That'll be the Daewoo Smartiz! (Daewoo Matiz SE Plus 5-door)

Member Name: djcolingee

Product:	Daewoo Matiz SE Plus 5-door
Date:	26/04/02 (696 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Insurance group 2, Value for money, Fits four 6ft adults

Disadvantages: Gear box, Safety & Security Equipment, Engine size (for driving on motorways)

Forget what the snobs say, because this little car really is a cracker. My Girlfriend bought a Silver Y-reg SE Plus (without A/C) last summer and she hasn't stopped smiling since! I ont want to sound biased so I will try to offer a balanced opinion. I went to test drive the car with her and had a go in it first!

When you walk up to the car it sort of looks at you with a cheeky grin, giving you the impression that it is a fun car. When I sat in it I was supprised at the amount of room there is, you could easily get four six-foot blokes in! I am 6'2" and I found it comfy! The interior was well laid out and the brushed aluminum cover (optional) really sets it off!

The little 800cc engine has taken a lot of stick in the past saying that it should be bigger but I drove it around for 15 minutes and was pleasantly surprised how it coped with 3 adults in it.

I have seen Driven on the TV where Plato slagged off the Matiz and said that it would vibrate over 45mph. I have to say that the car they tested must have been a lemon because my girlfriends Matiz goes up to 80 mph without rattling.

On a more negative note, I found the gear box to be a little 'loose' and uninspiring but that may be down to the fact that I drive a Porsche Boxster! Also, the pedals where positioned a little too high, again, due to the fact that I am used to them being lower I guess! I was a little concerned about the lack of safety and security equipment, but you can upgrade these (security) later

Overall, the car is fantastic value for money, my g/f took advantage of the £300 off and free Sony CD player when she bought hers.

I would recommend this car as a first car for those who have or are going to pass their tests, students and maybe housewives (or househusbands) who need a second car to take the kids to school and potter around the town.

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