Meet The New Matrix From Toyota
In the early part of this decade Toyota was inspecting its vehicle line up and the decision was made to build an automobile to entice young people who were looking for something that was little, fun to drive, and cheap. Whilst the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota required something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that sort of a vehicle and something radically different was required. Enter the Matrix. Based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do : turn heads. We’ll have a look at this sporty compact and see the way in which the 2006 model stacks up.
In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the northern US market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors - the Pontiac Vibe is its twin - the Matrix is aimed toward budget conscious young folks who need a vehicle that makes a statement. To save cash, the Corolla frame was employed, but the Matrix stands some 3 inches taller and is 8 inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is totally different too as it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving the car sort of a truck look to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an extra bit of room for folks and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, very similar to in a small SUV or as in an automobile like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With 4 doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more of a lorry, but its sleek exterior easily refutes that fact.
Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a 4 wheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Joined to a 5 speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more power, there’s also a higher tuned version of the same engine delivering 164hp. It gets paired with a six speed manual transmission. Four wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.
Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the car a motorist’s dream. At thirty m.p.g town and 36 m.p.g road, the front wheel drive version of the vehicle produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A thirteen gallon fuel tank makes four hundred mile trips a likelihood on only one tank of gas ; this is very good for the student who has to drive forwards and forth between college campus and home.
Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide selection of products to help Matrix owners customize their vehicles. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, mist lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessories pitched to youth, who are the primary owners of the Matrix.
MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at slightly below US$20K to about CDN$25K.
For the entire North American market, Toyota sells almost 100,000 Matrix’ every year. Not bad for a vehicle whose origins are reasonably easy but whose heart is really sporty and youth minded.
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