Hyundai Matrix (01-10) - Review

On smooth and straight roads the Matrix is comfortable but it rarely feels refined and quiet. All the engines are noisy, in particular automatic petrol cars, while the tall shape means wind noise is excessive. The cabin is roomy though and there's plenty of leg and headroom for both passengers in the front and those in the back. The seats are quite soft and cosseting too, although they do lack support which is noticeable on longer journeys.

Unfortunately the Matrix isn't clever or versatile enough inside compared to newer people carriers and lacks the family friendly features that you'd expect on this kind of car. The rear seats do fold and tumble, but they don't fold into the floor and aren't removable either. However the floor in the rear is flat so three can easily sit in the back in relative comfort. Luggage room isn't bad either with 345-litres available and the rear seats slide and can split 60/40.

The interior of the Matrix is far from inspiring with dull grey plastics dominating and a low quality aftermarket-style stereo. The instrument cluster is located in a pod on the middle of the dashboard and the ventilation controls are easy to use, but aside from that there's little sophistication. The driving position is quite high up, giving you good all round visibility, but it's not a cabin you'd want to spend long journeys in.