Toyota Matrix 2009
By
Alfian Adi Saputra
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Thursday, June 14, 2018
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2009 Toyota Matrix
toyota matrix 2009
The Matrix can be found in 3 trim degrees: the standard Standard, a better-equipped S as well as a sportier XRS. Four-wheel drive is optional on the Matrix S.The Matrix shares origins with the Toyota Corolla and also Scion xB, and also Pontiac markets an associated hatchback in the Ambiance.
I drove a front-wheel-drive Matrix S with a manual transmission.
Exactly how it Actions
Many trim degrees have Toyota's 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which gives a healthy 158 horsepower. A 132-hp four-cylinder comes just on the base design, and also handbook or transmissions are offered with either engine. Below's just how the specifications turn out:
My test vehicle had the 2.4-liter engine, which offers sufficient low-end torque for fast launches from quits. Pedal-down velocity produces light torque guide, but it never overwhelms the driving experience. The five-speed handbook has a strong, large feeling. It's similar to the transmission in the Mazda3, another favorite stick shift of mine, however its throws really feel much more specific than the Mazda. The Matrix's clutch pedal is light enough for sustained rush-hour use, when the highway removes, 60-to-70 mph acceleration is convenient in fifth equipment and energetic in fourth. Some portable cars and trucks run out of steam when filled with individuals, but even with two adult guests in tow, I never ever really felt wanting for more. In any case, this engine's power feels eminently more usable than the initial Matrix's 170-hp, rev-like-hell 1.8-liter's ever before did.
During spirited driving, acceleration lag ends up being a concern. Stab the gas pedal to match revs as you downshift, and also the response can be lukewarm. A minimum of it's consistent, so chauffeurs will learn to be patient-- though persistence isn't really a becoming trait in an auto with efficiency leanings. A number of today's stick-shift-equipped compacts have the exact same issue, though that does not reduce its annoyance.
I really did not drive the 1.8-liter engine, however I have actually driven it in the brand-new Corolla and it's a smooth, if unexciting, powertrain. The Corolla's four-speed automated lags a bit in kickdown performance, nonetheless, so if you're getting a base Matrix with the automatic, make certain to see just how it performs with highway death.
Four-wheel-disc antilock anti-skid brakes are typical; the Matrix S as well as XRS have slightly larger discs compared to the base design. The pedal feels a little bit spongy in the initial inch or two of travel; afterwards, its feedback is strong, and also ABS never ever kicks in prematurely.
The base Matrix and front-wheel-drive S version have an independent front suspension and semi-independent, torsion beam rear. The arrangement returns sensibly strong catching with less body roll than the xB, but the flight comes to be a little bit choppy over rough sidewalk. Potholes as well as speed bumps evoke unrefined sounds from the back suspension and also sometimes a rattle or two from the headliner.
At freeway rates, road and wind noise are significant, yet the engine stays unobtrusive. The steering wheel begins to really feel a little bit tense around 75 miles per hour, yet at slower speeds it retains a safe and secure, on-center feel. Turn-in precision goes over: Being a front-wheel-drive automobile, the Matrix has the tendency to understeer during tough cornering, yet I was stunned by just how well it held the line. That precision isn't really conveniently obvious at lower rates, where the wheel transforms conveniently-- suggesting there's a great deal of power assist-- and sometimes really feels a little bit numb.
The XRS and also AWD S trims have a completely independent double-wishbone rear suspension, which likely offers a more polished flight. The XRS includes a strut tower brace under the hood to additionally manage body roll, and also its 18-inch alloy wheels overshadow those on less-expensive trims. My tester featured 16-inch steel wheels.
As a result of a revised steering arrangement, the XRS' turning circle is 38.1 feet. Base and also S models kip down 36.0 feet, which seems better for a portable automobile; the AWD S is available in at 36.7 feet.
Exactly how it Looks
Toyota didn't reinvent the wheel with this variation; the new face appears like a logical development from the old model. The lights appear lower and also leaner, and the bumper's beefy flanks appear on the verge of swallowing exactly what exists between. The aggressiveness fits on this vehicle, as well as it bears some resemblance to Toyota's forthcoming Venza crossover.
Overall length has actually increased by less than an inch, and also trip elevation is about half an inch reduced. Sadly, the liftgate no more includes the previous model's glass hatch.
Sixteen-inch steel wheels with plastic covers come on the base model and Matrix S. For its cost, the S really should have alloy rims, but they're optional. The XRS has conventional 18-inch alloys.
Cabin Top quality
True to its origins, the Matrix's cabin has an utilitarian curved, though it really feels a lot more refined than the also-utilitarian xB's. Though the dashboard plastics are hard to the touch, their top quality is respectable, with wraparound structures that look abundant from any type of distance. The determines and stereo controls have first-rate quality, as well, and panel fit is typically excellent.
Perhaps since there is so much evident quality there, the cabin's weaknesses stand apart even more. The climate controls are simple however terribly cumbersome, and the ceiling is a substantial cover of mouse hair. Toyota had a possibility to leapfrog the competitors with functions-- as well as outgrow the old Matrix's fundamental feeling-- but points like extending sunlight visors, lit up vanity mirrors as well as a back center armrest are still missing. Though unusual in this class, those kind of amenities are beginning to appear occasionally; the Volkswagen Rabbit as well as the upcoming Hyundai Elantra Touring have all three.
The updated JBL stereo in my examination auto vocalized suitable audio, yet it does not have a USB port for iPod integration, which Toyota claims isn't really even available as a supplier accessory. Rather you'll have to use a standard complementary jack. The xB has an iPod port standard.
The seats are well-padded, but I assumed the fabric really felt sandpaper-rough in particular areas. I'm a follower of the furrier stuff in the new Corolla; senior editor David Thomas, on the other hand, preferred the Matrix's furniture for its sturdiness. The Matrix XRS obtains its own sport material, which we haven't checked out.
Roominess & Energy
Toyota claims the seats rest a little below before, but I still found the chauffeur's seat high for a portable auto. Clearance excels in both rows (I have to do with 6 feet tall, as well as my test auto did not have the optional moonroof). The inboard side of the control panel, which expands downward to include the shifter, encroaches on the driver's legroom. Legroom is much better in back.
If agitated energy is your thing, the Matrix comes through in spades. The back tons floor is covered in sturdy plastic, as are the second-row seatbacks. When the seats are folded up, the freight location ends up being a genuine deck. Rubber strips along the flooring keep freight in position, as well as a lot of trims have a fold-flat front passenger seat with a difficult plastic support. Vehicle drivers with boatloads of plug-in electronic devices will certainly value the 115V family outlet that's typical on the S and XRS.
Security
Since this writing, the Insurance policy Institute for Freeway Safety has actually not collapse examined the Matrix. Typical functions consist of all-disc anti-skid brakes, side-impact airbags for the pole positions as well as side drape airbags for both rows. That's a significant renovation over the '08 model, which provided these features as options. All five seats have head restraints, and energetic head restrictions are basic in advance. A digital security system runs a budget friendly $250-- compare that to $450 on the Bunny, $440 on the Caliber and $650 on the outward bound Matrix. The system is typical on the Matrix XRS.
Latch child-seat supports are located in the outboard back seats. Parents will appreciate the clearly marked top-tether supports, obtainable by flipping up plastic covers in the cargo floor behind the seat.
Functions & Rates
Excluding the destination fee, the Matrix starts at $16,190, about the same as the outward bound design geared up with similar features. Major common functions consist of A/C, a fundamental CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and also power mirrors. Power home windows and also locks with remote access run $990. For $18,260, the Matrix S includes those attributes together with the 2.4-liter engine, a back wiper as well as even more. Four-wheel drive adds $2,140, yet it also includes an automatic transmission, which sets you back $1,190 otherwise.
The Matrix XRS starts at $20,660 as well as includes 18-inch edges, a sport-tuned suspension as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. A number of those features are optional on lower trims. Various other choices include a navigation system, a moonroof and a costs stereo. Cruise control runs $250 on any trim.
Fully loaded, expect the Matrix to peak around $24,000.
Matrix out there
I suspect the Matrix's most significant obstacle will be its price. For the expense of a base model with power devices as well as cruise control, numerous rivals throw in alloy wheels, larger engines or much better stereos. The Matrix's freight location compares positively, yet the vehicle makes no waves in driving dynamics or cabin quality.
The Matrix may inevitably attract those who require optimum utility in a small package, as well as its stylish character may grab a couple of efficiency addicts. For those that want a grocery-getter with a little bit much more cargo room than their last car-- including my grandparents, that possess the outward bound Matrix-- there are a great deal of competitors that do it for a great deal less cash.