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Hyundai Matrix
Car Review
Hyundai Matrix
The Hyundai Matrix is a really excellent compact MPV. It provides exceptional space, reliability, durability, and comes with a five year warranty. Throw in the low running costs and practicality and it will be difficult not to give the Matrix some serious consideration.
Hyundai Matrix Car Review Summary
Hyundai Matrix
Hyundai is moving into the mini-MPV sector of the market with the Matrix. The Matrix embodies many of the features that buyers in this sector are looking for at a really great price.
The design of the Matrix’s body creates a lot of cabin space. Cabin space provides good head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Although the car’s interior is spacious and practical, the exterior design is a little boxy and the large body makes the wheels appear very small. This may cost the car some potential buyers. For others who don’t mind the car’s odd shape and disproportionate wheels so much, the car provides plenty of practical features and is loaded with functionality.
The Hyundai Matrix drives very well and is mechanically sound. The 1.6-litre petrol motor provides adequate power and is extremely efficient to run. The motor does seem to work much harder with a full load, so some buyers may want to consider the diesel engine.
The Matrix comes well equipped, and even if a sat-nav system didn’t make the car’s option list, a Trafficmaster route guidance system did. The car has limited options and upgrades available, but provides excellent value for the money.
Practicality
The Matrix’s purchase price is considerably lower than that of its competitors. Running costs and insurance are also low, and fuel economy should be fairly good. The car comes with a five year warranty. Unfortunately the car’s resale value is likely to be low.
The Hyundai Matrix provides a very spacious cabin. Passenger room is really good with plenty of head and legroom for all. The boot is spacious as well and can accommodate several packages. There are also several cubby’s located within the cabin to help with storage. Rear seats lay flat to accommodate larger cargo items, and the front seats can fold over to create sleeping space.
The Hyundai Matrix controls are all large enough and easy to read. The controls are labeled and have been placed in practical locations. The cabin’s controls and warning lights may take a little getting used to but the system is really not complex at all.
The Matrix seats are more comfortable than they first appear and provide adequate support and comfort even on longer trips. The design and placement of the car’s windows allows in a lot of light and enhances the feel and lighting of the cabin. The Matrix delivers a fairly comfortable ride for front and rear passengers.
The Matrix is highly accessible. The doors open wide and the seats sit up high allowing passengers to slide easily into the vehicle. The boot also opens wide and is a good height for loading and unloading packages. Accessibility to the boot shouldn’t be problematic at all.
The Hyundai Matrix is a very simple car to park. It has plenty of windows providing a good all around view. The driver sits up high, and light steering makes parking the Matrix very simple. Parking sensors come standard and are useful and loud enough to hear.
Hyundai Matrix
Life Style
The Matrix delivers a good driving experience. The 1.7-litre petrol engine is very rewarding to drive and the car’s steering is light with some feedback. The position of the gear shift could have been better thought out but other than that the car delivers a very decent ride.
The Hyundai Matrix is well suited for family life. It would make a great first or second car. It is spacious enough to accommodate growing children and has a large enough boot to accommodate a family size grocery run. There is also a DVD entertainment feature offered on the options list.
The Matrix would also make a good first car. It is an inexpensive car to purchase, comes with a five year warranty, provides excellent visibility, and is easy to drive. Fuel economy is reasonable, but younger drivers may not care for the car’s exterior style too much.
The Matrix comes across as a well-built, reliable vehicle. It doesn’t boast top-notch materials in the cabin, but it does look durable and practical. The Matrix is good value for the money, and even though most competitors have the Matrix beat on the amount of creature comforts offered, they do not beat the Matrix’s very reasonable price.
Hyundai Matrix
Security and Safety
The Hyundai Matrix is not loaded with safety features. It comes with central locking and a storage compartment located in the floor of the boot. This is probably adequate security especially for the base model.
What the Matrix lacks in security in makes up in safety features. The car comes standard with six airbags, ABS, and EBD. The car has been reinforced for passenger safety in the event of a crash.
The Finishing Touches
The Hyundai Matrix standard stereo unit includes a CD player and provides good sound quality. The unit is clearly labeled with a large easy to read display.
The colour of the interior is all grey. The mood cabin in the cabin is somber due to the overwhelming amount of grey that has been used.
