English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Daewoo Matiz: generations, engines and what to check when buying
The Daewoo Matiz is a compact city hatchback that has been produced since 1998 and is popular in Lithuania for its low price and minimal running costs. In this article, we discuss the differences between the early and updated versions, the engines fitted, and what to check before buying.
Matiz in brief
The Matiz is a five-door city hatchback with a short wheelbase, making it easy to park and economical. The interior is compact, but the high seating position and tall roof provide more space than you might expect from its exterior dimensions.
For many buyers, this is their first or second family car, intended for city driving. In the used market, it is still valued for its low price and affordable maintenance.
Which generation to choose
The first version (M100) was produced from 1998. It has a rounder body and simpler equipment, and most cars are now very old, so the condition of the body and chassis is crucial.
The updated version (M150) appeared around 2005 with a different front end and a slightly more modern interior. At the time, the model began to be sold in Europe with the Chevrolet badge. If you have a choice, opt for the newer car.
Engines and gearboxes
The Matiz is sold with small-capacity petrol engines — around 0.8 litres and 1.0 litres displacement. The smaller engine is very frugal but underpowered, while the 1.0-litre offers more power, making it better suited to driving outside the city.
The most common gearbox is manual, but there are also cars with automatics. There are no diesel engines.
What to check when buying a used Matiz
The most important thing is corrosion. Check the sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, boot floor, and body seams. Also, check if the body hasn't been repaired after accidents.
Listen to the engine: it should run smoothly, without knocking or misfires at idle. Check if the timing belt has been replaced, as this is mandatory scheduled maintenance.
Test the clutch, gearbox, suspension, and brakes. Due to the low price, some cars may be poorly maintained, so evaluate responsibly and ask for service records.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions and trims most commonly found in Europe.
Matiz M100
1998–2005The early version with basic equipment.
- Often a smaller-displacement engine
- Basic interior
- Often without electric windows or air conditioning
Matiz M150
2005–2015The refreshed version with a new front end.
- A different design for the front lights and grille
- A more modern dashboard layout
- Often — electric windows and central locking
Generation comparison
| M100 | M150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For a budget city car | For a slightly more modern city car |
| Engine | Around 0.8 l and 1.0 l petrol | Around 0.8 l and 1.0 l petrol |
| Interior | Basic | Slightly more modern |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
If you can, opt for the refreshed M150, as it's newer and usually in better condition. However, body corrosion and service history are more important than the trim level.
Pros
- Low purchase price
- Low fuel consumption
- Easy to park in the city
- Cheap and readily available spare parts
Cons
- The body may be affected by rust
- Poor performance, especially with the smaller engine
- Basic safety systems by today's standards
Frequently asked questions
What engines are fitted to the Matiz?
The ones sold were petrol engines of around 0.8L and 1.0L. The smaller one is very economical, the larger one is better suited to motorway driving.
Is the Matiz suitable for a beginner driver?
Yes. It's small, easy to handle and cheap to insure and maintain, so it often becomes a first car.
Is the Matiz the same car as the Chevrolet Matiz?
Yes, the updated model was sold in many markets with the Chevrolet badge, but the technology was essentially the same.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
