Used Hyundai Matrix MPV 2001 - 2010 review

What's the used Hyundai Matrix like?

Hyundai's Matrix MPV is happiest with four passengers on board - the rear seat can accommodate three at a push - although legroom is tight for adults. The rear bench slides back and forth, although the seats can't be removed.

Rutted city streets can upset the ride, but it improves at higher speeds, and there's little body lean when cornering. Wind- and road noise become irritating on the motorway, though.

Overview

Looks and feels outclassed by rivals

Pros

• Inexpensive
• reasonable cabin space
• good driving position

Cons

• Disappointing engines
• not very versatile
• outdated

Used cars available now

In partnership with

Hyundai Matrix

1.6 Comfort Euro 4 5dr

£999

Hyundai Matrix

1.6 GSi Auto Euro 4 5dr

£1,495

Hyundai Matrix

1.5 CRTD GSi Euro 4 5dr

£1,495

Hyundai Matrix

1.6 GSi Auto Euro 4 5dr

£1,500

Hyundai Matrix

1.6 Atlantic Auto Euro 4 5dr

£2,099

Hyundai Matrix

1.6 Style Auto Euro 4 5dr

£2,495

Hyundai Matrix

1.6 Style Auto Euro 4 5dr

£2,500

Hyundai MATRIX

1.6 GSi Auto Euro 4 5dr

£2,500

See all available cars

The driving position is reasonable and all of the controls are well laid out, especially the gearlever, which is mounted high on the centre console. All-round vision is good and the Matrix is easy to manoeuvre.

There's nothing wrong with the build quality and design of the Hyundai, but other MPVs have moved on, so the Matrix feels out of step with more modern rivals.

Our recommendations

Which used Hyundai Matrix should I buy?

The 121bhp 1.8-litre petrol is the most powerful engine in the range and copes well with motorway driving. The 101bhp 1.6-litre petrol and 81bhp 1.5-litre diesel are uninspiring in comparison. All three are a little grumbly, but the 1.8 is quieter on long trips because it doesn't have to work as hard as the others.

The three-cylinder diesel produces a distinctive thrum that is tiring on long trips. A new, more refined version of the 1.6 petrol and 1.5 diesel were introduced in 2008. The petrol engine produced the same power, yet was more economical, while the four-cylinder diesel was more efficient and more powerful, with 109bhp.

We recommend the five-speed manual gearbox, unless you really need an automatic, because it is jerky and takes a big bite out of the fuel economy.

All cars front- and side airbags, and GSi trim includes air-con, electric windows and a CD player, while CDX models add alloy wheels, leather upholstery and an electric sunroof. The line-up was altered in 2008, with the entry-level Classic coming without alloys or air-con, while the Comfort included air-con and rear electric windows.

In late 2009, the range was face-lifted with a new front grille, headlights, and a refreshed cabin.