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:

I'm living in Singapore where the Hyundai brand is getting popular by the day. Singaporeans are really fussy people who like "CNG" cars, I mean cheap and good cars!!!

I took over my friend's under utilized Matrix and so far no regrets. The car cannot be compared to any Japanese car of its class, however for the money you pay, it really makes a lot of sense.

Firstly it is spacious and very reliable, but the car gets thirsty every now and then. For better drive and fuel economy, use good spark plugs and synthetic oil, take my word, "it really works."

As the saying goes "if you pay peanuts you only get monkeys" is definitely not the case for Hyundai Matrix!!!

General Comments:

This car is easy to drive.

Not so bad looking.

It's spacious, with its knock down rear seats.

Durable and reliable.

Spares are cheap and easy to obtain.

Faults:

Brake lever needs lubrication, some noise upon breaking maybe brake pads still new.

Overtaking rather slow, pickup slow accelerate gradually improve at higher speed. Its better to use overdrive gear during overtaking.

Fuel consumption average, approx.11litre/km.

Some blind spots area from the rear cannot be seen. An option is to fix a rear mirror could solve the problem.

General Comments:

Handling and Steering good. Quite stable on highway like long distance travel except on bumpy roads.

Visibility and comfortable great, thanks to the higher headroom design. Seats wonderful and spacious like most MPVs.

Design is superb!Italian Mini MPV.

Overall performance good for family car. Wonderful ride.