Vehicle Segment:
Compact city car / Mini-car.
Target Audience:
Economical urban transportation for individuals and small families.
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Atos, Kia Picanto, Suzuki Alto, Fiat Seicento, Renault Twingo.
Value Proposition:
Affordable price, compact size, fuel efficiency, surprisingly practical for its class.
Design Philosophy:
Tall-body design for maximum interior space within a small footprint, often inspired by Italian design.
Interior Space:
Emphasis on maximizing passenger and cargo room relative to exterior dimensions.
Maneuverability:
Excellent for city driving and parking due to small turning radius and compact size.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed inspection, overhaul, and repair procedures for all engine variants (e.g., F8CV, F10D).
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems, ignition timing, emission controls, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gearshift linkage, torque specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
If applicable to specific models, automatic transmission diagnosis and repair.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle, CV joints, drive shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures.
Steering:
Steering rack, power steering system (if equipped), steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body sealing.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt mechanisms.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components.
Rebuilds Overhauls:
Comprehensive guides for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all circuits.
Diagnostic Procedures:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) and manual diagnostic tests.
Depth Level:
Full factory-level repair and diagnostic information.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions required special tools and diagnostic equipment.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Clearances Tolerances:
Specific engine and component clearances and tolerances for rebuilding.
Engine Displacement M100:
796 cc
Engine Cylinders M100:
3 cylinders, inline
Engine Configuration M100:
Front-mounted, transverse
Engine Power M100:
Approx. 50-52 hp @ 6000-6200 rpm
Engine Torque M100:
Approx. 71-73 Nm @ 3800-4000 rpm
Engine Displacement M150:
995 cc
Engine Cylinders M150:
4 cylinders, inline
Engine Power M150:
Approx. 55-61 hp @ 5400-5600 rpm
Engine Torque M150:
Approx. 86-90 Nm @ 3400-3600 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) or distributor-based (depending on exact year/spec).
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR (where applicable).
Length:
Approx. 3495 mm (M100) / 3495-3535 mm (M150, varies slightly)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2340 mm
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 140-150 mm
Passenger Capacity:
4-5 passengers (5 is a squeeze)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 150-200 liters
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 450-500 liters (with rear seats folded)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 700-800 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1200-1300 kg
Euro Ncap Rating:
2-3 stars (early models, significantly improved in later iterations/test conditions).
Latin Ncap Rating:
0-2 stars (depending on version and equipment).
ABS:
Optional on many models, standard on some higher trims or later years.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Often paired with ABS if available.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on higher trims/later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, 2-point rear lap belts (later models may have 3-point rear).
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX anchors may be present on some later models.
Body Structure:
Designed with energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Radio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette or CD player, often with 2 or 4 speakers.
Display Screen:
No central touchscreen; basic digital odometer and analog gauges.
Parking Sensors:
Rarely factory-fitted, may be an aftermarket addition.
Cruise Control:
Not typically available on these models.
Bluetooth:
Not factory-fitted; requires aftermarket installation.
Usb Port:
Not factory-fitted.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km), depending on plug type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A1/A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for exact recommendation).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (including filter).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., GM Dex-Cool or equivalent, typically red or orange).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Engine Reliability:
Small engines can be sensitive to maintenance neglect. Timing belt replacement is critical (check interval).
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical issues can arise due to age and wiring quality, particularly in older models.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints can wear prematurely, leading to clunks and poor handling.
Rust Corrosion:
Common in older cars, especially in areas exposed to road salt. Check sills, wheel arches, and subframes.
Cooling System:
Water pump and thermostat failures can lead to overheating; regular coolant checks are essential.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is normal for a manual transmission, replacement may be required between 50,000-100,000 miles.
Manufacturer:
Daewoo Motor Company (South Korea)
Acquisition History:
Daewoo Motor was acquired by General Motors in 2002, leading to eventual rebranding or discontinuation in many markets.
M100 Introduction:
Launched in 1997 as the Daewoo Matiz (internal code M100).
M150 Facelift:
Facelifted in 2000 as the M150, featuring revised styling (headlights, grille, bumpers) and minor interior updates.
Further Updates:
Continued updates and variations under GM ownership, often sold as Chevrolet Matiz or Chevrolet Spark in various markets.
Primary Manufacturing Location:
South Korea (Changwon Factory)
Rebadging Variations:
Chevrolet Matiz, Chevrolet Spark, Pontiac Matiz, FSO Matiz.
European City Car Awards:
While not a dominant winner, it received positive mentions in reviews for its practicality and value in the budget city car segment.
Value For Money Rating:
Consistently rated highly for its affordability and running costs.
Manufacturing Standards:
Produced under Daewoo's quality control, later integrated into GM's global standards.