2005 Chevrolet Matiz/Spark Photos, engines & full specs

By 2005, Daewoo was already under GM's control, and the American automaker tried to enter several markets where the Korean brand was already known.

Thanks to GM's deep pockets, the Matiz received an important upgrade in 2005. Along with the new, improved engines, Chevrolet also paid for several aesthetic upgrades on the car's exterior and interior. Underneath the skin was the same Korean platform that made the Matiz famous in Europe and Russia.

First of all, the car received a new, updated look penned in the new-edge design theme, with swept-back headlights and sharp lines on the hood. The overall shape was kept, but the new design touches made the car look better. Finally, it received body-colored door handles and mirrors.

Inside, the Matiz II featured a new dashboard with a center stack extended on the lower side. Depending on the trim level, it featured AC and a stereo for the upper trim level. In contrast, the lower ones provided only a ventilation system. In addition, the manually adjustable rear-view mirrors were unusual for a 2005 vehicle. Still, customers forgave that due to the car's low price.

Under the hood, GM installed a new four-cylinder engine that replaced the previously used inline-three manufactured by Daewoo. In addition, the new unit complied with the Euro 5 emission standards. The inline-four unit sent its power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual, the only available transmission. Later on, Chevrolet replaced the Matiz nameplate with the Spark, but it was just a name change.