The Daewoo Matiz I 0.8 i, produced from 1998 to 2000, was a key model in Daewoo’s attempt to establish a foothold in the European city car market. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, it represented a significant step for the Korean automaker into a segment dominated by established European manufacturers. The Matiz I, built upon the M100 platform, aimed to provide affordable and practical transportation, particularly for urban drivers. This 0.8-liter variant, producing 52 horsepower, was the mainstay of the initial Matiz lineup, offering a balance between economy and usability. It was later superseded by the Matiz II, but the original remains a notable example of early Korean automotive design and engineering.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daewoo |
| Model | Matiz |
| Generation | Matiz I |
| Type (Engine) | 0.8 i (52 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 144 km/h (89.48 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.9 kg/Hp, 71.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.5 kg/Nm, 95.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 52 Hp @ 5900 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 69 Nm @ 4600 rpm (50.89 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F8CV |
| Engine displacement | 796 cm3 (48.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 68.5 mm (2.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 72 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.7 l (2.85 US qt | 2.38 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 725 kg (1598.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1210 kg (2667.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 485 kg (1069.24 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 165 l (5.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 625 l (22.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 38 l (10.04 US gal | 8.36 UK gal) |
| Length | 3495 mm (137.6 in.) |
| Width | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Height | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2340 mm (92.13 in.) |
| Front track | 1315 mm (51.77 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1280 mm (50.39 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9 m (29.53 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 145/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Matiz I 0.8 i is the F8CV engine, a 796cc inline three-cylinder petrol engine. This engine, while modest in displacement, was designed for efficiency and reliability. It featured a single overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, a relatively modern feature for its time, contributing to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The engine’s 9.3:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the ability to run on readily available fuel grades. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, chosen for its simplicity and contribution to fuel efficiency. The engine’s relatively low output necessitated careful gear selection to maintain momentum, particularly when overtaking or climbing hills.
Driving Characteristics
The 0.8-liter Matiz I offered a predictable, if uninspiring, driving experience. With only 52 horsepower on tap, acceleration was leisurely, taking approximately 17 seconds to reach 62 mph. The engine’s torque peak of 69 Nm (50.89 lb-ft) at 4600 rpm meant that it needed to be revved to extract the most performance. The five-speed gearbox was well-matched to the engine, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to potential future variants, this engine was the most economical but lacked the punch of any larger displacement options. The light weight of the vehicle (725 kg / 1598 lbs) helped to mitigate the lack of power, making it feel reasonably nimble in city traffic. Steering was light and easy, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Matiz I 0.8 i was typically equipped with basic, but functional, features. Standard equipment included central locking, power steering, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included air conditioning, electric windows, and upgraded audio systems. The trim levels were relatively limited, with the 0.8-liter model representing the entry point to the Matiz range. The focus was on providing a no-frills, affordable package for budget-conscious buyers.
Chassis & Braking
The Matiz I featured a simple, yet effective, chassis design. Front suspension utilized a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear employed a coil spring arrangement. Braking was comprised of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. This configuration was typical for vehicles in this weight class and price range. The steering system was a rack and pinion type, providing reasonably precise steering feel. The relatively narrow tires (145/70 R13) contributed to fuel efficiency but offered limited grip in demanding conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Daewoo Matiz I 0.8 i was generally well-received as an affordable and practical city car. Critics praised its fuel economy and ease of driving, but noted its lack of performance. Compared to rivals like the Fiat Panda and Renault Twingo, the Matiz offered a competitive price point but lacked the refinement and brand recognition of its European counterparts. Its fuel economy of around 38.6 US mpg combined was a significant selling point, particularly in markets with high fuel prices. Reliability was generally considered good, although parts availability could be an issue in some regions.
Legacy
The Daewoo Matiz I, despite its relatively short production run, played a crucial role in establishing Daewoo as a viable automotive manufacturer in Europe. The 0.8-liter variant, as the entry-level model, was the most common version sold. While the F8CV engine isn’t known for its longevity or high-performance potential, it proved to be reasonably reliable with proper maintenance. Today, the Matiz I is a relatively affordable used car, appealing to those seeking a cheap and cheerful city runabout. Its simple mechanicals make it relatively easy to maintain, although finding parts can sometimes be a challenge. The Matiz I remains a testament to Daewoo’s ambition to compete in the global automotive market.
