2003 toyota Matrix Xrs

2003 toyota matrix xrs: Toyota started delivering its brand-new youth-focused Matrix to dealers in February 2002 as an early 2003 design. Described as a crossover energy vehicle, the Japanese car manufacturer states the Matrix combines the performance of a sport utility vehicle with the image and also efficiency of a cars, yet it's as affordable as a subcompact sedan. "Young customers desire automobiles that are high in picture as well as high in practical energy," states Don Esmond, general manager of Toyota Department.

Due to its sensible wagonlike arrangement, cars.com puts the Matrix hatchback-- as well as the very closely associated Pontiac Vibe-- in the wagon group. Styled by Toyota's CALTY Style Workshop in Newport Coastline, Calif., the four-door Matrix follows the company's street-performance energy style.

High headroom and adaptable seatsing settings are amongst the Matrix's special qualities. Three trim levels are available: criterion, the step-up XR as well as the high-performance XRS. The criterion and XR models might be equipped with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The XRS sporting activity model comes just with FWD as well as packs an additional 50 horsepower and also a six-speed-manual transmission-- a powertrain borrowed from Toyota's Celica GT-S sport sports car. The Matrix is produced in Ontario, Canada.

2003 toyota matrix xrs

Exterior

The Matrix's standard appearance most looks like a small wagon-- a body design that appears to be making a small comeback. Although the system is brand-new, it resembles the one used by Toyota's preferred subcompact Corolla car. Tips of the stylish Lexus IS 300 appear in the Matrix's front end. Toyota claims the "edge-web" body panels have sharp surface area edges, yet they display rounded weblike contours meant to generate solid, moving personality lines.

Common tires measure 16 inches in size, and the XR as well as XRS can have optional 17-inchers. Alloy wheels are optional on the standard as well as XR versions, as well as they are basic on the XRS, which also includes haze lights, a front looter and also a rear underbody spoiler.

Interior

The Matrix seats five residents, and also the rear seats fold right to produce a level flooring. A sliding track in the freight floor can be adjusted to hold different way of living devices. The vehicle driver encounters deep-set Optitron determines, and also a navigating system is optional.

Conventional tools consists of cooling with an air filter, power mirrors, recurring wipers and also a cargo cover. The XR adds power windows and door locks, keyless entry, a sporting activity steering wheel as well as an upright seat-height insurance adjuster. A four-speaker CD stereo is standard, but the XRS gets a six-speaker cassette as well as CD system. Maximum cargo quantity with the seats folded up down is 53.2 cubic feet.

Under the Hood

The requirement and XR editions get a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 hp; models outfitted with 4WD generate 123 hp. Collaborating with variable valve modern technology (VVT-i), the engine meets Ultra Low Emissions Car (ULEV) demands. Either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission can be mounted.

Readily available only with FWD, the XRS carries a 180-hp variation of the 1.8-liter engine and also a close-ratio six-speed-manual transmission. Toyota's 4WD system has no center differential yet makes use of a thick coupling. If any type of wheel slides, as long as 50 percent of torque mosts likely to the back wheels.

Security

Antilock brakes are common in the XRS as well as optional in the standard as well as XR models. Side-impact air bags are supplied as an option.

Driving Perceptions

The Matrix is well developed, nicely made as well as trendy, but very early drives produced a somewhat undesirable surprise for a Toyota item: sound. It is quiet sufficient while travelling, however the 130-hp engine yielded considerably a lot more sound compared to a Corolla during velocity, emitting a growly and also practically whiny sound. Roadway sound is additionally obvious. The base engine in versions geared up with the automatic transmission isn't really packed with pizzazz. Gear adjustments are obvious but not aggravating.

Stability is good, and it's simple to maintain the Matrix on course. Guiding with more accuracy and also much less wheel resonance compared to the Corolla, it still falls a bit except boosting, though the XRS is much more improved.

Even with a sunroof, front clearance is excellent. Backseat room beats the Corolla's, and also there's a lot even more clearance compared to the reduced roofline suggests. Due to the fact that the navigation system does not have a touchscreen, it's not as easy to use as some systems on the marketplace.

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