Toyota Matrix 2003

toyota matrix 2003: Toyota started delivering its new youth-focused Matrix to dealers in February 2002 as an early 2003 design. Called a crossover energy lorry, the Japanese car manufacturer says the Matrix integrates the capability of a sport utility vehicle with the picture and also efficiency of a cars, yet it's as budget-friendly as a subcompact car. "Young customers want lorries that are high in photo as well as high in practical utility," claims Don Esmond, general supervisor of Toyota Department.

Because of its practical wagonlike configuration, cars.com puts the Matrix hatchback-- as well as the closely relevant Pontiac Vibe-- in the wagon classification. Styled by Toyota's CALTY Style Workshop in Newport Coastline, Calif., the four-door Matrix complies with the business's street-performance energy motif.

High clearance and adaptable seatsing settings are amongst the Matrix's unique features. Three trim levels are readily available: criterion, the step-up XR and the high-performance XRS. The requirement and XR models could be outfitted with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The XRS sporting activity model comes only with FWD and loads an extra 50 horsepower as well as a six-speed-manual transmission-- a powertrain obtained from Toyota's Celica GT-S sport sports car. The Matrix is generated in Ontario, Canada.

toyota matrix 2003

Exterior

The Matrix's fundamental look most looks like a small wagon-- a body style that appears to be making a moderate comeback. Although the system is brand-new, it resembles the one used by Toyota's popular subcompact Corolla car. Tips of the flashy Lexus IS 300 appear in the Matrix's front end. Toyota says the "edge-web" body panels have sharp surface area edges, however they present rounded weblike shapes planned to generate solid, flowing character lines.

Common tires measure 16 inches in size, as well as the XR and also XRS can have optional 17-inchers. Alloy wheels are optional on the requirement and also XR models, and also they are standard on the XRS, which additionally showcases fog lights, a front spoiler as well as a back underbody spoiler.

Inside

The Matrix seats 5 occupants, and also the rear seats fold right to produce a flat floor. A moving track in the cargo flooring can be adapted to hold different way of living devices. The motorist faces deep-set Optitron evaluates, and also a navigation system is optional.

Typical devices includes a/c with an air filter, power mirrors, periodic wipers and also a freight cover. The XR includes power windows and door locks, keyless access, a sport guiding wheel as well as a vertical seat-height insurance adjuster. A four-speaker CD stereo is common, yet the XRS gets a six-speaker cassette as well as CD system. Optimum cargo quantity with the seats folded down is 53.2 cubic feet.

Under the Hood

The standard and XR versions get a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 hp; versions geared up with 4WD create 123 hp. Working with variable valve modern technology (VVT-i), the engine fulfills Ultra Low Emissions Automobile (ULEV) requirements. Either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission can be set up.

Offered only with FWD, the XRS lugs a 180-hp version of the 1.8-liter engine as well as a close-ratio six-speed-manual transmission. Toyota's 4WD system has no facility differential yet makes use of a viscous combining. If any type of wheel slips, as long as 50 percent of torque mosts likely to the rear wheels.

Security

Anti-skid brakes are typical in the XRS and also optional in the requirement and XR models. Side-impact airbags are offered as an option.

Driving Impacts

The Matrix is well developed, nicely designed as well as trendy, however early drives created a slightly unpleasant shock for a Toyota item: sound. It is quiet enough while travelling, however the 130-hp engine produced significantly extra sound compared to a Corolla during velocity, giving off a growly as well as almost whiny audio. Roadway sound is also visible. The base engine in versions outfitted with the transmission isn't packed with zest. Gear changes are recognizable however not aggravating.

Stability is good, as well as it's very easy to keep the Matrix on training course. Guiding with more precision and also less wheel resonance compared to the Corolla, it still drops a bit except promoting, though the XRS is a lot more fine-tuned.

Despite a sunroof, front clearance is excellent. Rear seat room defeats the Corolla's, and there's a great deal even more clearance compared to the low roofline suggests. Because the navigation system lacks a touchscreen, it's not as easy to use as some systems on the marketplace.

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