Daewoo Launches Two Matiz Variants

Daewoo Thursday introduced two new variants of Matiz -- SG and SA -- which have replaced the existing Matiz SE and SP models. The new versions have added features like power steering and factory-fitted anti-theft device. The launch coincides with the company's new brand campaign -- Total S.P.I.C.E. (where SPICE is an acronym for safety, power, innovation, comfort and economy).

The new version -- Matiz SG (which has replaced Matiz SE) -- has been priced Rs 31,000 less at Rs 3.43 lakh (ex-showroom price, Delhi) compared to its predecessor. Matiz SA is priced at Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

However, Daewoo has also taken some spice out of the Matiz SE and SP. The new versions of Matiz do not have the stereo and power windows options. Matiz SA also has features like rear spoiler, flush wheel covers, cigarette lighter and rear defogger. The price of Matiz SA is the same as that of Matiz SP. Both the versions have two-stage protective bumpers.

 

Speaking at a press conference organised to announced the new versions, S G Awasthi, chairman, said the price reduction in case of Matiz SG has been possible due to cost-cutting measures adopted by the company in the last one year. "These measures have enabled us to withstand the effects of the rupee depreciation," Awasthi said.

As per figures provided by the company, Matiz SG is Rs 49,000 cheaper than Maruti Zen VX (without power steering) and Rs 38,000 cheaper than Santro LS (which has power-steering). Moreover, Matiz SG costs only Rs 5,000 more than the non-power steering version of Santro. Maruti Zen's power steering version is Rs 76,000 costlier than Matiz SG and Indica's power steering version costs Rs 75,000 more than Matiz SG, a company statement says.

Matiz SA, according to the statement, costs Rs 24,000 lesser than Zen Vxi and Rs 10,000 cheaper than Santro GS "in a apple-to-apple price-value comparison".

Meanwhile, the company hopes to break-even by the end of the current fiscal by selling about 80,000 cars. However, much of that depends on the market conditions and the rupee-dollar equation, Awasthi said.