Toyota has assembled a whole new version of its Matrix five-door for model year 2009, giving it more exterior flair, two new engines and a redesigned interior. The new Matrix is built in conjunction with the Corolla sedan, which is reflected in the vehicle’s full name: the Toyota Corolla Matrix.
Compared to the previous version, the ’09 Matrix is wider and lower, with a more coupe-like appearance, but with the same amount of interior space.
Three trim levels are offered: Standard, S, and XRS. All are front-wheel drive, but as before, the S model is also available with all-wheel drive. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is used in the base Standard model. It generates 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque, and can be equipped with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. EPA ratings are 26/32 for the manual transmission, and 25/31 for the automatic.
S and XRS models come with a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 162 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices are a five-speed automatic or five-speed manual — except for the S version with AWD, which comes only with a four-speed automatic.
EPA ratings for the 2.4-liter engine are 21/28 with a manual, 21/29 with an automatic, and 20/26 for the four-speed with AWD.
Base pricing, including a $660 destination charge, is $16,850 for the Standard with manual gearbox ($17,660 with automatic); $18,920 and $20,110 for the S ($21,060 with AWD); and $21,320 and $22,510 for the XRS.
A partial list of standard equipment on all models includes air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, fabric upholstery, four-speaker audio system with CD/MP3/WMA and satellite radio prep, cargo cover, 16-inch steel wheels, roof rack with anchor mounts, intermittent windshield wipers, 60/40 split rear seat, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.
My tester was an S model with AWD. To the above list it adds power windows, power door locks, fog lamps and remote keyless entry, and upgrades the stereo to six speakers.
When the tester was delivered to me, it wasn’t love at first sight, at least not on my part. (I think the car found me attractive, but I couldn’t swear.) My loveless reaction was due entirely to the vehicle’s Orange Metallic paint, which I’ll describe as follows: hideous. But, in a parking lot during the test week, a cool-looking young guy said to me, “I love the color of your car” and did the “rock on” hand signal. I obviously suffer from Age-Related Color Preference Syndrome.
I never did overcome my aversion to that Orange Metallic, but I did fall for the Matrix itself. Here was an affordable, fuel-efficient, right-sized vehicle (seating for five, with a nearly 20 cubic-feet cargo area behind the rear seats) that is sturdy and solid, constructed with care and attention to detail. It has fun, sporty handling, a great transmission and acceptable power.
Zero to 60 is sketchy, though, which I discovered after pulling out onto Highway 2 from Westwick Road a little early so as not to get stuck behind that old pickup truck.
The new Matrix interior has attractive optitron gauges with red needles and white lighting. Typical of Toyota, the controls are well-placed and easy to use.
No space is wasted; the center stack includes several nifty storage bins in varying shapes — with nonskid bottoms — where cell phone, tall stainless steel coffee mug, pen, wallet, travel-size hand lotion and other necessities of life fit perfectly and are kept in place.
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