I bought a second matiz after reading mouthshut comments. I love this car when it was launched in 98 and didnt have the money to buy a car at that time. Atlast now I own a Matiz SP . Its really a good car with great looks. But find some issues with its gear change. Anyhow the car is great. Its gives me 18kmpl overall.
Airconditioning is great, and does well to keep you cool in the scorchingIndian summer. This however takes its toll on the engine, with asignificant drop in power with the a/c switched on.
Space utilization is a wonder, considering the small outer dimensions. There
is ample leg and shoulder space for three medium-sized adults at the back. Safety
is another big plus point. There are reinforcements at almost all critical
points in the body so that the passengers wont have to bear the burnt in
most collisions.
Suspensionis on the stiffer side giving a very rough and bumpy ride on ourpot-holed roads. Handling is good, and the smooth power steeringresponds well, apart from slight oversteer at high speeds. Onexpressways the car felt surprisingly stable at 140km/h, and certainlyinspired more confidence than my earlier Zen which would startdilly-dallying when driven at speeds around 120km/h. I would howeverrecommend you to stay around the 100km/h mark on regular highways.
I asked the dealer and spare shops about the availablility of Matiz spares and they told me that spares are available and now its manufactured by a delhi company.
So if you are looking for a big car at less price, Choose Matiz.