For Hyundai Motors, 2005 marks an important new phase of development and growth. This will be the first year to implement the new brand management strategy as the company strives towards the goal of becoming one of the highest, if not the highest quality manufacturer.
We can see this in the facelift they have given the Matrix. They were not happy with the extreme success the car was achieving so they forged and perfected a new Matrix which has all the makings of an even greater success.
The Matrix is based on the company's successful Elantra platform and a flexible yet spacious package for the growing number of young individuals and families with active lifestyle who want more from their car than traditional transport.
The car has been designed with flexibility as a priority and consequently its interior can be easily and quickly adapted to suit a variety of family, individual or cargo uses despite its compact external dimensions.
Designers endowed the Matrix with the practicality of a minivan, allowing the vehicle to carry large loads with the rear seats folded away and yet also provide owners with good space for passengers and a host of comfort features.
The vehicle, a Pininfarina design, features new front lamps, a new bumper and front grille making the car look more attractive and stylish.
At the rear the designers have produced combination lamps giving the Matrix a trendy look while maintaining that distinctive look.
The newly designed wheel covers also help to give that stylish appearance.
Internally the car has a centrally mounted console grouping the main instruments in a binnacle on the dashboard and away from the driver's direct line of vision, yet quickly and easily read when required.
Also featuring as standard equipment are power-steering, four electric windows, driver and passenger airbag, air-conditioning etc.
The new Matrix is equipped with a 1.5-litre 16-valve four-cylinder CRDI common rail turbo-charged (with intercooler) engine developing 110 bhp, using the latest diesel technology.
Meridian Enterprises Ltd have priced the new Matrix at Lm7,550 (showroom price).