THE first all-new car since Daewoo underwent a metamorphosis and became Chevrolet will go on sale in June.
And part of the car will be a blast from the past - but only in name. The new 2005 Chevrolet Matiz will follow in the footsteps of its previous trendsetting incarnation.
It is leaner, more powerful and has a stronger body yet retains all the characteristics that made it a top seller in the mini-car market.
Priced at £6,095 for an entry level 800cc model, the new Matiz has sharper styling than its predecessor and is much more economical.
Chevrolet is claiming a 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy enabling the basic Matiz to average 56 miles per gallon.
Top speed from the 51bhp engine is just in excess of 90mph while the 0 to 60 acceleration time is a relatively sedate 18 seconds.
There are three models available in the new Matiz line-up - S, SE and SX.
The 800cc engine comes only in the entry level S model with the higher specification models being powered by a one-litre engine which is also capable of achieving in excess of 50mpg.
Standard equipment includes power steering, ABS, remote control central locking as well as a CD player and folding rear seats.
The SE version costs £6,595 and adds extras such as height adjustable driver's seat, electric front windows and hgiher specification trim, while the SX at £7,695 comes with air conditioning, electric windows all round and side airbag protection.
The one-litre cars have claimed top speeds of 97mph and accelerate to 60mph in 14.1 seconds. CO2 emissions are reduced on both the 800cc and one-litre engines by some 12 per cent to 127 and 139g/km respectively resulting in reduced annual car tax bills of £105.
All models come with a five-speed manual gearbox and Chevrolet is claiming the new powertrain gives sharper performance than the original.
Body construction is also stiffer but luggage capacity remains tight at six cubic feet, although greater space - up to 30 cubic feet - can be achieved with the rear seats folded.
The original Matiz was launched in the UK in 1998 and sold more than 65,000 units in the six years before Daewoo became part of General Motors - a move which resulted in the dropping of the Daewoo name in favour of Chevrolet which is also part of GM.