How-To Size-Up A Small Car

 

 

This is quite important because a wide range of cars are classified as small. The other thing is every inch counts. And it’s confusing. So I’ll try to be clear.

 

Let’s first look at larger cars.

 

Medium-small – Astra, Focus, Golf – start at about 4.25m in length.

 

When they go over 4.50m in length – Vectra – they become medium size cars.

 

Any car over 4.75m long is called upper-middle or executive. The Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class are typical. The Passat, new Mondeo and now Insignia have grown into this class. The Chevrolet Epica is a new entrant. Large luxury cars are down-sizing to fit in less than 5m.

 

So somewhere between 500 and 750mm defines 3 if not 4 classes of car size. About 250mm – 10inches – defines each class.

 

A small car is anything between 3400 and 4000mm in length. That’s 600mm – 24inches/2foot – defining one class of car. This is too loose when every inch counts.

 

So let’s draw lines to refine our definition of small car. We can determine 3 sizes:

 

1. Small cars under 3.6m. They’re called tiny or city cars. They’re actually the size all small cars used to be. The cars in this class are the Chevrolet Matiz, Citroen C1, Fiat Panda, Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Peugeot 107,  Toyota Aygo,
2. Cars 3.6 to 3.8m. These cars are a development of the small car and referred to as super-minis. Here we have the Citroen C2, Daihatsu Sirion, Mini, Nissan Micra, Peugeot 1007, Renault Twingo, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Splash, Toyota Yaris, Vauxhall Agila.
3. Small cars over 3.8m. These are the new size minis – what I call super-size minis. They include the Chevrolet Aveo, Citroen C3, Fiat Grand Punto, Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Hyundai Getz, Mazda2, Mitsubishi Colt, Peugeot 206, Peugeot 207, Renault Clio, Renault Modus, Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia, Vauxhall Corsa, Vauxhall Meriva, Volkswagen Fox and Volkswagen Polo.

 

What difference does it make? You only have to compare a Chevrolet Aveo with a Chevrolet Matiz or a Citroen C1 with a C3 or a Fiat 500 with a Grand Punto or a 107 with a 207.

 

So what? We’ll see in my next posts.

 

Regards

Ralph

 

P.S. We could make it simpler by removing the Panda, 1007, Splash, Agila, Jazz, Modus, and Meriva as they are recognised as mono-cabs – mini MPVs. Which means the Sirion, i10, Colt, Micra, Yaris and Fox can also be pulled on the basis of height – they just don’t look tall.

 http://www.chevroletreviewsandprices.co.uk/Comparing%20Small%20Car%20Measurements.htm

About Buying The Right Small Car

 

I’ve just published a webpage comparing the fuel economy for 38 small cars sold in the UK. I’ve selected the smallest petrol engine options. All have 5-speed manual transmission.

You’ll find comparisons for urban mpg, extra-urban mpg and combined mpg. Plus CO2 emissions and the cost of petrol over 12,000 miles.

The Chevrolet Matiz 0.8S, Citroen C, Daihatsu Charade and Sirion, Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo are the most economical – cost £1,000 or less over 12,000 miles. They also qualify for the low £35.00 vehicle excise duty.

The Vauvhall Meriva – the biggest small car – costs about £1,300 over 12k.

As for the rest, they all cost around £1,100 to £1,200 over 12k.

The point is there’s no significant difference. This is important when you bear in mind www.vca.gov.uk guidelines for use of their data tables.

They say, ‘It is important to note that figures shown … are for the comparison of different models and will not necessarily be the same as the fuel consumption, emission levels … achieved on the road. For this reason it is not advisable to rank a number of vehicles for which very similar figures are quoted.’

It seems to me the VCA figures on my webpage are very similar.

The VCA go on to say, ‘there are infinite differences in driving styles and in road, car and weather conditions, all of which have a bearing on the results achieved. For these reasons the fuel consumption achieved on the road is unlikely to be the same as the official test results.’

I suppose my real point is all the cars listed on my webpage are economical and it may not be wise to chose one over another on the basis of very similar fuel consumption results.

Equally important is exact size, style, comfort, convenience and safety features.

Most of the cars in my list are fun to drive. They’re all reliable and durable.

It’s a case of finding a small car size to exactly suit your lifestyle.

Regards
Ralph
http://www.chevroletreviewsandprices.co.uk/comparing_small_car_mpg.htm

The Chevrolet Matiz gets mean

Gone is the smiley face styling on the front end of the Chevrolet Matiz Flair. The grill has been made larger and the Chevrolet bowtie badge has been moved from the bonnet to this grill.  The lower air dam intake looks larger and is capped with a black bumper pad.  Fog lamps, alloy wheels and a sunroof are also standard. 3 years/30,000 miles free servicing is also included. 

The prominence of the bowtie badge on the Matiz seems to warn big bullies in cribbed up Chrysler Voyagers this is a Chevy with a big brother called Captiva. What’s more the Chevrolet Matiz has huge cousins across the pond like the Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche, Colorado, Suburban and Tahoe – so watch it. 

To find our more about the Chevrolet Matiz and Chevrolet Captiva simply click the category buttons in the right-hand column. I have posted detail of the Chevrolet Kalos on

Regards
Ralph  

The Chevrolet Matiz is …

The Chevrolet Matiz is a small budget price city car with five seats and five doors. There are two peppy engines 0.8 and 1.0 with three trim levels S, SE and SE+.  

The Chevrolet Matiz style has a certain charm. The interior is spacious and well thought out. And it’s affordable. Prices new are low, it’s cheap to insure and tax and economical on fuel.  

The Matiz is compact and narrow in width so easy to drive, park and nip around town. You can always find a parking space, even when parking’s limited you can squeeze in.  

It’s also quite high making it easy to get in and out of and gives an elevated view of the road ahead. 

What sets the Chevrolet Matiz apart from other cars in this class is the level of equipment you get for the price you pay. 

Below you’ll find posted:

• Where does the Chevrolet Matiz stand in the budget car marketplace?
• The Chevrolet Matiz shows real style
• November 2, 2007 Designed to be a small budget city car
• October 27, 2007 Little things mean a lot in the Matiz
• October 26, 2007 Comfort is important because it relaxes you making you at ease and happy
• October 25, 2007 The importance of a comfortable driving position
• October 15, 2007 What do the Chevrolet Matiz and Maserati have in common?
• Taking a DIM view of Matiz motoring costs
• October 14, 2007 How the Chevrolet Matiz is a great opportunity
• October 13, 2007 How much does it cost to run a Chevrolet Matiz?
• October 13, 2007 Facts and figures about motorists and safety.
• October 12, 2007 The Chevrolet Matiz and anticipation
• Chevrolet Matiz and accident avoidance
• October 11, 2007 The Chevrolet Matiz and car accident protection
• October 10, 2007 Chevrolet Matiz Product Guide
• September 24, 2007 What Every Motorist Needs To Know About Air Conditioning 

Ralph Spence
See how the Matiz compares with its competition

 

Where does the Chevrolet Matiz stand in the budget car marketplace?

And please don’t confuse budget cars with minis, super minis and super-sized minis. We’re talking cheap.

I can tell you where the buyer stands. The budget car sector is the safest sector in which to buy. Because if a manufacturer can make a car at these prices and survive they’ve just got to be good. 

The contenders are the: Chevrolet Matiz, Chevrolet Kalos, Citroen C2, Daihatsu Charade, Daihatsu Sirion, Fiat Panda, Ford Ka, Hyundai Getz, Kia Picanto, Peugeot 107, Smart ForTwo, Proton Savvy, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Ignis, Toyota Aygo, Volkswagen Fox. The two Chevys and two Suzukis come under the GM umbrella and their old slogan, ‘a car for every purpose and a car for every purse.’ 

The first thing is these are budget cars. They cost next to nothing to run. They cost little to buy. There is a limit to what they can depreciate.  

So how do these budget cars compare? 

• They are all small.
• They look chic, cheeky or charming.
• They have a surprising amount of space inside for their size.
• They’re OK to drive. Engines are eager and zip you along at a healthy pace.
• They are all economical to buy and run.
• None have the crash protection you’d like but most drivers of this class seem to avoid accidents. 

Their small size is an asset for busy crowded lifestyles, nipping through gaps, where progress is normally thwarted. 

They are no-nonsense cars. They are all you need for commuting, meeting people, transporting children. 

It’s very difficult to set the makes and models apart. It doesn’t matter if you can’t because you can’t lose. They’re cheap but it’s the chic, cheek or charm that gets you. Your mind gets you to this sector and the heart takes over with a clear conscious. 

The Chevrolet Matiz wins in three ways:

1. It is still a real charmer being designed by the acclaimed Giugiaro.You get more specification for your money.
2. The Matiz is well equipped with a clear dashboard and effortless to drive with power steering as standard. So it’s not only cheap – it’s value. Value is the foundation of the Chevrolet brand.
3. The Matiz is long in the tooth, so there are real deals to be done. Whilst it still ticks all the boxes – mpg, co2, space, insurance costs, ease of use, specification.

 

 Ralph Spence
See how the Matiz compares with its competitors at Chevrolet Matiz Car Comparisons

 

Designed to be a small budget city car

The Chevrolet Matiz is only 3495 mm long. To give you an idea, a Vauxhall Cosra is 3999 mm long. So the Matiz is a tiny car – that’s the idea – excellent for city driving and tight parking spaces.  

More important is the width because some small cars are over 1700 mm wide, over 1900 including wing mirrors, which almost fills the width of a UK parking space with little room to open the doors – especially if they’re 2-doors. The Chevrolet Matiz is only 1495 mm wide – excluding wing mirrors – which is great for UK city roads. 

Take into consideration a minimum turning radius of 4.6 m and the Chevrolet Matiz seems sensible for city roads. 

 Ralph Spence

 

 

 

Little things mean a lot in the Matiz

You may have seen in a previous Chevrolet Captiva post – versatility is important. 

In a small car like the Chevrolet Matiz it’s the small details that count. For example there are cup holders and a large box in the floor console both within easy reach. There’s a cardholder in the dashboard. Both front seats feature handy shopping bag hooks. 

 The Matiz SE model includes a handy ticket holder in the sun visor and pockets on the front seats for extra storage. The SE also has a driver’s sunglasses holder and a front passenger under seat storage tray. 

In addition to clever storage spaces you have a 60/40 foldable rear seat.  

 The Chevrolet Matiz has a generous 170 litre boot, which increases to 845 litres when the rear seats are folded. It all adds up to the new Chevrolet Matiz being both spacious and flexible. 

Ralph Spence

Comfort is important because it relaxes you making you at ease and happy

A main cause of disappointment with a car can be lack of comfort or discomfort. So it’s worth a closer look. Some think comfort comes with the type of car. But it’s not true. Small cars can be as comfortable as larger cars. So it’s worth checking out.

Here’s my checklist for passenger comfort in the Chevrolet Matiz: 
Check out the ease of entry and exit.
The Chevrolet Matiz has a high roofline and low step-in height.
The Matiz seats are all adult size.
There’s plenty of interior space with adequate leg, knee and foot room.
The Chevrolet Matiz has plenty of head, shoulder and hip room.
There’s a feeling of space and airiness. 

 So car comfort amounts to more than bouncing up and down on the driver’s seat in a showroom.  

 Ralph Spence

The importance of a comfortable driving position

While the Chevrolet Matiz’s space and comfort are important to all car occupants there are other aspects in driver comfort. A comfortable driving position helps drivers react faster and reduces tiredness, which helps prevent accidents.

In the Chevrolet Matiz you’ll find an elevated driving position with a good all-round view.  The steering wheel has a vertical angle, which is inline with the pedal unit and driver’s seat. You have ample legroom and foot-room around the pedals. The foot-pedals and steering are light without loss of feel. The switches and levers are all within reach and easy to understand.  

The level of standard equipment on the Matiz sets it apart from other budget cars. The following are standard: Power-assisted steering, Driver’s seat height adjustment on the SE, also Electrically operated front windows, Electrically adjustable passenger’s door mirror. 

Ralph Spence

What do the Chevrolet Matiz and Maserati have in common?

 The Chevrolet Matiz is no Maserati. The only thing a Matiz and a Maserati have in common is the acclaimed Giugiaro designed them both. The Chevrolet Matiz is fun to drive. Driving pleasure is a combination of driver comfort, engine performance and secure handling. Here we look at engine options and their performance. 

You only get a 0.8 or 1.0 litre petrol engine in a Matiz. Let’s compare it with the new Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 petrol engine. The Matiz 1.0 litre puts out 65 PS. The Captiva is 136 PS. So in terms of power per litre the 1.0 is more efficient than the 2.4 per litre. 

What about their power per weight ratio? The Chevrolet Matiz kerb weight is 850 kg. Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LS 5-speed manual 5-seat has a kerb weight of 1665. Nothing in it. The Captiva has twice the power but it’s near twice the weight of a Matiz.  

It’s no Maserati but the Chevrolet Matiz is efficient.

 The Chevrolet Matiz is available as:
The Chevrolet Matiz 0.8 S
The Chevrolet Matiz 0.8 SE Automatic
The Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 SE and SE + 

The Chevrolet Matiz 0.8 
The 0.8 is a 3-cylinder single overhead camshaft 6-valve engine displacing 796 cc. It’s fuelled by multi-point injection. Maximum torque of 71.5 Nm is produced at 4400 revs per minute. 51 PS is produced at 6000rpm. Top speed is 90 mph with 0-60 mph in 18.2 seconds for the 5-speed manual, 21.9 seconds for the 5-speed automatic. 

The Chevrolet Matiz 1.0
The 1.0 is a 4-cylinder single overhead camshaft 8-valve engine displacing 995 cc. It’s fuelled by multi-point injection. Maximum torque of 91  Nm is produced at 4200 revs per minute. 65 PS is produced at 5400 rpm. Top speed is 97 mph with 0-60 mph in 14.1 seconds. 

The performance figures remind me of a Morris Oxford I used to own. The driver experience is something different. The Chevrolet Matiz feels really nippy as you buzz about the city streets. You feel alive. You feel in control. Nipping by £50,000 cars is really satisfying. A test drive will demonstrate more. 

Ralph Spence
http://www.chevroletreviewsandprices.co.uk/