2009 toyota Matrix

2009 toyota matrix: The Toyota Matrix has actually always been an utilitarian choice-- practical and also sturdy, yet inevitably much less exciting compared to its modish designing suggests. With its 2009 redesign, the hatchback remains true to those origins: A larger engine increases the performance bar a couple of notches, yet utility is still nitty-gritty. This automobile is worth an appearance, but with competitors elbowing in from every side, it doesn't bring as much to the field as it when did.


2009 toyota matrix


The Matrix can be found in 3 trim degrees: the fundamental Requirement, a better-equipped S as well as a sportier XRS. All-wheel drive is optional on the Matrix S.The Matrix shares roots with the Toyota Corolla as well as Scion xB, as well as Pontiac markets a related hatchback in the Vibe.

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

Exactly how it Actions

The majority of trim levels have Toyota's 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which provides a healthy 158 horsepower. A 132-hp four-cylinder comes just on the base design, as well as guidebook or transmissions are readily available with either engine. Below's how the specs pan out:

My examination cars and truck had the 2.4-liter engine, which provides adequate low-end torque for fast launches from stops. Pedal-down velocity produces light torque guide, however it never overwhelms the driving experience. The five-speed manual has a strong, substantial feeling. It's similar to the transmission in the Mazda3, an additional favorite standard transmission of mine, but its throws really feel a lot more exact compared to the Mazda. The Matrix's clutch pedal is light enough for continual rush-hour use, and when the freeway clears, 60-to-70 miles per hour acceleration is practical in fifth equipment and energetic in fourth. Some small vehicles run out of steam when packed with people, but despite having 2 adult passengers in tow, I never ever felt desiring for more. Regardless, this engine's power really feels incomparably much more usable than the original Matrix's 170-hp, rev-like-hell 1.8-liter's ever did.

Throughout spirited driving, velocity lag comes to be a problem. Stab the gas pedal to match revs as you downshift, and the reaction can be warm. At least it's consistent, so chauffeurs will learn to be patient-- though patience isn't really a becoming trait in a vehicle with performance leanings. Many of today's stick-shift-equipped compacts have the very same problem, though that does not reduce its nuisance.

I didn't drive the 1.8-liter engine, however I have actually driven it in the new Corolla as well as it's a smooth, if unexciting, powertrain. The Corolla's four-speed automated lags a little bit in kickdown performance, nevertheless, so if you're getting a base Matrix with the automatic, make certain to see exactly how it makes with freeway death.

Four-wheel-disc antilock antilock brakes are conventional; the Matrix S as well as XRS have a little bigger discs compared to the base version. The pedal really feels a bit spongy in the first inch approximately of travel; after that, its reaction is solid, as well as ABDOMINAL MUSCLE never ever kicks in prematurely.

The base Matrix and also front-wheel-drive S version have an independent front suspension and semi-independent, torsion beam of light back. The arrangement returns fairly solid collaring with much less body roll than the xB, however the flight comes to be a little bit rough over bumpy pavement. Craters and speed bumps generate raw noises from the rear suspension and occasionally a rattle or 2 from the headliner.

At freeway speeds, road and wind noise are substantial, but the engine stays unobtrusive. The guiding wheel begins to feel a little bit skittish around 75 miles per hour, but at slower speeds it maintains a protected, on-center feel. Turn-in accuracy is impressive: Being a front-wheel-drive auto, the Matrix tends to understeer during difficult cornering, yet I was stunned by just how well it held the line. That accuracy isn't conveniently apparent at reduced rates, where the wheel turns easily-- indicating there's a great deal of power aid-- and in some cases really feels a bit numb.

The XRS as well as AWD S trims have a fully independent double-wishbone back suspension, which likely offers a more polished flight. The XRS consists of a strut tower brace under the hood to further handle body roll, and also its 18-inch alloy wheels overshadow those on less-expensive trims. My tester included 16-inch steel wheels.

As a result of a revised steering configuration, the XRS' transforming circle is 38.1 feet. Base and S versions turn in 36.0 feet, which appears more appropriate for a portable auto; the AWD S comes in at 36.7 feet.

Exactly how it Looks

Toyota didn't reinvent the wheel with this version; the brand-new face resembles a logical progression from the old model. The lights show up reduced as well as leaner, and also the bumper's chunky flanks seem on the verge of swallowing what lies in between. The aggression fits on this automobile, and also it births some similarity to Toyota's honest Venza crossover.

Total size has increased by less than an inch, and also ride elevation is about half an inch reduced. Unfortunately, the liftgate no more integrates the previous design's glass hatch.

Sixteen-inch steel wheels with plastic covers begun the base version as well as Matrix S. For its cost, the S truly ought to have alloy rims, yet they're optional. The XRS has common 18-inch alloys.

Cabin High quality

Real to its roots, the Matrix's cabin has an utilitarian curved, though it really feels a lot more refined than the also-utilitarian xB's. Though the control panel plastics are tough to the touch, their top quality is decent, with wraparound textures that look rich from any range. The evaluates as well as stereo controls have first-rate top quality, also, and panel fit is normally superb.

Possibly since there is a lot noticeable top quality there, the cabin's weak points stand out much more. The climate controls are straightforward but extremely clunky, and the ceiling is a vast cover of mouse hair. Toyota had an opportunity to leapfrog the competitors with functions-- as well as grow out of the old Matrix's fundamental feeling-- yet things like prolonging sun visors, lit up vanity mirrors as well as a rear facility armrest are still lacking. Though unusual in this class, those type of amenities are beginning to appear occasionally; the Volkswagen Bunny and the honest Hyundai Elantra Touring have all three.

The upgraded JBL stereo in my test auto belted out good sound, yet it does not have a USB port for iPod assimilation, which Toyota says isn't also offered as a dealership accessory. Rather you'll have to make do with a fundamental supporting jack. The xB has an iPod port requirement.

The seats are well-padded, yet I believed the fabric felt sandpaper-rough in particular areas. I'm a fan of the furrier stuff in the brand-new Corolla; senior editor David Thomas, on the other hand, chose the Matrix's upholstery for its toughness. The Matrix XRS obtains its very own sport textile, which we have not checked out.

Roominess & Energy

Toyota claims the seats sit somewhat less than before, yet I still located the driver's seat high for a portable vehicle. Clearance readies in both rows (I have to do with 6 feet high, and also my examination cars and truck did not have the optional moonroof). The inboard side of the dashboard, which expands downward to integrate the shifter, encroaches on the driver's legroom. Legroom is much better in back.

If rough-and-tumble utility is your thing, the Matrix comes through in spades. The rear lots flooring is covered in long lasting plastic, as are the second-row seatbacks. When the seats are folded, the freight location ends up being a genuine deck. Rubber strips along the flooring maintain freight in position, and many trims have a fold-flat front passenger seat with a difficult plastic support. Motorists with boatloads of plug-in electronic devices will appreciate the 115V home outlet that's standard on the S and also XRS.

Safety

As of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and security has actually not crash evaluated the Matrix. Conventional functions consist of all-disc antilock brakes, side-impact air bags for the front seats and side drape airbags for both rows. That's a significant improvement over the '08 model, which used these features as choices. All five seats have head restraints, and energetic head restraints are conventional in advance. An electronic security system runs a budget friendly $250-- compare that to $450 on the Bunny, $440 on the Caliber and also $650 on the outward bound Matrix. The system is typical on the Matrix XRS.

Latch child-seat supports lie in the outboard rear seats. Parents will certainly appreciate the plainly significant top-tether anchors, obtainable by turning up plastic covers in the freight floor behind the seat.

Functions & Rates

Omitting the destination charge, the Matrix starts at $16,190, roughly the like the outward bound design furnished with similar features. Significant conventional attributes include AIR CONDITIONING, a standard CD stereo with an accessory sound jack and power mirrors. Power home windows as well as locks with remote access run $990. For $18,260, the Matrix S includes those attributes in addition to the 2.4-liter engine, a rear wiper as well as even more. All-wheel drive includes $2,140, however it likewise includes a transmission, which costs $1,190 otherwise.

The Matrix XRS starts at $20,660 and also has 18-inch rims, a sport-tuned suspension and also a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. A number of those attributes are optional on lesser trims. Other alternatives consist of a navigating system, a moonroof and also a costs stereo. Cruise control runs $250 on any type of trim.

Totally loaded, expect the Matrix to top out around $24,000.

Matrix out there

I believe the Matrix's largest obstacle will certainly be its rate. For the expense of a base model with power accessories and also cruise control, numerous rivals throw in alloy wheels, larger engines or better stereos. The Matrix's cargo area contrasts positively, but the automobile makes no waves in driving characteristics or cabin quality.

The Matrix might eventually draw those that require maximum utility in a small package, and also its sporty personality could snag a few efficiency addicts. For those that desire a grocery-getter with a little bit more cargo space compared to their last car-- including my grandparents, that possess the outward bound Matrix-- there are a great deal of competitors that do it for a whole lot much less money.