The New Chevrolet Matiz
Published: 30th March 2005
Chevrolet Matiz
Body structure - leaner and safer
When developing the new Matiz, the engineers attached major importance to the use of state-of-the-art technologies and high-grade materials. This can be seen, for example, in the body, where generous use has been made of lightweight high-strength steel. In fact, 51 per cent (by weight) of the body of the new Chevrolet Matiz is made of HSS (high-strength steel). With its predecessor, the figure was just 37 per cent.
Safety
The increased percentage of this 'super steel' benefits the stiffness and stability and thus the safety of the passenger cell. Precisely defined load paths in the body structure with an energy absorbing hexagonal profile protect the passengers in the event of a head-on or rear collision. Optimised links between the B-pillar and the sills provide additional protection in the event of a side impact. But the engineers were concerned not only with the safety of the passengers, they also devoted a great deal of time to significantly improving the pedestrian safety. The front end design of the Matiz is among the first of its class to comply with the new European regulations on pedestrian safety.
There is also a full interior safety package to complement the passive safety features of the new generation Matiz. Depending on model this includes a driver airbag with a volume of 50 litres, a passenger airbag (100 litres) and side airbags in both the front seats (18 litres). Other components of the safety system are automatic three-point belts and head restraints on all five seats and electrically operated belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front. The range of safety equipment is completed by an energy-absorbing steering column, knee padding and a plastic fuel tank with a safety valve that immediately halts the fuel supply if the car turns over, thereby virtually eliminating any fire risk.
Matiz also features ISOFIX, the easy and convenient way to fix a child seat. Simply buy an ISOFIX seat from Chevrolet retailers or top quality High Street stores and plug it in.
There’s no messing about with seatbelts trying to secure the seat with every chance that it’s not tightly fixed - the consequences are only too obvious. ISOFIX is foolproof and means the child seat is correctly fitted at all times. If it’s not secured this too is very obvious. Both outer rear seats carry the ISOFIX fittings so that children can be placed on either or both sides of the car.
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
