New mini-car not so timid
GM Daewoo’s new mini-car, the Matiz Creative, is more dynamic in design and fuel efficiency than the previous model.Provided by the company
The vehicle that appeared in this year’s high-octane blockbuster flick “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” has definitely received more than a simple facelift from the previous model.
It’s a compact vehicle that is different from any of the other competing cars in the same genre, both in appearance as well as in performance.
Previously, most mini-cars featured a “cutesy” design with a curved frame. The new Matiz takes that to a whole new level when it comes to its exterior design. The vehicle looks more dynamic and aggressive than the decidedly timid mini-cars of the past, looking as if it could hit warp speed in just seconds.
This look is highlighted by the car’s headlights.
Instead of the roundish, curvy lights common on most mini-cars, the Matiz Creative adopted a linear shape that makes the entire vehicle appear sharper.
According to GM Daewoo, the lamps take the shape of a diamond. But I think they resemble the eyes of a fearsome predator.
The side windows, particular those in the back seat, get narrower toward the rear of the car, giving the vehicle a sporty look.
Also, from a distance the vehicle looks like a two-door mini-coupe, since the handles for the rear doors are located on the window frame rather than on the door itself - a unique feature for a car from Korea.
The new Matiz has adopted the same edgy appearance on the inside.
The radio and air-conditioning controls, for instance, feature a sophisticated look, complete with blue neon lights that make you feel like you’re in one of those futuristic cars from the Disney film “Tron.”
But what stands out the most about the inside of the Matiz Creative is the “dynamic meter cluster” - GM Daewoo’s term for the car’s digital dashboard display - which was inspired by a motorcycle.
Some parts of the circular display look like something you’d find on a toy, which adds some cuteness to the car’s otherwise dynamic appearance. Additionally, the display manages to create a vintage feel, even though it’s entirely digital.
The Matiz Creative is also more spacious than other compact vehicles.
There’s enough legroom to stretch out a bit, and the roof is high. It doesn’t feel like you’re in a mini-car, particularly when you’re sitting up front, where the space it more akin to a midsize sedan.
In fact, the vehicle is 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) longer than the previous model and 4.5 centimeters longer and wider than its biggest competitor, Kia Motors’ Morning - coming in at 152 centimeters high and 159.5 centimeters wide. Moreover, the bucket seats are amazingly comfortable, and it almost feels as if you’re sitting in a cradle.
Korean compact vehicles are usually a bit uncomfortable for driving long distances, particularly on your back.
But the Creative Matiz excels here too. The vehicle offers up a steady, smooth and comfortable ride even when running at speeds of 120 kilometers (75 miles) per hour.
Even when turning corners, the vehicle maintain its balance and does not tilt, highlighting the manufacturer’s emphasis on safety.
The engine noise is extremely low, almost to the point of absolute silence. More than once I turned the keys only to realize that the engine was already on.
The fuel economy of this vehicle is amazing, even for a compact vehicle.
The gas gauge hardly moved even after driving it for 60 kilometers. The previous Matiz had a fuel economy of 16.6 kilometers per liter, while the new larger model gets 17 kilometers per liter.
However, for a vehicle targeted to the younger crowd, it lacks extra thrust, which brings down the pleasure of driving it a bit. The compact vehicle doesn’t have that jolt when stepping on the gas and takes quite a bit of time before it starts to pick up speed. Of course, the vehicle runs on a 995 cc engine with 70 horsepower, so we can’t expect too much.
GM Daewoo is hoping to recover the No.1 spot in the mini-car sector, which it held before the Morning snatched it last year. The company said it has focused on design, safety and performance to help win over customers.
Sitting behind the wheel of this car, I felt that GM Daewoo has a good shot of actually hitting its target.
By Lee Ho-jeong [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)