2009 toyota Matrix S

2009 toyota matrix s: The Toyota Matrix has actually constantly been a practical option-- sensible and resilient, however ultimately much less interesting compared to its voguish styling recommends. With its 2009 redesign, the hatchback holds to those origins: A larger engine increases the performance bar a few notches, however energy is still the name of the game. This cars and truck deserves a look, yet with rivals elbowing in from every side, it doesn't bring as much to the area as it when did.


2009 toyota matrix s


The Matrix can be found in 3 trim degrees: the basic Standard, a better-equipped S and a sportier XRS. Four-wheel drive is optional on the Matrix S.The Matrix shares origins with the Toyota Corolla and also Successor xB, and Pontiac markets a related hatchback in the Vibe.

I drove a front-wheel-drive Matrix S with a manual transmission.

Exactly how it Moves

Most trim degrees have Toyota's 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which offers a healthy 158 horse power. A 132-hp four-cylinder comes only on the base design, as well as guidebook or automatic transmissions are available with either engine. Here's how the specifications work out:

My test cars and truck had the 2.4-liter engine, which supplies ample low-end torque for fast launches from stops. Pedal-down acceleration creates moderate torque guide, however it never bewilders the driving experience. The five-speed manual has a solid, significant feeling. It's similar to the transmission in the Mazda3, an additional preferred standard transmission of mine, however its throws really feel a lot more exact than the Mazda. The Matrix's clutch pedal is light sufficient for sustained rush-hour use, and when the highway clears, 60-to-70 mph acceleration is workable in 5th equipment and also energetic in fourth. Some portable cars and trucks run out of steam when filled with people, yet despite having two grown-up travelers in tow, I never ever really felt desiring for more. In any case, this engine's power really feels incomparably more usable compared to the initial Matrix's 170-hp, rev-like-hell 1.8-liter's ever did.

Throughout perky driving, acceleration lag comes to be a concern. Stab the gas pedal to match revs as you downshift, and also the reaction can be tepid. At the very least it's consistent, so chauffeurs will certainly learn to hold your horses-- though patience isn't really an ending up being quality in a cars and truck with performance leanings. A number of today's stick-shift-equipped compacts have the very same issue, though that doesn't minimize its nuisance.

I didn't drive the 1.8-liter engine, yet I have actually driven it in the new Corolla and also it's a smooth, if uninteresting, powertrain. The Corolla's four-speed automatic lags a bit in kickdown performance, nonetheless, so if you're acquiring a base Matrix with the automatic, see to it to see how it finishes with highway passing.

Four-wheel-disc antilock anti-skid brakes are common; the Matrix S and XRS have slightly bigger discs than the base design. The pedal feels a bit mushy in the first inch or so of travel; afterwards, its action is solid, and also ABDOMINAL MUSCLE never kicks in prematurely.

The base Matrix and front-wheel-drive S version have an independent front suspension and semi-independent, torsion beam rear. The configuration returns fairly firm catching with less body roll than the xB, however the ride comes to be a little bit uneven over rough pavement. Holes as well as speed bumps elicit raw sounds from the rear suspension as well as periodically a rattle or 2 from the headliner.

At highway rates, road as well as wind sound are significant, yet the engine remains inconspicuous. The steering wheel begins to really feel a bit anxious around 75 mph, however at slower rates it keeps a protected, on-center feel. Turn-in accuracy is impressive: Being a front-wheel-drive auto, the Matrix has the tendency to understeer during tough cornering, but I was amazed by how well it held the line. That precision isn't readily evident at reduced speeds, where the wheel turns easily-- implying there's a great deal of power aid-- as well as often really feels a little bit numb.

The XRS and also AWD S trims have a totally independent double-wishbone back suspension, which likely offers a more polished flight. The XRS includes a strut tower support under the hood to additionally take care of body roll, and its 18-inch alloy wheels overshadow those on less-expensive trims. My tester included 16-inch steel wheels.

As a result of a revised guiding arrangement, the XRS' transforming circle is 38.1 feet. Base as well as S models turn in 36.0 feet, which seems better suited for a compact cars and truck; the AWD S is available in at 36.7 feet.

Just how it Looks

Toyota really did not reinvent the wheel with this version; the brand-new face resembles a logical development from the old version. The lights appear lower and leaner, and also the bumper's beefy flanks seem on the verge of ingesting exactly what lies between. The aggressiveness fits on this automobile, and it births some similarity to Toyota's honest Venza crossover.

Overall size has boosted by less than an inch, and trip elevation has to do with half an inch lower. Regretfully, the liftgate not includes the previous design's glass hatch.

Sixteen-inch steel wheels with plastic covers come on the base version and also Matrix S. For its rate, the S actually should have alloy edges, however they're optional. The XRS has basic 18-inch alloys.

Cabin Quality

True to its origins, the Matrix's cabin has an utilitarian bent, though it feels much more polished compared to the also-utilitarian xB's. Though the control panel plastics are difficult to the touch, their high quality is respectable, with wraparound textures that look abundant from any type of range. The gauges and also stereo controls have top-notch quality, too, and panel fit is normally superb.

Maybe since there is so much apparent quality there, the cabin's weak points stick out much more. The climate controls are straightforward yet terribly confusing, and the ceiling is a large cover of computer mouse hair. Toyota had a possibility to leapfrog the competition with attributes-- and grow out of the old Matrix's fundamental feeling-- however points like prolonging sun visors, lit up vanity mirrors and also a rear center armrest are still absent. Though unusual in this course, those kind of amenities are starting to pop up here and there; the Volkswagen Bunny and also the forthcoming Hyundai Elantra Touring have all 3.

The updated JBL stereo in my examination car vocalized decent sound, yet it does not have a USB port for iPod integration, which Toyota states isn't really also readily available as a supplier accessory. Instead you'll need to make do with a basic complementary jack. The xB has an iPod port standard.

The seats are well-padded, yet I assumed the material felt sandpaper-rough in particular locations. I'm a fan of the furrier stuff in the brand-new Corolla; senior editor David Thomas, on the other hand, preferred the Matrix's upholstery for its sturdiness. The Matrix XRS gets its own sporting activity textile, which we have not tested out.

Roominess & Utility

Toyota states the seats rest slightly lower than in the past, but I still discovered the chauffeur's seat high for a portable car. Headroom readies in both rows (I have to do with 6 feet high, and my examination auto did not have the optional moonroof). The inboard side of the control panel, which extends downward to incorporate the shifter, encroaches on the driver's legroom. Legroom is better in back.

If rough-and-tumble energy is your point, the Matrix comes through in spades. The rear tons floor is covered in long lasting plastic, as are the second-row seatbacks. When the seats are folded, the cargo area comes to be a veritable deck. Rubber strips along the flooring keep freight in place, and also most trims have a fold-flat front guest seat with a difficult plastic backing. Vehicle drivers with boatloads of plug-in electronic devices will appreciate the 115V house electrical outlet that's conventional on the S as well as XRS.

Safety

As of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and security has actually not collapse evaluated the Matrix. Standard functions consist of all-disc anti-skid brakes, side-impact airbags for the pole positions and also side curtain airbags for both rows. That's a significant enhancement over the '08 version, which offered these attributes as choices. All five seats have head restrictions, and active head restrictions are conventional up front. A digital security system runs a cost effective $250-- compare that to $450 on the Rabbit, $440 on the Caliber and also $650 on the outgoing Matrix. The system is basic on the Matrix XRS.

Lock child-seat anchors lie in the outboard back seats. Moms and dads will certainly value the clearly significant top-tether supports, available by turning up plastic covers in the cargo floor behind the seat.

Attributes & Pricing

Leaving out the location fee, the Matrix starts at $16,190, approximately the same as the outgoing version geared up with comparable functions. Major basic functions include AIR CONDITIONER, a basic CD stereo with an accessory sound jack and power mirrors. Power windows and also locks with remote access run $990. For $18,260, the Matrix S consists of those functions along with the 2.4-liter engine, a rear wiper and also even more. Four-wheel drive includes $2,140, yet it likewise consists of a transmission, which sets you back $1,190 otherwise.

The Matrix XRS begins at $20,660 and also comes with 18-inch rims, a sport-tuned suspension as well as a leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls. A number of those features are optional on minimal trims. Various other alternatives include a navigating system, a moonroof as well as a costs stereo. Cruise ship control runs $250 on any type of trim.

Completely packed, expect the Matrix to peak around $24,000.

Matrix on the market

I presume the Matrix's biggest limitation will be its price. For the price of a base version with power devices and also cruise control, several rivals throw in alloy wheels, bigger engines or better stereos. The Matrix's freight location compares favorably, but the vehicle makes no waves in driving dynamics or cabin high quality.

The Matrix might inevitably draw those who need optimum energy in a little package, and also its sporty personality could grab a couple of efficiency addicts. For those who want a grocery-getter with a bit much more freight area than their last car-- including my grandparents, that possess the outbound Matrix-- there are a lot of rivals that do it for a great deal less cash money.