Faults:

CV joints noisy at new. 2 weeks to get parts.

Water leaking into cabin from new from antenna.

New clutch needed at 130000 km cost $780.00.

Water pump leaking at 100000 km. 21 day delay while parts ordered from Korea.

Ignition switch failed at 145000 no part available. had to use another make of vehicle switch.

CV joints failed 2nd time. Genuine price $480.00 each, non genuine $120.00 each.

Rotor arm broken at 155000. 3 weeks delay ordered from Korea.

General Comments:

Petrol consumption good 15 k/p/l (42 m/p/g city driving.

Parts availability is terrible and very expensive.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Having nothing better to do one wet and miserable Hamilton afternoon, we test-drove a Matiz and were amazed by the way it performed "four-up", in awful conditions. The price (NZ$12995) was only what we were planning to spend on a used car for my wife and we placed an order on the spot.

Since delivery, the car has performed faultlessly and I actually prefer driving it, rather than my company 2.0 litre, when I get the chance!

Astonishingly roomy and comfortable for a tiny car: the impression of space is increased by the fact that the front seat occupants sit so far from the windscreen and by the elevated driving position. The boot is small, but will take a lot more than you think. External styling is also excellent and it even looks pleased to see you, as approach it from the front!

Compared with many small cars, the Matiz is very quiet and the good quality CD/radio has no trouble making itself heard over the engine, which (incidentally) has a pleasant, "sporty" note, under acceleration.

Although optimized for urban use (where it can hold its own with anything), this car is no slouch on the open road and we have completed 500km day trips, over variable North Island roads, with no fatigue and on the smell of an oily rag.

Front and rear lights are big, bold and very effective.

If pushed to make a criticism, I would say that it could use an intermittent wipe: not a lot, is it?

Faults:

Car had 'teething problems' such as:

Faulty cable to spark-plug, causing the engine to 'short out' on one cylinder.

Faulty transmission. Gears would 'crunch & grind' moving down into 2nd and 1st gears.

Gear changing still a little stiff at times, even after repair.

General Comments:

Good handling and nice tight turning circle.

Fantastic Headlights!!

Good Air conditioning - however draws a lot of power away from the engine when on!

Fairly roomy, and comfortable for a small car. The interior is quite clean and modern looking.

Comes factory-fitted with good rather sound system.

Can squeeze almost anywhere!

Faults:

Nil.. up to this moment.

General Comments:

I use the car for work purposes most of the time & it is great around town & on the open highway.

Would buy another one tomorrow.

Faults:

Dealer-fitted weathershield blew off 2 hours after delivery when met by a truck and a headwind.

A/C leaked chilled water into the passenger footwell 5 days after delivery.

Rattling tailgate.

All fixed quickly. Since then, a trouble-free run.

A tendency to grate in 2nd gear when cold.

General Comments:

A great car - 3 of my friends have bought one since driving mine.

Great space and versatility.

Tends to drink when pushed harder.

Comfortable enough on the highway, suspension perhaps a little under-damped.

Non-standard size stereo and small speaker size means I can't install my high-end Sony head unit and JBL split speakers (any suggestions anyone?).

Tons of interest in the car (I have some extra bits on it) especially at petrol stations - some want to know if engine is in the back!