The Matra Murena is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive hatchback sports car produced from 1980 to 1983. It inherited the Bagheera's layout but introduced a new galvanised steel chassis—the first production car to do so—and used fibreglass-epoxy for its twelve major body panels. It featured three separate seats in one row and a 5-speed manual transaxle. Total production was 10,680 units.
It kept the Bagheera’s mid-engined hatchback layout—but fixed its fatal flaws.
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Rust-proof by design
Its chassis was all-new—and the first in production to use galvanised steel throughout.
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Light body, open access
Twelve fibreglass-epoxy panels form the body; the rear hatch opens to both engine and luggage.
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Three across, not 2+1
Three separate seats sit in one row—the middle folds flat as an armrest.
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Worth your time?
Yes. Drive the whole thing.
3.5/ 5
What works
solves rust with full galvanisation
improves usability with a proper 5-speed gearbox and accessible rear storage
What does not
offer more than two engine options
eliminate mid-engined packaging constraints inherited from the Bagheera
Drive it if
drivers who value corrosion resistance and practical mid-engined packaging
those accepting compromises on power and refinement
Skip it if
those seeking high power
those seeking luxury or modern ergonomics
Who should drive it, and who should skipHide who it is for
The written brief1 min read
What the car is and where it came from
A French mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive hatchback sports car built by Matra from 1980 to 1983.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
The driver sits in a three-across row, middle seat foldable. The engine sits behind the seats. The rear hatch lifts to expose both engine and luggage space. A 5-speed manual transaxle sends power to the rear wheels.
What it gets right
It solves rust with full galvanisation. It improves usability with a proper 5-speed gearbox and accessible rear storage.
What it does not
It does not offer more than two engine options. It does not eliminate the mid-engined packaging constraints inherited from the Bagheera.
What it changed
It replaced rust-prone steel with galvanised steel for the entire chassis. It moved from a 2+1 seating layout to three separate seats in one row.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for drivers who value corrosion resistance and practical mid-engined packaging over outright performance or refinement. It is not for those seeking high power, luxury, or modern ergonomics.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you care about structural innovation in mass-produced sports cars and accept its compromises.
