The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Daewoo d’Arts: the early Matiz
The Daewoo d’Arts, later rebranded as the Daewoo Matiz, has its roots in the Fiat Cinquecento ID, a design concept by Italdesign introduced in 1992. Fiat’s decision to invite Italian coachbuilders to reinterpret the iconic Cinquecento theme led to the birth of the ID Cinquecento. The evolution continued in 1993 with the Lucciola prototype, emphasizing electric hybrid technology and eco-friendliness. While Fiat moved forward with the Seicento, Daewoo’s president, Kim Woo-choong, recognized the potential in the Lucciola. Under the skilled design direction of Fabrizio Giugiaro, Daewoo transformed the Lucciola into the “d’Arts,” maintaining key features while enhancing handling. The year 1997 marked the official transition from d’Arts to Daewoo Matiz. Part of the M Series, the Daewoo Matiz was Daewoo’s inaugural foray into the microcar market. Launched in 1997, it retained the essence of the 1992 concept but featured a more practical 5-door body. Surprisingly spacious for its compact size, the Matiz accommodated five passengers, establishing itself as a popular mini minivan in Europe. The Sport version, equipped with a 71-horsepower engine, aimed to compete in the sporty mini car segment. The Daewoo Matiz owed its success to a distinctive rounded design, complemented by signature oval headlights. The car’s internal flexibility and adaptability were key selling points, making it a standout choice in the competitive mini car market. The Matiz became a symbol of practicality, proving that a compact car could be both stylish and functional. Its legacy continued to shape Daewoo’s approach to microcar design, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive landscape.
In the annals of recent automotive history, the genesis of iconic cars often involves a blend of visionary design, technological innovation, and corporate foresight. The story of the Daewoo Matiz is no exception, tracing its roots back to the fertile grounds of Italian design and South Korean ambition.
