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Driving impressions
At the press preview, Hyundai Berjaya provided a few units of the Matrix for short test-drives and Chips Yap gained the following impressions:
“After being impressed by the Elantra, I expected to also have get equally positive finding with the Matrix and I was not disappointed. The engine had the same solid, muscular feel and pull strongly. The automatic transmission didn’t feel as silky smooth in operation as that in the Elantra but was still nevertheless one of the better ones in this class.
A 170 km/h top speed is claimed, along with 12.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Quite possible for the Matrix which weighs about 1,380 kgs.
The Matrix looks tall but handles pretty well. It didn’t roll noticeably and I was told that a firmer European-spec suspension was specified for the Malaysian units. It is firm but there is also pretty good comfort and I’d give it a score of 7/10.
At around RM90,000, the Matrix is pretty good value for money and if you are looking for a functional car, this one should be seriously considered.”
