irishcar.com - Daewoo Matiz review

The current version of the Daewoo Matiz proved a little gem in the gridlock that is Naas, where the traffic is now much worse than in its pre-bypass days.

The Matiz is a town or city slicker that can jump traffic jams with ease or squeeze into that tiny parking slot. Another definite advantage was how bigger cars courteously made way for the smaller car. Even smiled at me. I guess it brought out the best in everyone.

My experience was echoed by Daewoo Ireland’s MD Tom McQueirns, who told me recently he prefers to drive a Matiz into Dublin city on a Saturday morning as it’s so easy to park. “You can squeeze it into that much,” he told me with his arms stretched out (not too far).

The car under review was the Daewoo Matiz 5-door version which comes with an impressive array of equipment for a such basic low price of 11,495 euros for the SE and 12,345 euros for the SE Plus. Standard equipment includes twin airbags, central locking, electric front windows (on the SE Plus).

The Matiz is powered by a SOHC 800cc 3 cylinder 6V engine and has a top speed of 90mph. It is a willing little motor, though I found it a bit on the hiccuppy side whenever I had to start up after slowing down, especially navigating roundabouts. After all, I suppose, it IS rather a small engine. Once you get it moving on a motorway, though, it buzzes along with aplomb. Its high and narrow aspect can make it susceptible to sidewinds.

Don’t expect the boot to hold too much. When I loaded in a medium-sized suitcase, the tailgate wouldn’t close properly. But you could manage a number of shopping bags. And, of course, if the kids aren’t in evidence you could always dump the case on the back seats.

A cheerful little car. All gray inside, but with turquoise and blue on the instrument panel, and a lot of metal shiny stuff on the dash. The central console and dash area was nice and cheerful looking, mainly down to a good, simple design encased in shiny metal effect. The radio is fiddly, and there’s no room to the left of the clutch to rest the relevant foot.

Since its launch in 1999, the Matiz has sold in excess of 3,000 units.
In addition to ‘more spec for less cheque’ Daewoo Ireland gives three years free scheduled servicing, three years RAC membership and three years full comprehensive warranty.