's the original's quirkiness that made it appealing to me. I don't like driving a car that looks like every other Toyota/Honda/Nissan on the road. And the new xB U.S. gen 2 is just that...just another souless, look-alike car, IMHO and with apologies in advance to those who truly do like it.

I'm certain Toyota has the market research numbers to build the case for their current model strategy. It's a shame that that strategy flies in the face of the original Scion box personality, cause it's leaving a lot of passionate Scion car people disappointed.


very true

I'm with the majority here in that the JDM bB gen 2 is a far more appealing car than the xb gen 2 we are getting here. As I said in another post, the new U.S. xb is a fine car--it's just an entirely different concept that the original.

Frankly, I can afford to drive just about any car I want, and what I want is something different. As an older guy with a decent job, kids grown up and out of the house, etc., etc., Toyota probaly would want to see me in a Lexus. But it's the original's quirkiness that made it appealing to me. I don't like driving a car that looks like every other Toyota/Honda/Nissan on the road. And the new xB U.S. gen 2 is just that...just another souless, look-alike car, IMHO and with apologies in advance to those who truly do like it.

I'm certain Toyota has the market research numbers to build the case for their current model strategy. It's a shame that that strategy flies in the face of the original Scion box personality, cause it's leaving a lot of passionate Scion car people disappointed.


WOW--this looks like a post I wrote quite awhile back. The core xB1 fan seems to be either young--or of a generation like ours that has a dose of nonconformity in our souls....................

...I'm certain Toyota has the market research numbers to build the case for their current model strategy. It's a shame that that strategy flies in the face of the original Scion box personality, cause it's leaving a lot of passionate Scion car people disappointed.
They probably had market research numbers that built the original case that the xA would far outsell the xB. Oops. (OTOH, the tC outsells the xA and xB combined, so I'd be completely unsurprised if the xB2 sells like hotcakes.)

Still, time will tell, and I'm curious to see the monthly sales figures, especially after the xD's been out for a few months.

Just to revive an old but still interesting thread, here are the current versions of the Toyota Urban Utility Vehicle (bB, COO, Materia, DEX)...

http://tijil.org/Toyota_Daihatsu_Subaru_UUV01.jpg

(I seriously like the look of the front end on the DEX version. I'd buy one tomorrow morning if it were available.)

http://tijil.org/uuv_subaru_dex.jpg

Tomas so would I....maybe even 2....now if they did it in AWD....

That DEX looks awesome

I believe the look of the Subaru DEX can grow on one quite easily...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca442e81kMg

A German (left-hand drive) version of the current box, "Yakuza Style"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Zm08hS5ZQ

German review of LHD Materia...

"Bizarre City Car from Japan: Daihatsu Materia is far more than a shoebox on four wheels."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAY1lj9fjlE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYT5hhhzi1Q

this looks nice

I would go into severe debt tomorrow if I could own a Dex, or any version of the current bB!

I love the Dex.

the Dex is cool so we will never get it.....
umm Dex cool lol..