WHEN Daewoo introduced its range in Britain some years ago, the two rather basic original models were followed up by what is regarded as one of the best city cars on the market, the Matiz.
But Daewoo hit financial problems and proving that you cannot keep a good car down the Matiz lives on, but under the Chevrolet banner.
The Matiz is different, because unlike some city runabouts it has four doors and can accommodate four people with ease.
There is an entry 800cc model but word on the streets is that the best model is the one-litre SE which gives an impressive blend of practicality and economy with a little more power.
But the Matiz is a little more than a city car. It features a 97mph top speed and although its 0-62 mph sprint of 14.1 seconds may be considered a bit of a saunter by modern standards it can keep up the pace on motorways and trunk roads.
The 1.0 SE costs £6,865 and has established itself as a benchmark in its class.
The Matiz may not be a new design but it is riding on the wave of downsizing which gives its market sector much more significance in a world of environmental awareness.
But it also has another little secret which will be of great appeal to people with narrow gateways, and that is its width is restricted to 58.8 inches excluding mirrors.
Even so, interior space is amazing. You would expect passengers to be cramped in a car of this size, but it is surprisingly roomy with four adults onboard.
You can't say that the Matiz is inspiring to drive, but it does its best in its practical, money-saving way
The engine is silent and docile and the gearchange is neat. Handling is adequate but there is some roll. But top marks have to go to its ride which is firm but remarkably comfortable.
The narrow dimensions mean that the driver and front passenger are quite close, but there is no intrusion on the controls which are well designed.
On the economy front Matiz is a star with 50.4mpg on the combined cycle.
This is a fine figure for a 1.0 petrol engine which has to work quite hard to keep the Matiz in the fast lane when required. The engine is an eight valve four-cylinder and turns out 65bhp and is linked to a five-speed gearbox.
The Matiz is now firmly a part of the massive American General Motors organisation and its move to the Chevrolet badge has meant much development of the original theme.
GM has made a fine idea much better and the Matiz is still pulling the fans. Anyone who wants practicality with a touch of large car comfort could look at the SX option which features air-conditioning, electric rear windows and alloy wheels.
FAST FACTS
Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 SE 5dr
Price: £6,865
Mechanical: 65bhp, 995cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 97mph
0-62mph: 14.1 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 2
CO2 emissions: 139g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 5yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust