Chevrolet Matiz Road Test

Chevrolet Matiz

The test car housed the smaller unit, which produces 51PS (50bhp) at 6,000rpm and 71.5Nm (52.7lb ft) of torque at 4,400rpm. Through the non-optional, 4-speed, automatic transmission, it takes a leisurely 21.9 seconds to get from nought to 62mph and the top speed is 84mph, where legal. That reads as painfully slow but it doesn’t seem that way, besides in town traffic is perfectly adequate. That said, it does take a while for the Matiz to get going but by using the limited kick-down facility, it is possible to fool the drivetrain into something nearing a sporty attitude. Actually, I was surprised that, even with three people onboard, it felt quite sprightly and very similar to another of my favourites, the Daihatsu Copen.

It is a fun little car with a lot of spirit out of town and competent enough on the motorway, although overtaking does call for forward planning than usual. But it is around town where the Matiz comes into its own. Good, positive steering, a tight turning circle and diminutive proportions makes for easy manoeuvring and parking is simplicity itself.

For shopping forays, there is 170-litres of luggage space in the in the boot, which can be increased to 845-litres by folding the 60:40 split, rear seats. There is also a large selection of shelves, oddment trays, cup-holders and pockets within the cabin. It seems that every available space has been put to good use.

Both of the rear seats have ISOFIX anchors, while other safety measures include; duel, front airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners at the front, ABS with EBD and a high-tensile steel safety cage with reinforced A-pillars.

Despite the condolences I received, I thoroughly enjoyed the Matiz, to the point that I argued its case whenever possible. If I lived in a large town, the Matiz would be nearing the top of my list of city runabouts.

Chevrolet Matiz