Automotive Faqs

The 209 Toyota Matrix S was a vehicle that we were looking forward to driving out on the streets for everyone to admire and be envious of. Instead it became any ordinary vehicle that would never stand out in a crowd.

The Matrix will be available in three trims: Standard, S, and XRS. The interior of all three has bright white-lit gauges offsetting red-lit needles and a large, dominant speedometer. Everything from sport seats to the three-spoke steering wheel is new. However, much of the bright work and interesting design of the prior Matrix have given way to cheaper, monotone materials, and thus, in spite of additional equipment and so-called upgraded fabrics, it’s hard to consider the new interior much of a step forward in design.

It has been given cool new features, including Toyota’s latest navigation system with XM traffic reporting, a JBL audio system, and stability. Storage space, too, is impressive, with cubbies upon cubbies and a massive glove box. And in terms of safety, besides stability control, there are no options: Six airbags come standard.

The Matrix Standard and the Matrix S sport a new 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque and featuring dual VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence). The Matrix S is also offered with all-wheel drive. The brakes, too, have been upgraded to four-wheel discs. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The 1.8-liter inline-four revs smoothly, if not terribly quietly. Feel through the tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel was rather tepid and springy.

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