The New Chevrolet Matiz
Published: 31st May 2005
- Probably the cheapest car to run in the UK
- Insure it for less than the cost of a daily newspaper
The new Chevrolet Matiz goes on sale on Saturday 18th June and could become the cheapest car to run in the UK. With Group 1 insurance, three years’ free servicing, the lowest annual vehicle excise duty and at least 67mpg on out of town journeys, coupled to an on the road price from £6095, it will take some challenging.
Low running costs and low prices - an unbeatable combination
Insurance quotes for the 0.8S model from the AA* show that a 25 year-old single woman living in South West London, working for an ad agency and parking on the street could pay £426.00 per annum - less than the cost of a monthly London Travelcard. A 55 year-old midwife living in Gloucestershire with off road parking could pay £144.36 per annum - less than the cost of a daily newspaper. The 0.8S model also achieves 67mpg on the extra-urban cycle, so with road tax at £105 per year and free servicing for three years, the new Matiz is a true bargain.
The classic urban runabout
Matiz is the classic urban runabout and has been given a major upgrade for 2005. The new model follows in the footsteps of its previous trendsetting and ground breaking incarnation. It is leaner, fitter and has a stronger body yet retains all the chic and charm that has made it a number one seller in the mini-car market.
Matiz has always been a great choice in town with its practicality and Tardis-like proportions offering lots of interior space for four inside a compact exterior.
Its big windows and tight turning circle make it really easy to park - it will turn full circle in less than the length of a double-decker bus.
For 2005, Matiz takes a giant leap forward in many areas crucial to this sector’s audience with an essential point in the brief being to retain the overall size of the car and not to be caught up in the general trend to upsizing - this is urban transport after all.
A simple range but all great value
There are three models available in the new Chevrolet Matiz line-up - S, SE and SX. The smaller 0.8 litre engine comes in the entry level S model; this is priced at £6095. The 1.0 litre engine, ideal for those who make slightly longer journeys or spend a little time on the motorway, is more powerful yet still frugal. This engine comes in the SE and SX models where big car features such as air conditioning, electric rear windows and alloy wheels are included. The 1.0 SE is priced at £6595, (air conditioning costs £400 more on this model) and the fully-equipped 1.0SX is £7695. Insurance ratings are 1 for the 0.8S, 2 for the 1.0SE and 3 for the 1.0SX.
* Quotes provided by the AA for average profiles.
Chevrolet Matiz
Our Chevrolet Matiz Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Matiz range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £6,265 - £8,395
Body Style:
Fuel:
Models in the range: 4
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
