Daewoo Matiz - The Number One Small Car in South Korea

Daewoo Matiz, the model designed by the Korean division of General Motors, has been named the number one small car in the domestic market, a study conducted by the Korean Management Association Consulting (KMAC) revealed. The Korean Brand Power Index (K-BPI) study includes all mini-cars, small cars and compact sedans in Korea which, according to General Motors, does nothing more than to underline the quality and the features offered by this particular model.

“This survey once again proves something our customers already know: that the Matiz is unmatched among mini- and small cars. With our outstanding service and continued focus on quality, we intend to keep the Matiz atop its segment," Hee-Jung Yoon, GM Daewoo Mini-Car Brand Manager, said in a press statement issued by the company.

Daewoo's Matiz is currently offered in two engine configurations, both of them especially interested in fuel economy: 0.8- and 1.0-liter. The 0.8-liter unit for instance provides a maximum power of 52 hp and 53.1 lb-ft of torque, with maximum speed of 90.1 mph (145 km/h). Capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 18.2 seconds, the last-generation Matiz reaches an average fuel consumption of 4.8 liters/100 km (49 mpg) in combined cycle - 6.9 l/100km (34.1 mpg) in city mode and 4.2 l/100km (56 mpg) in highway conditions.

The last generation Matiz took some design cues from the 2004 Chevrolet M3X concept, featuring an upgraded interior that differentiates it from its predecessors. such as the center-mounted instrument cluster. The model became globally available in 1998, following the success recorded by the Korean manufacturer in the domestic market.