Daewoo Matiz
The Italdesign-penned city car that saved Daewoo and redefined the budget segment.
- Power
- 51 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 16.4 s
- Top speed
- 89 mph
- Est. value
- $500–$3k
About the Daewoo Matiz
The Daewoo Matiz was launched in 1998 as a replacement for the Tico, featuring a distinctive 'bugeye' design by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign. Originally intended as a Fiat Lucciola concept, the design was sold to Daewoo and became a global success due to its clever packaging and low running costs. The 0.8-litre three-cylinder engine, derived from Suzuki architecture, offers modest performance but is well-suited for urban environments. While built to a budget, its cheerful character and surprisingly spacious interior made it the best-selling Daewoo model in many European markets.
Daewoo Matiz specs
The Daewoo Matiz produces 51 bhp (38 kW) and 69 Nm (51 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 16.4 seconds and has a top speed of 89 mph (144 km/h).
| Make | Daewoo |
|---|---|
| Model | Matiz |
| Trim | 0.8 SE |
| Years | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | South Korea |
| Engine | 0.8-litre inline-3 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 796 cc (0.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 51 bhp (38 kW) at 5,900 rpm |
| Torque | 69 Nm (51 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 16.4 s |
| Top speed | 89 mph (144 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 776 kg (1,711 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 66 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Daewoo Matiz worth?
A typical Daewoo Matiz is estimated to be worth $500 – $2,500 (about £373 – £1,900).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Daewoo Matiz rarity in CarSpot
The Daewoo Matiz is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Daewoo Matiz fun facts
- The Matiz design was originally a 1993 Italdesign concept for a new Fiat 500, which Fiat ultimately rejected.
- It was the best-selling car in South Korea and several European countries for several years following its launch.
- The car's design was so successful that it was famously copied by the Chinese manufacturer Chery for their QQ model, leading to a legal dispute.