Faults:

On 2nd Jan 2011, my alternator failed. Replaced with a new one instead of repairing it. No other problems apart from this.

Earlier this year, while doing my regular servicing at my regular workshop, spotted the power steering pressure hose leaking. So got that changed.

A part from wear and tear, nothing critically went wrong. Wear and tear includes suspension softening.

The angle of the side mirrors is horribly wrong. You would need to stick on those blind spot mirrors if you are doing reverse parking. So you have an idea where you are reversing into.

For right hand drive, the right side pillar at the end of the wind screen creates a huge blind spot, especially for right turns or bends.

General Comments:

In a Singapore context, if you are not a brand conscious person, you like a high MPV feel, and want decent head and leg room, this car is value for $.

Unfortunately here, you will get this car with very limited features. Eg. No airbags, no cruise control. No fog lamps. No traction control, no sunroof. No immobilizer. Probably many more features you would find on this car in other parts of the world.

Parts are cheap as long as you do not go back to the agent. Servicing parts replacement is really not an economical option to go with them. But you would need to know of a reliable workshop.

Insurance is generally lower compared to most Japanese brand cars here.

Fuel consumption is not that great. Really depends individual driving habits. There are people getting as low as 7km/l. Myself, my personal best is 13.5km/l over a full tank. My average is about 11 to 12.5km/l. I do not race from one traffic light to another. Accelerate, keeping my RPM below 2k. For cruising, 120 and below would give you good fuel consumption. I over inflate my tyres slightly. Maintain my car well.

Since it's a hatchback, boot space is limited unless you pull forward the rear seats or fold them down.

Faults:

First car before it was replaced

Brakes failed completely on first day

Gearbox very difficult to change gears or get into reverse

Loss of power, getting worse as I had the car

Car started misfiring

Rattling in Speakers

Rattling sun visor

Rear cup holder broken.

Total days owned car – 52 days

Total days driven car problem free – 0 days

Total days car spent being repaired – 23 days

Replacement car

Loss of power again getting worse the more I drive

Unable to pull away from stop, no fuel getting through, have to rev car and ride the clutch

Car missing and jerking

Fuel consumption EXCEPTIONALLY high

Exhaust leaking and very noisy

General Comments:

Although car feels and looks nice, and the added height a great advantage driving in SA, it simply is not worth the amount of trouble and unreliability. All the problems that I have had seem to be common problems, so why are Hyundai not doing anything about it?

Faults:

I bought the matrix 1.6 Auto 3 wks ago. I was aware that only the driver seat equipped with an air bag. not for passenger seat. Air bag is actually a very useful life saving equipment.

General Comments:

The car is great, but it would be better if it came with air bag for front passenger seat and site air bag. noticed that the 1.8 model have them. any idea where to install and any anticapated problem?