26.11.2002
Daewoo Matiz available with new 4-cylinder engine

The new Saab 9-3 Sports Sedan has been awarded the maximum five star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP collision tests, the most prestigious in Europe.

Soon to be available with a modern four-cylinder engine, the most popular Daewoo model in Europe, the Matiz, will now be more attractive than ever. With its smooth running qualities and extra power, the new engine is a good partner for long-distance driving. The 1.0-liter unit will debut at the 27th Bologna Motor Show (December 7 - 15, 2002).

Since it was launched in 1998, the five-door Matiz has gained more than half a million fans throughout Europe. Just 3.50 meters long, it is the biggest selling Daewoo in the region. Apart from the smart styling – which stems from the drawing board of the famous designer, Giorgetto Giugaro – the main advantages of the Matiz are its comfortable feeling of spaciousness despite its size, its five-door functionality, its favorable price, and its low maintenance costs.

It is not just coincidence that the premiere of the Matiz 1.0 will take place on Italian soil. "Italy is our biggest market and also the country with the highest Matiz sales figures," says Erhard L. (Hardy) Spranger, Executive in Charge of GM Daewoo Europe. "The success of the Matiz is obvious. 157,000 cars have been sold in Italy, and many car rental firms offer a Daewoo Matiz at their holiday locations."

The power plant generates 47 kW / 62 bhp and is an interesting alternative to the current 0.8-liter, three-cylinder 38 kW / 51 bhp engine. With a maximum speed of 152 km/h, the Matiz 1.0 is exactly 10 km/h faster than its smaller brother. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 14.9 seconds (Matiz 0.8: 17.0 s). Fuel consumption in the MVEG cycle is very low indeed at 6.4 liters of regular grade gasoline per 100 km.