Daewoo Matiz: prices and specifications

Daewoo Matiz is a compact and maneuverable car that is perfect for residents of large cities, novice drivers, and women. It can also be used as a service vehicle for daily commutes. Buyers are offered two gasoline engines: 0.8 L and 1.0 L. The transmission can be chosen: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

History

The Daewoo Matiz was developed by the Korean company Daewoo, and later produced under license by other manufacturers.

The car's exterior was originally created for Fiat by the Giorgetto Giugiaro design studio. However, the Italians abandoned the project for unknown reasons, and it was bought by Daewoo Motors. Serial production started in 1997, and the Matiz replaced the Daewoo Tico model. From its predecessor, the new model inherited the engine, transmission, and some suspension components. The factory index is M100. The car exceeded the company's expectations and became the brand's most popular model in Europe.

In 1998, production of the Matiz under license from Korean components began at the Daewoo-FSO plant in Poland. That same year, production started in India and Romania.

In 2000, the model underwent a light facelift and began to be produced under the index M150. That same year, production of the Daewoo Matiz started at the Uzbek plant "UzDaewoo".

In 2003, a new 1.0-liter engine appeared on the Matiz, which featured improved dynamic characteristics.

In total, three power units were installed on the Daewoo Matiz: 0.8 L with manual transmission, 0.8 L with automatic transmission, and 1.0 L with manual transmission.

Since 2001, General Motors bought a controlling stake in the bankrupt Daewoo Motors, and models under the Chevrolet brand began to appear on the market. However, cars produced at "UzDaewoo" and sold in Ukraine retained the original name.

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior easily accommodates four adult passengers.

In 2005, the second generation of the Daewoo Matiz (factory index M200) was released. It received new environmentally friendly engines, as well as significant changes in exterior and interior.

In many markets, this car was sold as the Chevrolet Spark.

In 2009, the third generation was presented at the Geneva Motor Show — the Daewoo Matiz with index M300.

The car became noticeably larger than its predecessor: 100 mm longer, 95 mm higher, 25 mm wider. The wheelbase increased by 30 mm. The new Matiz is built on a platform shared with the Suzuki Splash and Opel Agila, which is a shortened version of the Suzuki Swift platform.

Since 2012, the model was modernized and presented at the Paris Motor Show as the Chevrolet Spark.

Despite the existence of three generations, the facelifted version of the first generation, produced by "UzDaewoo" (Uzbekistan), is still sold in Ukraine. We will consider it in more detail.

Exterior

The Daewoo Matiz still looks quite modern today. The compact, rounded body with large windows does not evoke negative emotions. The body is assembled neatly: gaps are even, paint quality is good, and the color palette includes many bright, noticeable shades. Depending on the trim level, bumpers can be painted in body color or remain unpainted.

Despite its outdated design, the Matiz is liked by many women and young mothers.

Interior

Inside, the Daewoo Matiz feels significantly more spacious than it looks from the outside. Even behind a tall driver, a no less tall passenger can sit comfortably. The spaciousness is achieved due to the high seating position, minimal protrusion of trim parts, and the special shape of the door panels.

The seats are quite firm and comfortable, although one might complain about insufficient lateral support.

The controls are positioned conventionally, and the steering column is adjustable for height.

The trunk is small, which is unlikely to be a problem for those who consider the Matiz as a compact city car rather than a truck.

If necessary, cargo can be transported by folding the rear seat. Loading and unloading are convenient thanks to the large rear door opening.

Engine and Transmission

For Ukraine, the Matiz is equipped with two gasoline engines: a three-cylinder 0.8 L producing 51 hp and a four-cylinder 1.0 L producing 63 hp.

The 0.8 L engine can be paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The 1.0-liter engine is offered only with a manual.

Safety

According to the Euro NCAP crash test conducted in 2000, the Daewoo Matiz received three stars out of five. It scored 19 points for adult occupant protection and 15 points for child protection. For its time, this is a positive indicator, and the overall safety level among compact cars can be considered good.

The Russian publication "AutoReview" also conducted a crash test of the Uzbek Matiz according to the ARCAP method. For a frontal impact, the car received 11 points out of 16 and three stars out of four. Compared to a number of cars from the CIS and China, the safety level is significantly higher.

Features

The handling of the Daewoo Matiz is adequate during calm driving: the car obediently responds to steering inputs. However, in extreme conditions, it is prone to excessive body roll and understeer. During sharp maneuvers, such as obstacle avoidance, the roll can be so severe that the rear outer wheel lifts off the road. Steering feedback is insufficient, which prevents the driver from accurately feeling the wheel position and tire grip limit.

The suspension settings are designed for good quality roads. On broken surfaces, the suspension feels somewhat stiff.

Popularity in Ukraine

The car is in demand, especially among buyers with limited budgets. For many, the decisive factor when buying their first car was precisely the low cost of the Daewoo Matiz.

According to the autoportal.ua sales rating, the model is in the TOP-30. On the Ukrainian market, it is one of the cheapest cars.

Our Verdict

The Matiz can be a good choice for those looking for an inexpensive second family car or a daily driver. The Daewoo Matiz is quite peppy, economical, and, importantly for the female audience, can be equipped with an automatic transmission. Judging by owner reviews, the car has earned a reputation as reliable and unpretentious. Visits to service centers are infrequent, mainly for routine maintenance.