What is it?
2009 Toyota Matrix
What's special about it?
David Terai, chief engineer for the 2009 Toyota Matrix, tells us, "During extensive meetings all over the country with customers, owners and dealers, we found that the current Matrix was seen far too often as a small, conventional, practical wagon."
We're not sure why this is a bad thing, but Toyota is determined to market the redesigned second-generation Matrix to younger buyers. "We see it as the perfect entry point for current Scion owners," says Bob Carter, Toyota Group vice president and general manager.
Since the target group (20-to-35-year-old men, who else?) is seen as more likely to shop for a vehicle based on style and performance than pure function, Toyota says it put more emphasis on these attributes during the redesign.
In reality, the 2009 Matrix hasn't changed much in appearance and even its exterior dimensions are virtually identical to the previous vehicle. But it is a fair bit quicker to drive, thanks to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.
Borrowed from the Camry and Scion tC, this engine is available for both the midrange Matrix S (which replaces the old XR) and the high-line Matrix XRS. You can get it with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Toyota says revised throttle mapping for the Matrix XRS version of this engine imparts an even sportier driving experience. Equipped with the manual gearbox, the XRS will accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 8.3 seconds.
More justification for choosing the sportiest Matrix comes by way of its independent double-wishbone rear suspension, which replaces the torsion-beam setup used on most trims. In addition, the XRS has firmer spring and damper settings, plus a strut-tower brace up front.
The other way to get a Toyota Matrix with independent rear suspension is to check off the option for all-wheel drive, which is available only on the S model and only with an automatic transmission.
For buyers who put greater priority on affordability and fuel economy, Toyota will continue to offer a base Matrix with a 132-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Mileage ratings improve significantly when you choose this engine. Even under the EPA's revised testing protocol for 2008, highway mpg is 30-plus. The downside is that buyers will be stuck with a four-speed automatic if they decline the five-speed manual.
Electric power steering is standard on every Matrix. Also included across the board are four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, though the discs on models with the 2.4-liter engine are understandably larger. Stability control is standard on the XRS and optional on other trims.
Space-efficient interior design remains the best attribute of Toyota's compact wagon. Since the original Matrix's roomy backseat was already a hit with buyers, Toyota designers didn't change much, although front-drive models now incorporate a near-flat rear floor. Up front, the driving position is much less awkward than before, thanks to a standard telescoping steering wheel and a longer seat-bottom cushion.
The one change that could disappoint some buyers is the deletion of the adjustable cargo-track system, which we're told most owners weren't using. In its place, you'll find fixed tie-down points and rubber inserts designed to keep cargo from sliding around. As before, both the rear seats and the front passenger seat fold completely flat.
When it arrives at dealerships in February 2008, the second-gen Matrix will account for 20 percent of Corolla sales, says Toyota more than 70,000 units annually. The company expects more than 50 percent of buyers to opt for the midrange, while another 40 percent will stick with the base model. That leaves just 5 percent for the XRS. Toyota anticipates a 14 percent take rate for all-wheel drive.
