Daewoo Matiz Review (1998 to 2005)

Quick Summary

If you're an undemanding driver who is after something cheap and cheerful, the Matiz is the best bet around. For light shopping and A to B city jaunts, its compact dimensions and zingy engine work very well. Out on the open road, it becomes a bit engulfed and other rivals with larger engines acquit themselves far more comfortably. As a second car, a used Matiz is almost too cheap to turn down. It's reliable, modern looking, and a nearly new example will confer the peace-of-mind that made it such an attractive new buy. Recommended.

Overall:

Models Covered: (5 dr Citycar 800cc petrol [SE, SE+])

MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSIONIST

The Daewoo Matiz changed many people's perceptions of the Korean car giant. Rather than a company that produced re-heated versions of other's cast offs, it became a manufacturer that produced smarter cars when it undertook the job itself. The Matiz was the first Daewoo that large numbers of the general public would actually countenance purchasing for any reason other than cost of ownership; strangely ironic given that it was Britain's cheapest car to run. As a used buy it's possible to drive these costs down still further and still have one of the cheekiest Citycars on the road. Groovy or gormless? You decide.
Used Daewoo Matiz for sale

History of the Matiz

The Daewoo Matiz was launched in the UK in April 1998, and it was initially sold mainly through a network of Halfords superstores. In time, more dedicated Daewoo dealerships sprang up, but the Halfords approach was undoubtedly an unorthodox way to get a big dealer network at negligible cost. Two models were made available, the SE and the SE+, and straight away the Matiz found favour.In 2000 alone, the Matiz notched up Best Small Car in Auto Express Used Car Awards, Best Value Car in Top Gear Magazine and Best Small Car on BBC2's Top Gear. Sales were strong and all appeared rosy in the Matiz garden until a magazine published a report claiming that the Matiz would fall over if big steering input was applied when reversing at speed. The magazine neglected to mention that the same would happen to almost any tall, high-sided vehicle – indeed if you examine any Jeep Grand Cherokee you'll find stability warnings – but by and large, the target audience of the Matiz paid little attention to this claim. Still, should you ever find yourself attempting to achieve exit velocity in reverse in a Matiz, just go easy with that steering wheel. In late 2000, Daewoo made a number of detail changes to the Matiz. The front headlamps were now recessed into the bonnet line, and the oval theme continued with the addition of dinky ovoid indicators that sat above the bumper, like an appealing kindergarten sun and planet drawing. Below the smiley bonnet work lay a quite aggressive under-bumper mesh grille, punctuated at each side by golf ball-sized fog lights. At the flanks, the newer car could be identified by the full length door moulding strip, sensibly incorporated to protect the Matiz in its native environment – supermarket car parks. Elsewhere, you'll find body-coloured door handles and folding mirrors. The interior came in for a spruce-up, with the seatbelts featuring pretensioners, the anti-lock braking software was improved, the seatback heights were raised to help prevent neck injuries in collisions and the body structure was re-engineered for additional crashworthiness. A stainless steel exhaust and a fundamental revision of the engine's mounting points also resulted in a quieter car. The 800cc engine remained.The end of the road for the Matiz came with the demise of Daewoo but the car did continue briefly with Chevrolet badging until the arrival of an all-new model in early 2005.
Used Daewoo Matiz for sale

Daewoo Matiz Road Test

The Matiz looks as if it a spell behind the wheel would be about as much fun as eating flour. Fortunately it isn't. All right, so rest to sixty takes an age (17.0s) on the way to just 89mph and even slight motorway inclines leave the noisy three-cylinder engine gasping for breath. Around town, however, it's quite nippy enough, with sharp, direct steering and excellent all-round visibility. If the notchy gearbox leads you to enquire about an automatic, however, you'll be disappointed; amazingly there isn't one. Still, if you want a Citycar for city driving and don't mind changing gear yourself, the Matiz makes a reasonable case for itself dynamically and excels financially. This is arguably Daewoo's best model yet and, as an inexpensive second car for your family, a used Matiz could be just the ticket.
Used Daewoo Matiz for sale

Buying a Daewoo Matiz

The awards heaped upon the Matiz all testify to the fact that it hasn't developed any significant faults during its existence. It will in all likelihood have transported children, so check the cabin for rips, stains and other damage wreaked by small hands. The luggage bays should also be examined for evidence of wear and tear.These models should have been exposed to a fair amount of city driving, so check the exterior for knocks and scrapes, and check under the bonnet for accident damage or paint overspray. Otherwise, the usual reminder to obtain a service history applies. The Daewoo after-sales package is excellent, and a used Matiz may well be better serviced than many of its rivals. Avoid high-mileage cars if possible.
Used Daewoo Matiz for sale

Daewoo Matiz Typical Pricing

Prices for the Daewoo Matiz start at around £1,000 for a 1998 R-plate SE model. Expect to budget around £2,600 for a more recent 2003 52-registered example. The better-equipped SE+ variant would start at £1,300 and reach £2,600 for a 2002 51-plate model. Pay an extra £100 for a car equipped with ABS and a £150 more if it has been specified with air-conditioning. Insurance is an almost negligible Group 2.
Used Daewoo Matiz for sale

Daewoo Matiz Parts

(approx based on a 1999 Matiz SEi) Matiz spares aren't anything to panic about. Air filters cost £7, whilst fuel filters will only relieve you of £11, and spark plugs are less than £3 for a full set. A cam belt will only be £30 to replace. Easy.
Used Daewoo Matiz for sale