Summary:
The Hyundai Matrix is a mini-MPV that represents excellent value for money and a lot of practicality. But in this catagory, does spending less mean more problems and a less than perfect car? Find out in this comprehensive review.

Details or Sample:
Undercutting the price of more respected mini-MPV"s on the market such as the Vauxhall Zafira, Toyota Previa, Ford Galaxy and the Fiat Multipla; Hyundai"s Matrix is a worthy contender for those wanting the body style of an MPV without spending top-of-the-line MPV money. We fitted this description and after visiting the friendly dealer and looking over the options for the car, a deposit was placed and three weeks later, the car arrived.

Our model arrived with no problems and the metallic silver paintwork was a good choice, however, the simple black also looks good on the car. Instead of taking a manual gearbox, this Matrix has the optional 4-speed automatic. Other options which would have increased the price included alloy wheels and an in-car DVD system, but in the interest of value for money, these boxes were not ticked. At the time of sale a remote alarm and the first service were included for free.

During the tedious 1000km running in stage, we had the chance to assess the interior of the Matrix. You sit high up and have a good view of the road ahead through the large windscreen and the seats are comfortable, but not overly supportive. The driving position is adequate but it can be difficult to get comfortable, making long distances painful on the back. The centrally mounted instrument binnacle is well placed as it seems to allow more light into the interior, plus all warning lights and gear indicators have sensibly been left in front of the driver.

As with most new Hyundai"s, you get electric windows and mirrors, central locking and air conditioning as standard, plus several cup holders, 12v supply ports (including one in the boot) and a few cubby holes aside from the surprisingly small glove compartment. On the rear of the front seats is a fold down table for use by the rear seat passengers.

The interior is a nice enough place to be, even if it is a temple to the Gods of grey plastic, but it"s not without its faults. The first is small in that the drivers" door mounted window controls all feel the same and your finger seems to find only the rear button instead of your own. This gets annoying after the tenth time, especially for a sleeping passenger awoken with a shock as their window jerks down unexpectedly! Staying in the back, the rear headrests are a strange shape and need to be raised to their limit to be comfortable, as when they aren"t, they force the neck into a crooked position.

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Written by: Andy Boxall
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