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Daewoo Matiz Wallpapers,
Daewoo Matiz
Daewoo Matiz

The Daewoo Matiz was in production produced since 1998.

It comes with a choice of two engines. It's 0.8-liter three-cylinder engine is willing, despite having just over 52 hp. It is nippy enough in the city, but gets wheezy and struggles on the motorway. The 1.0-liter four-cylinder unit has slightly more pull, but these extra 12 hp make it more motorway-friendly. The 1.0-liter model would be a better car to own.

Matiz's small wheels constantly crash into potholes. Otherwise it is well controlled at any speed. It's power steering is light, making parking easy, helped by a good turning circle. Unfortunately on faster roads the front end is running wide.

Small 0.8-liter engine has a pleasant note when revved, but it becomes tiring on fast roads. The four-cylinder unit is quieter at all times, but becomes harsh when revved hard. However it's exhaust note do not makes you feel uncomfortable on the motorway. Wind noise becomes an issue at speed, while the tyres kick up some road noise even on smooth surfaces.

The Daewoo Matiz is very competitively priced in the second-hand car markets. Furthermore it has a decent fuel economy. In other words it is a cheap car to own and to run. Since it's introduction it proved a reliable car, so reliability shouldn't be a concern.

Inside the car everything is well put together, but some of the materials look cheap and a are flimsy to touch. Furthermore it's interior is rather stylish for a cheap car. All the major controls are large, well laid out and easy to use. Stereo is rather fiddly though.

The Daewoo Matiz has a good driving position even though the steering wheel and driver's seat do not have any adjustments for height.

The front passengers have plenty of space, while the headroom is also reasonable even for taller drivers. Unfortunately the rear seats are better kept for children, as adults will find their head brushing the roof and there is not enough kneeroom. The boot is tiny, but it can be extended by split folding the rear bench.

The Daewoo Matiz comes with front airbags as standard. The 1.0-liter model adds an anti-skid brakes, but the traction control is not even optional. Unfortunately this small car has barely any safety equipment at all. An alarm is optional and there are no deadlocks.

The 0.8-liter engine is available in SE trim only. It comes with power steering, but that's pretty everything it can offer. The only options for the SE trim are central locking, CD player, sunroof and metallic paint. The Xtra trim adds central locking, anti-lock brakes and a CD player, while the SE+ comes with an air conditioning, electric front windows and alloy wheels.

Since 2005 renewed Daewoo Matiz is sold as the Chevrolet Matiz. In some countries it is sold under names of Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Joy, or Pontiac Matiz.

Advantages: Cheeky looks and has rather stylish interior for a cheap city car.

Disadvantages: Most of the safety kit is available on the top-spec models only. Struggles on motorways.

Verdict: Great for town, but a limited safety list.