Chevrolet Matiz Hatchback

Performance
Choose from two petrol engines: an 800cc three-cylinder (now with automatic transmission) and a 1.0-litre four-cylinder. The smaller unit serves up more than enough zest for nipping in and out of city traffic, but out of town it starts to feel wheezy. The 1.0 also needs to be worked to get up to higher speeds, but that extra power and pull mean it’s more at home on the motorway.

Ride & handling
At any speed the ride is well controlled and the Matiz is good at absorbing surface lumps. Large potholes are the only problem, sending vibrations through the cabin. The power steering is light enough to make parking a doddle, and yet accurate on the open road.

Refinement
The three-cylinder’s engine note isn’t unpleasant and isn’t as harsh as the four-cylinder unit when revved. However, the 1.0 does settle down when cruising, and it’s the less tiring car on fast roads. Wind and road noise both intrude into the cabin at the national limit, but not excessively.

Buying & owning
The Matiz is one of the cheapest cars you can buy and running costs should be similarly affordable. Both engines are frugal, have low carbon dioxide emissions and attract low insurance ratings. Residual values are weak, however.

Quality & reliability
There should be no worries about the Matiz going wrong, as the old model has proved a dependable small car and many parts are carried over. Chevrolet provides a three-year/60,000 mile warranty and the option of a fixed-price servicing package.The cabin should prove durable, although the standard of finish is disappointing because many of the plastics used are shiny and hard to the touch.

Safety & security
All Matiz models come with twin front airbags and anti-skid brakes, but only the range-topping 1.0 SX has side airbags. Whichever model you plump for, there’s little to deter thieves. There is no alarm, nor any deadlocks.

Behind the wheel
The interior looks cheap and the speedo can be difficult to read because it’s positioned in the centre of the dash. Otherwise, the controls are logically laid out and there are lots of handy cubbyholes. The driving position is okay, but some will find it difficult to get comfortable because the steering wheel is fixed and the base model doesn’t get a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

Space & practicality
Those in front get plenty of leg- and headroom, but a narrow cabin means driver and passenger tend to knock elbows. You’ll also struggle to squeeze three people across the rear bench, and although the Matiz can carry four adults, tall folk will feel cramped in the back. The boot is small, but well shaped and the seats split and fold 60/40.

Equipment
The 0.8-litre unit is only available with basic S trim and comes with power steering, a CD player and central locking. SE spec gives you the more powerful engine, driver’s seat-height adjustment and electric front windows, while the 1.0 SX adds air-con, electric rear windows and alloy wheels.

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