The model is actually...
The model is actually a revised version of the company"s rather bizarrely named Beauty Leopard coupé, and its designers took inspiration from a variety of sources. Alfa Romeo Brera-style triple headlamps, two-door Subaru Impreza-like proportions and an Audi-inspired deep grille are all prominent features of the new compact model from the up-and-coming brand.
Cheaper and cleaner...
Cheaper and cleaner – the sub-120g/km club has two new members. Chevrolet’s entry-level model, the Matiz 0.8S manual, now comes with a revised 800cc engine producing only 119g/km of CO2 and returning 54.3mpg at the pumps.
This allows it to slip into road tax Band B, which costs owners ÷£35 a year – an ÷£80 saving on the previous 0.8S. Also, it would be exempt from London’s congestion charge under new proposals which are due to be introduced from October 2008.
The same goes for the Suzuki Swift. Revisions to the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel have reduced emissions from 124g/km to 119g/km, while combined economy has been boosted to 61.4mpg. Prices for the tax-busting Matiz start at ÷£6,245 on the road, while the Swift costs from ÷£10,515.