Segment:
City car / Subcompact hatchback
Target Audience:
Affordable urban transportation, first-time car buyers, budget-conscious consumers
Key Competitors 2002:
Hyundai Atos, Kia Picanto (often badge-engineered variants of Matiz), Fiat Seicento, Volkswagen Lupo, Ford Ka
Design Philosophy:
Compact dimensions, fuel efficiency, maneuverability, distinctive 'cute' styling
Value Proposition:
Affordability in purchase price and running costs
Engine Service:
Diagnosis, repair, overhaul, performance tuning
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank servicing
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, fan, hoses
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, oxygen sensors
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, wiring, timing adjustment
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Transmission Service:
Manual and automatic transmission diagnosis, repair, fluid changes, clutch service
Drivetrain:
Axles, CV joints, drive shafts, differential
Suspension System:
Struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brake System:
Brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder, ABS (if equipped)
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, chassis components
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, passive restraint systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, fault finding
Torque Specifications:
Torque values for critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Code:
F8CV (common for 800cc variant)
Configuration:
Inline 3-cylinder (typically)
Displacement Cc:
796 cc (common for base models)
Bore X Stroke Mm:
Approx. 72.0 x 66.6 mm (for 796cc)
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 9.3:1 (for 796cc)
Horsepower Ps Rpm:
Approx. 52 PS @ 6000 rpm (for 796cc)
Torque Nm Rpm:
Approx. 71 Nm @ 4600 rpm (for 796cc)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (often optional on higher trims or specific markets)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios detailed within the manual (e.g., 1st: ~3.54, 2nd: ~1.91, 3rd: ~1.26, 4th: ~0.97, 5th: ~0.79, Reverse: ~3.31, Final Drive: ~4.18)
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player or single-CD player, often with 2 or 4 speakers.
Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), fuel, and temperature. Basic digital clock.
Cruise Control:
Rarely available, not a standard feature.
Parking Assistance:
No factory parking sensors or cameras.
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not present on factory units.
Oil Change Interval Km Months:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement Km:
Every 20,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement Km:
Every 30,000 km (standard plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement Km Years:
Every 60,000 km or 4 years (critical item, refer to manual for exact specs)
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Capacity: Approx. 3.0 - 3.2 Liters (including filter).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity: Approx. 2.0 - 2.2 Liters.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Liters (may vary).
Engine Idling Problems:
Can be related to dirty throttle body, faulty idle air control valve (IACV), or vacuum leaks.
Rear Suspension Noise:
Worn rear trailing arm bushings or dampers can cause knocking sounds.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Can lead to misfires and rough running.
Power Steering Pump Leaks:
Common wear item, leading to noise and loss of assistance.
Door Lock Actuator Failure:
Central locking systems can experience actuator failure.
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms in certain climates.
Parent Company At Time:
Daewoo Motor Co., Ltd. (later acquired by General Motors)
First Generation Debut:
1997 (as Daewoo Matiz)
Second Generation Debut:
2000 (M150 Series, the basis for the 2002 model)
Styling Inspiration:
Originally designed by Italdesign Giugiaro
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (main), also produced under license/badge in other countries (e.g., Poland, Uzbekistan, India as Chevrolet Spark)
Model Life Cycle:
1997-2005 (first generation, with facelifts)