Review

Review: Daewoo Matiz hatch (1999-04)

2 stars

  • Fuel-efficient engine
  • Generally good ride/handling balance…
  • … though suspension lacks low-speed compliance
  • Three-cylinder engine limited to city duties
  • Lack of sound insulation
  • Power steering only available as an extra-cost option

Review: Daewoo M100 Matiz (1999-02)

Overview

Released in October 1999, the Daewoo M100 Matiz hatch was a light, front-wheel drive vehicle. Manufactured in Changwon, South Korea, the M100 Matiz was powered by an 800cc three-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The M100 Matiz range consisted of single SE variant.

The 800cc S-TEC engine had a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and compression ratio of 9.3:1. The five-speed Daewoo manual transmission had a single dry plate clutch.

The Matiz was 3495 mm long, 1495 mm wide, 1485 mm tall and had a 2340 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 776 kg. Furthermore, the Matiz had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with isolated trailing arms.

Daewoo M100 Matiz specifications
  Years Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
M100 Matiz 1999-02 800cc petrol I3 5sp man. 37.5 kW at 5900 rpm 68.6 Nm at 4600 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags. The Matiz had 236 mm (diameter) solid front disc brakes and 180 mm (diameter) rear drum brakes.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Matiz received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 19. During the front offset impact, the driver’s chest contacted the steering wheel, hard structures under the fascia were hazardous to the driver’s knees and the brake pedal was hazardous to the feet.

Features

Standard features included 13-inch steel wheels with 155/65 R13 tyres, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, air-conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, central locking and powered front windows.

Power-assisted steering was only available as an extra-cost option.

Review: Daewoo M150 Matiz (2002-04)

Overview

Released in July 2002, the M150 Matiz introduced a four-speed Jatco JF405E automatic transmission and the manual transmission was also upgraded for improved shift quality. Furthermore, the body structure was reinforced for greater occupant protection and greater refinement was achieved through repositioned engine mounts, the introduction of a steel gearshift control housing (previously plastic) and a redesigned cooling fan and shroud.

Visually, styling changes for the M150 Matiz included subtle nacelles for the headlights, oval-shaped indicator lights positioned above the bumper, a mesh grille (previously slatted), redesigned bumpers and door moulding strips. Inside, the door trims had larger map pockets and bigger armrests, a foot rest was added and the floor console was widened to accommodate a second cup holder. Other changes included new colours and graphics for the instrument cluster and a light for the cargo area.

Daewoo M150 Matiz specifications
  Years Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
M150 Matiz 2002-04 800cc I3 4sp auto,
5sp man.
37.5 kW at 5900 rpm 68.6 Nm at 4600 rpm

Safety equipment and features

Compared to its M100 predecessor, safety equipment and features for the M150 Matiz were largely unchanged.

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