The New Chevrolet Matiz
Published: 30th March 2005
Chevrolet Matiz
Automotive Slimmer of 2005
The generous use of high-strength grades of steel has benefits not just for the solidness and stability of the Matiz body, it also brings a significant reduction in the weight of the bodyshell, which at 172kg is 13kg less than that of its predecessor.
The whole subject of weight reduction played an important role during the development of the new Chevrolet, because fewer pounds on the scales means fewer gallons at the petrol station. Other examples of the slimming down measures incorporated include a completely new pedal box design with durable plastic moulded structure and pedals and a new noise-insulating mat between the engine compartment and the dashboard, which not only cuts the weight by 2.5kg, but also improves the sound insulating effects. The new Matiz also has a torque roll-axis engine mounting system which uses three instead of four mountings. This contributes to a total weight reduction of 5.3kg and much improves control of the engine at idle. The right hand main engine mount is a hydra-mount which improves engine shake at higher engine speeds.
The Numbers - On the road prices
- 0.8 S £6095
- 1.0 SE £6595
- 1.0 SX £7695
Sales record
Launched in 1998, Matiz is now being sold in more than 70 countries - and very successfully, too. Nearly 1.3 million units have so far been registered around the globe, some 630,000 of them in Europe with 65,000 in the UK alone.
This means that the Matiz accounts for 39 per cent of the European sales of the Korean built products that have been marketed under General Motors' globally successful Chevrolet brand since the beginning of 2005. In the peak years of 2001 and 2002, the figure was even higher, namely 51 and 65 per cent respectively.In 2004, the Matiz was particularly successful in Italy with 21,634 new registrations out of a total European figure of 57,422. Behind Italy came the UK (6,373), Spain (5,607), Germany (4,771), Hungary (3,918) and The Netherlands (3,295). 62 per cent of the buyers opted for the three-cylinder, 800cc engine while the other 38 per cent chose the four-cylinder 1.0-litre unit.
There is no doubt that Matiz is a force to be reckoned with on the European car market. With a share of 10 per cent, it is the most successful model in the A-segment after the Fiat Panda. In some countries, it even holds first place in its class. In Macedonia, for example, it was well out in front in 2004 with a market share of 67 per cent, and also dominated in Lithuania with 46 per cent and Finland with 31 per cent of its segment. It also took second place in 10 other European countries.
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: £6,245 - £8,277
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 6th July 2008
