Believe it or not, GM sold 630,000 first-generation Matizes. This happy-looking second-generation model was designed in-house at GM facilities in Korea with some input from Italdesign Giugiaro. The design follows the industry trend of cramming in the largest wheels possible, which in this case appear to be about eight inches in diameter. The biggest news with the new model is the death of the Daewoo nameplate, which left the American market years ago but has still existed elsewhere. GM says this is because it want to globalize Chevrolet as a bargain-brand leader.
Two gasoline engines are available: a 0.8-liter (no, we didn't leave out a number before the decimal point) making a strong 52 horsepower, and a 1.0-liter four-cylinder producing a commanding 66 ponies. Diesels, a must in the European market, are expected to come in the next year.