Daewoo - Matiz

1998-05

Matiz fits a lot into a mini-sized package. It's practical, reliable and easy to drive, with good equipment for a budget car. And it's very cheap to buy and run.

	Stylish, practical, inexpensive city car
	Quite nice to drive, nippy around town
	Cheap to own: low insurance, 45+ mpg
	Old 800cc engine soon runs out of steam
	Noisy and tiring out on the open road
	Rear accommodation is a bit restricted

It's perhaps ironic that Daewoo's smallest and cheapest car has done so much to establish the Korean carmaker's position in the British market. But Matiz deserves its reputation as a well built, well designed and well equipped five-door city hatchback that can almost claim mini-MPV status.
The space-efficient body accommodates five at a pinch; it's more comfortable for four, though rear legroom is tight for adults. It looks quite stylish and leaves little to be desired in SE+ form, offering central locking, electric front windows and optional air con.
Driving is easy, with standard power steering, reasonable agility and a smooth ride. The original three-cylinder 800cc engine is acceptable around town but accelerates slowly and struggles at higher speeds; go for the peppier 1.0 litre from 2003 if funds permit.
Reliability and warranty terms are good, overall running costs are low, and safety is reasonable for a small car.