DAEWOO MATIZ (From Warrington Guardian)

DAEWOO MATIZ

MATIZ, the city car which was outstanding enough to survive the collapse of the old Daewoo company to become a little jewel in the General Motors crown, has been made an even more attractive buy with the addition of a one litre four cylinder engine promised at the model's revision in 2001, and the recent introduction of yet another limited edition called Xtra.

With a striking free option of a front to rear body stripe maximising the cheeky character of the tiny five-door, specially designed 13 inch alloy wheels and an RDS radio/single CD player and speaker upgrade along with twin airbags and power steering, the Matiz Xtra with the 796c three cylinder unit costs £5,995 on the road.

For £300 more, you can obtain the more powerful engine which offers 63 horsepower, a quarter up, and which provides even more agreeable driving out of town.

The 1.0 litre SE model starts at £6,295.

Italdesign styling, with a one-box shape and cute detailing, gave Matiz both an individuality and instant appeal at launch in 1998.

In 2001, its cheeky looks were further enhanced by the provision of recessed housings for the ovaloid headlamps, and two modifications no doubt inspired by experienced gained in city traffic - higher than before nudge-avoiding indicators and nudge resistant door mouldings.

A mesh grille was also been adopted and the SE Plus version was given round fog lamps set beneath the bumper.

At the rear, the licence plate was moved from the bumper to the tailgate which received a handle - and a scratch resistant strip was also fitted.

Revisions were also made inside the car inside. Large map pockets, longer and wider armrests (to accommodate the electric window switches on SE Plus), space for two rather than one cup holder, a slot for coins and a footrest were all added and thee instrumentation was also made clearer.

Matiz was roomier than anyone might reasonably have expected from the outset - it can accommodate four six footers remarkably well and it has that added practicality of five doors.

The car certainly scores in city traffic as I found on my initial appraisal in the centre of Dublin and again in the hustle and bustle of the City of London on my second bite of the cherry.

Even then it was clear that the less powerful engine could survive outside the city walls, so to speak.

I drove the car out over Tower Bridge and into deepest Kent. It was on that longer run that I could appreciate the additional sound deadening that had been carried out.

The unit still roars rather than hums - a baritone thrum of a straight six miniature was how the manufacturers described it to me originally - but it is not inhospitable.

The three cylinder, multipoint fuel injection engine was developed with UK specialists Tickford. Its 50 horsepower from 800cc isn't a lot but it was quite adequate for the M25.

Expect to take 18 seconds to reach 60 - and you won't need the 89 miles an hour it can reach in the longer term. The more powerful engine can clip four seconds off that and top out at 94.

The mainstream entry-level model features front headrests, a digital clock, 60/40 split folding rear seat, an engine immobiliser, powered steering, two-speed and intermittent wipers , tinted glass, an audio system and remote levers for the tailgate and fuel filler cap.

SE also has central locking and electric front windows. SE Plus (£6,495 and £6,795) adds electric mirrors on both sides of the car, alloy wheels and a rear spoiler while air conditioning and ABS brakes are options.

In addition to twin airbags, almost 50 per cent of the body consists of high-tensile sheet steel.

Access to the boot area is by the tailgate or an asymmetrically arranged rear seat back and the compact suspension limits the intrusion into the space available.

Matiz is serviced free for three years and carries a comprehensive and transferable warranty and AA cover for same period or 60,000 miles. The price also includes delivery, a year's road tax, number plates and free tuition with the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Insurance category is an economical group two

Fact File

Vehicle: Daewoo Matiz

Configuration: Five door mini

Engine: 3 cylinder 796cc, 4 cylinder 1.0 litre

Power output: 50, 63 hp

Top speed: 89, 94 miles an hour

Transmission: Front drive, five speed manual

Steering: Rack and pinion with power assistance

Brakes: Discs and drums. ABS option

Wheels: 13 inch

Length: 11ft 5 ins

Verdict: They tell me Sex in the City is finishing. Xtra in the city is probably much more fun!

Roadtest by Alan Domville