Come what may, but I have to say! that Matiz is still the best. At least my own experiences with my Matiz car are very good. Day before yesterday, I took my Matiz after full one year for servicing and then too it was not having any problem, everything running fine. No parts problem have till date came to me. Why I purchased this car in October 99? Was it because it was declared the best car by Auto India, it had won seven international prizes, or its name came in the Book of records for running 32 Km. in one litre. No No it was simply because of the first impression. Actually in March 99, I went to Daewoo Showroom. And this strange looking thing was put up there. I doubted whether this is a car or just some model. I asked the girl (don’t jump she was not very beautiful) whether this is a car. She saw me from head to tow. ’’Off course! it is’’. And then came my second question ’’Does it run?’’. Her expression was worth watching (believe me!). She asked her colleague ’’Hey please give him the key’’. ’’No, I don’t know driving, Actually I have heard that it has got a wonderful music system and I love music you know’’ (After purchasing this car for full two months its only use was I use to sit inside it and listen music). Anyway, the poor fellow took the key himself and I with my friend came inside the car. The initial experience when the car started moving on the smooth showroom floor was something I could never forget. It was as if I was in some helicopter or plane (Not Indian Airlines plane, it gives jerks). May be experience with other cars on such smooth floor would have been the same but than they don’t move the cars like this. On road the experience was normal. The AC was powerful. Music ultimate. I loved it. The cost was quite reasonable Rs. 2, 88, 000/- for the Standard Deluxe model SD with AC & Music system. Then the car was Euro II (rather Euro III as they were claiming) and it had a computerized MPFI (Multi-point Fuel Injection)engine. Though it was 800 CC but the power was full 52 bhp. And the average they use to claim 24 km /litre. So overall, it was a good bargain and I purchased it in Oct. 99. Now, My years are depicted here:
Driving experience Wonderful, I love driving this car. Being a driving school dropout (that teacher told me I can never drive a car in four days itself and then I was on my own in my Matiz and then after 10 days I was comfortable in driving), I was afraid in running it initially but then it became very easy to drive it. I still feel this is the car easiest to drive. Its suspension is damn good (Active McStrut). The aero dynamic shape has given a good stability. You can never guess the speed 90 or so unless you see the dial.
Average It has given me 20 litres/ km in city and on the highways also. Though when I did not get it serviced for long, the average dropped to 14 but again it has come up.
Interiors Beautiful and spacious. A lot of leg space. I love the design.
Looks I like the looks. It is as if it is UFO (joking).
AC Powerful, It cools fast. But the engine gives jerks sometimes while running AC.
Engine Cooling Sometimes the engine gets hot. When the coolant liquid finishes, I drive it on water and it is over very soon. Then the engine stops sometime.
Lights Lights are powerful and then they are hidden and so safe in accidents.
Safety Features Excellent, though I never needed them but you re quite safe in this car.
Overall, If you want a good car of your hard earned money, you may go for it. It will never disappoint you.