2003 toyota Matrix Xr

2003 toyota matrix xr: Toyota began shipping its brand-new youth-focused Matrix to dealers in February 2002 as a very early 2003 version. Referred to as a crossover utility vehicle, the Japanese car manufacturer claims the Matrix combines the capability of a sport utility vehicle with the image and performance of a sports car, yet it's as economical as a subcompact sedan. "Young customers want automobiles that are high in picture as well as high in practical utility," says Don Esmond, basic manager of Toyota Division.

Because of its useful wagonlike arrangement, cars.com places the Matrix hatchback-- and the carefully related Pontiac Ambiance-- in the wagon classification. Styled by Toyota's CALTY Layout Workshop in Newport Beach, Calif., the four-door Matrix adheres to the firm's street-performance utility style.

High clearance and also adaptable sitting positions are amongst the Matrix's special characteristics. 3 trim levels are available: requirement, the step-up XR and also the high-performance XRS. The standard as well as XR versions may be geared up with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The XRS sport version comes only with FWD and packs an extra 50 horsepower and a six-speed-manual transmission-- a powertrain borrowed from Toyota's Celica GT-S sporting activity sports car. The Matrix is generated in Ontario, Canada.

2003 toyota matrix xr

Outside

The Matrix's fundamental appearance most resembles a little wagon-- a body style that seems making a small return. Although the system is brand-new, it resembles the one utilized by Toyota's preferred subcompact Corolla car. Hints of the sporty Lexus IS 300 appear in the Matrix's front end. Toyota states the "edge-web" body panels have sharp surface sides, yet they display rounded weblike shapes meant to generate strong, streaming personality lines.

Common tires measure 16 inches in size, and also the XR and XRS can have optional 17-inchers. Alloy wheels are optional on the criterion and XR designs, as well as they are typical on the XRS, which also includes fog lights, a front spoiler and also a rear underbody spoiler.

Inside

The Matrix seats 5 residents, and the back seats fold up all the way down to develop a level flooring. A moving track in the cargo flooring can be adapted to hold different way of living devices. The driver faces deep-set Optitron evaluates, and a navigation system is optional.

Basic devices consists of a/c with an air filter, power mirrors, recurring wipers as well as a cargo cover. The XR adds power doors and windows locks, keyless entrance, a sport guiding wheel as well as a vertical seat-height insurance adjuster. A four-speaker CD stereo is standard, yet the XRS obtains a six-speaker cassette and CD system. Optimum cargo volume with the seats folded up down is 53.2 cubic feet.

Under the Hood

The standard and also XR editions obtain a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 hp; versions equipped with 4WD generate 123 hp. Collaborating with variable shutoff innovation (VVT-i), the engine fulfills Ultra Low Emissions Lorry (ULEV) demands. Either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission can be mounted.

Readily available just with FWD, the XRS carries a 180-hp variation of the 1.8-liter engine as well as a close-ratio six-speed-manual gearbox. Toyota's 4WD system has no facility differential but makes use of a thick combining. If any type of wheel slips, as long as 50 percent of torque mosts likely to the rear wheels.

Safety and security

Anti-skid brakes are common in the XRS and also optional in the standard and also XR models. Side-impact air bags are provided as an option.

Driving Perceptions

The Matrix is well developed, perfectly developed as well as fashionable, but early drives produced a slightly undesirable shock for a Toyota item: sound. It is quiet sufficient while cruising, yet the 130-hp engine produced considerably extra sound compared to a Corolla during velocity, discharging a growly and practically whiny sound. Road sound is also recognizable. The base engine in models geared up with the automatic transmission isn't really filled with pizzazz. Gear modifications are visible yet not irritating.

Security excels, and it's very easy to keep the Matrix on training course. Steering with even more accuracy and also less wheel vibration compared to the Corolla, it still falls a little bit short of promoting, though the XRS is a lot more refined.

Despite a sunroof, front clearance is great. Backseat area defeats the Corolla's, and also there's a great deal even more headroom than the reduced roofline suggests. Because 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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