Daewoo Matiz 2001 test drive - 2005 hatchback

Uzbek family

Daewoo forms a new class in our market and can become a leader in it. The Nexia, which broke all the records of sales, has found a younger brother - Matiz.
 
Undoubtedly, Nexia and Matiz are different classes and, if it went, to different types ... Nevertheless, they have common features, and not only origin. Daewoo Nexia for several years was a bestseller in the Russian market, and Matiz was one of the most likely candidates for the leaders of a more modest segment in the near future. Interestingly, at the same time they are quite close in price. How much the buyer of the traditionally popular class Sedan C in Russia can attract extravagant so far even for Europe Mikroven, we will try to figure it out.
Money, Money, Money ... as always, money plays a decisive role in the fate of these machines. So, the success of Nexia was due to the fact that it was the cheapest foreign car. However, it is not entirely true: after all, the direct predecessor of Matiz was even cheaper - a miniature Tico. However, a couple of years ago, such compact cars could not count on popularity - Nexia is much better suited for the role of a universal family car. But now the appearance of Matiz can slightly change the layout in the market. Firstly, an increasing number of large inhabitants cities begin to understand the merits of modest dimensions and are not complex about their size. Over time, this trend will only intensify. Secondly, created by the famous Italdesign Matiz looks much more stylish and modern than the long-outed Tico. And for a small car, which is traditionally perceived in our country as a female, original appearance - a dignity that redeems many shortcomings. Thirdly, price.
 
Now Uzdaewoo can afford to sell Matiz at a price of six thousand dollars, which is quite comparable to the cost of Nexia a couple of years ago, when simple configurations were offered for $ 6600. Now, however, it costs a little more - from seven thousand. What is quite logical: why compete with machines of the same brand?
Naturally, we compare the prices of cars produced by Uzdaewoo - they are most often and noticeably cheaper in our country than the Daewoo models from other countries accidentally flew into Russia.
Beauty is a terrible force. In the design of Nexia, it is already difficult to compete with classmates just because of age. Except for cars such as Lada, created on the basis of Fiat 37 years ago, Nexia, for which Opel Kadett, which debuted 28 years ago, is one of the oldest structures of our market. Although it is impossible not to admit that the modernization carried out in the mid-90s with the replacement of the front and rear parts of the body was quite successful-the car was noticeably modernized. New headlights, hood and front wings are made extremely successfully, the trunk is a little worse, but this can be forgiven for just an incredible volume. Five hundred thirty liters are more than that of the Volga or even the notorious 140th gelding! The situation is somewhat worse with the salon - although the driver’s workplace is quite convenient, the design of the instrument panel is too frank in terms of the age of the machine. However, some Russian models are still older ...
Matiz looks more interesting and fresh outside and inside.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth mentioning the old -fashioned instrument panel, an unreasonable rear seat and a low level of management pleasure. But inexpensive!
 
 
The ergonomics of the driver's workplace at a quite acceptable level. It would be nice, of course, supplement the shield with a tachometer ... and put a more decent radio.

 
The trunk outside does not look very successful (especially compared to a stylish front -line), but for 530 liters of volume, this can be forgiven
 
The decoration of the salon is so good for this class, and when you take into account the price, it is so easy to take into account. Stylish modern lines and a fairly successful location of devices and controls are able to make the car quite attractive. There is not enough tachometer, but for this class this can be considered normal. Despite the fact that Matiz is much shorter than Nexia, the salon seems spacious. For this, you need to thank a more vertical landing, which allows you to more rationally use dimensions. However, in length, the car even slightly exceeds Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse.
   
A pleasant appearance, spacious interior and roomy trunk make this model one of the optimal candidates for the role of a city family car
The rear seat can only be called three -seat out of politeness. Yes, and it will have to be folded if you need to transport any significant baggage
Matiz has a stylish appearance, which in this category of compact cars is often crucial
 
Now, if they could be compared in width ... One and a half meters are still not enough for the rear seat to be really three-seat. No, three adults there with a great desire will be accommodated, but they definitely will not like a long trip.
Yes, and the volume of the trunk is clearly not designed for long travels five: a little more than 100 liters - this is barely enough for a small picnic. And then provided that it will occur near the store. But having folded the back row, we will get a cargo compartment with a volume ... like a Nexia trunk.
Kings of streets and roads. Of course, the element of Matiz is city streets. However, the car holds the road well at relatively high speeds. Of course, this is not Lancer Evo VI, but from a rather high and narrow machine one could expect the worst. The reckoning for such a driver orientation is a rather stiff suspension. In Nexia, the suspension swallows bumps better, but the machine is prone to longitudinal buildup - however, quite within the permissible. It has an acceptable level of controllability and stability, although in the framework of its class you can find serial models that provide more pleasure when driving ... only now they cost at least twice as much. What is the older sister naturally inferior to Matiz is in maneuverability. But there is nothing to be done - just like with the size of the salon.
 
Paradoxically, Matiz, most likely, will also be better in terms of patency: the base is short, there are almost no overhangs ... and narrower tires will provide the best adhesion to the slippery coating.
Naturally, Matiz loses Nexia in dynamic characteristics, because in terms of volume and power of the engine it is almost half as much as Nexia, and its mass is only one and a half times smaller. No matter how disappointing, Matiz and Tico are somewhat inferior - the predecessor was easier, and their engine on versions for our market is the same. So for modern style and comfort you will have to pay a second or two when overclocking to a hundred. However, the Korean Matiz uses injection versions of this motor, which develop more than 50 hp. With them, the car can be more lively. However, even with the Matiz carburetor engine, it turns out to be quite dynamic in some situations-40-50 km/h, it gains a little faster than most of the coal neighbors at the traffic light. To do this, you will have to work a little by the accelerator pedal and the gearbox lever - the small engine shows its abilities well, if it is properly twisted. At the same time, he, as expected from the three -cylinder engine, joyfully grumbles, which gives sharpness to sensations - the real Driver's Car!
 
For different families. In general, we can say that both cars are suitable for use as family. Only families should be different. If we focus on the stereotype that we have prevailed, that the machine is used mainly for periodic trips to the cottage in full force and with baggage, then Nexia, one might say, is just for this. But Matiz is much more suitable for a young couple (even with a child) living in a metropolis and driving a car every day. True, you must be prepared for the fact that for any cargo, except for a pair of suitcases or several packages from a supermarket, you will have to order delivery ...
 
Text Valery Chusov, photo Alexey Ilyin
 
Model/Modification Daewoo Matiz Daewoo Nexia
Manufacturer/country of SP Uzdauavto/Uzbekistan SP Uzdauavto/Uzbekistan
BODY
Type hatchback sedan
Number of doors/places 5/5 4/5
ENGINE
Gasoline type with electronic injection gasoline with electronic injection
 
Front location, transversely in front, transversely
Working volume (cubic meter) 796 1498
Number/location of cylinders 3/in -line 4/in -line
Power, kW (L.S.) at about./Min. 38 (52) at 6000 55 (75) at 5400
Moment (nm at about./Min.) 71 at 3500 124 at 3200
TRANSMISSION
Front front drive
The gearbox is mechanical, 5-speed (on Matiz by order-variator) mechanical, 5-speed
SUSPENSION
The anterior independent type Mcphereson, the transverse stability stabilizer Independent type Mcpherson, the reptile stabilizer
The rear half -dependent, longitudinal levers connected by a beam, a derecious stability stabilizer is a semi -dependent, longitudinal levers associated with a beam, a reptile stabilizer
STEERING
Type gear-rake, by order-with a hydraulic power steering gear-rack, by order-with a hydraulic mission
Min. Diameter of the turn (m) 9.0 10.6
Brakes
Front/rear disk/drum circuit ventilated/drum
ABS by order by order
Dimensions/volumes/weight
Length/width/height (mm) 3495/1495/1485 4482/1662/1393
Wheel base (mm) 2340 2520
Trunk volume (L) 155 530
Equipped mass (kg) 775 1025
Tires 145/70 R13 (by order - 175/60 \u200b\u200bR13) 175/70 R13
Disks 4.5J 5J
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed (km/h) 143 170
Acceleration to 100 km/h (sec.) 17.0 14.6
Economy
Fuel consumption of highway/city (l/100 km) 5.2/6.4 5.4/8.5
Price in Moscow $ 6000--7550 $ 7000--8600
 

Source: "Autopilot"