THE original Matiz city car hit the right buttons for a lot of people - it was cheeky, cheerful and cheap, and Chevrolet has been careful to keep all those qualities for the new version.
While the newcomer is lighter and stronger than its predecessor, the most noticeable improvements are in looks which are funkier than ever, particularly in the bold front and rear lights set-ups, the added dazzling colours to the range and the little rear spoiler.
Fine, but the Matiz's main appeal remains its super in-town practicality, delivered at prices starting at not much more than £6,000 and with rock-bottom running costs. At 3.5m in length, the car can wriggle through just about anywhere and the 9.2m turning circle can be a godsend - a three-point turn was achieved in what was not much more than a lane. A positive feel through the steering also helps.
To further ease the strain of urban driving, you can choose the four-speed automatic version, under test here and coming in SE trim with a three-cylinder 796cc engine. That adds about £1,000 to the price.
An 800cc automatic offering 51bhp and 52lb/ft of pull is obviously not going to burn up the Tarmac, but for city driving it's just the job. Average fuel consumption is nearly 50mpg, economic appeal also coming from a carbon dioxide emissions figure of just 136g/km and a Group One insurance rating.
Small though it is, the Matiz is practical enough. Wheels are pushed right into the corners and vehicle height is 1.5m, so there's fair cabin space, certainly enough for four adults or two adults and three children. Having four doors is helpful and folding rear seats are standard, so luggage capability is useful, too - even with the seats up I was surprised how much stuff went into a seemingly-tiny boot.
The height of the vehicle is another asset in town, combining with plenty of glass to give good visibility. Okay, you can't see the car's fallaway nose, but it's so short it is of no concern. And at SE level the driver gets seat-height variation.
The seats themselves feel a bit thin, but then you are not likely to be undertaking distance driving in the Matiz, where comfort nurturing is required - we'll get to motorway driving in a moment.
The décor in this SE version is actually thoughtful, with metallic-effect facings and upholstery-matched padding in the doors, its colour also matches in the instruments background. The main dials are set in the centre of the curvaceous dash, prominent enough, although I'm never keen on this out-of-eyeline ploy.
There are several useful little storage areas, including, in the SE, an under-passenger-seat tray; drinks holders are included, too.
Standard Matiz fittings include two airbags, remote central locking, five three-point seat belts, and three rear headrests, power steering and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, immobiliser, disc brakes at the front and radio/CD player.
Added at SE level are such items as front electric windows, internally-adjustable door mirrors, extra audio speakers, vanity mirrors and extra storage points, plus those items I've mentioned earlier. There is also a 1.0 SX which includes aircon, alloys, front fogs, side airbags and powered rear windows.
Although the Matiz is the embodiment of city cars, I felt duty bound to test it on the open road and I have to say the 0.8 auto found it a struggle - Chevrolet admits you would be better off with the one-litre four-cylinder manual version for this sort of use.
The smaller engine can get you to 84mph at best and if you come across a meaningful hill or a strong headwind - as I did - it is foot-on-the floor time to maintain not much more than 60mph.
Acceleration takes for ever - would you believe a 0-62mph time of 22 seconds? - and the engine has to work desperately hard and noisily while wind noise is also intrusive at any sort of speed. Surface imperfections also start to make themselves felt.
No, don't ask the 0.8 Matiz to do something it was never designed for - stay within the city walls and it will serve you well as a nimble, friendly and very economical second car.
FAST FACTS
Chevrolet Matiz 0.8 SE Auto 5dr
Price: £7,145
Mechanical: 51bhp, 796cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 4spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 84mph
0-62mph: 21.9 secs
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 1
CO2 emissions: 136g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 5yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust