Toyota has unveiled two new models today, the all-new 2009 Corolla and the equally new Matrix (Corolla Matrix).
Think of the Matrix as a Corolla 5-door or a Corolla wagon and because of this it has the exact same engines. The Matrix comes with either a 1.8L 132 horsepower engine or a 2.4L 158 horsepower engine. Three models are going to be offered for 2009, a Standard model, S and XRS.
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PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota Unveils All-New Corolla Matrix At 2007 SEMA Show
October 31, 2007 – Las Vegas - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new second-generation Corolla Matrix at a press conference today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
The Toyota Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover utility vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer performance that matters for driver enjoyment.
"The Matrix concept was based on blending the functionality of an SUV, the style, image and performance of a sports car with the affordability of a subcompact sedan," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "For 2009, it's all that, and more. It may have the body of a five-door hatch, but it comes with the soul of a two-door sports car."
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. It was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort. As a result of significant changes to the Matrix's profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic. The design expresses a low center of gravity, and coupe-like style with a fun-to-drive image. From the rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
Matrix will be available in three grades – Standard, S and the XRS. And Matrix will offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler. A rear deck spoiler will be standard for all XRS models.
The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility.
Seats have been redesigned to accommodate the vehicle's new lower profile while maintaining the expected high comfort levels, and seat positions were lowered slightly to maintain appropriate headroom. As a result, cabin space remains equal to that of the previous Matrix.
A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior. XRS models come standard with a leather-trimmed steering wheel that also includes spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth® capability when equipped.
The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table will be available for the front passenger's seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. A movable and removable cup support element for the front center console helps provide versatile storage area and convenience. The cup holder area can be used as a tray when the divider is removed.
For rear-seat passengers, expanded front-to-back couple distance helps to provide additional room and comfort. A folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger.
The Matrix is equipped with a new, high-efficiency air-conditioning system with larger vents for directional accuracy and offers reduced power consumption and improved heating and cooling.
The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.
A 16-valve, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will produce 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine will feature Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.
Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission model powered by a 1.8-liter engine.
For those who crave just a bit more horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that will produce 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Matrix models powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed automatic transmission will have an estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/29 city/highway mpg.
The Matrix's base wheel is a 16-inch steel unit with a six-spoke full wheel cover. A distinctive 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheel will be available for the S grade, and an 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel with a twin five-spoke design will come standard on the XRS grade.
Dual-stage SRS airbags will be standard for the driver and front passenger. Front seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags and front active headrests are also standard.
Brake performance will be improved with standard front and rear disc brakes on all Matrix grades. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are also standard. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with TRAC and off switch will be standard on XRS and available as an option on all other models. VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at each wheel when the vehicle experiences a loss of traction during cornering.
Form, fun and functionality will be in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on all Matrix models include power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, auxiliary audio input jack, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.
The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
In addition to these features, the XRS grade features standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.
In addition to the array of standard equipment, an impressive list of optional comfort and utility features are available to further enhance the Matrix driving experience. Available options will include an AM/FM/CD with six-speaker system with DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic® capability, alloy wheels, power heated outside rearview mirror, intermittent rear window wiper, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, and remote keyless entry.
The all-new Matrix will hit Toyota dealerships in February 2008.
2009 MATRIX PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
132 hp @6,000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Five-speed manual and Four-speed automatic transmissions
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Five-speed manual and four and five-speed automatic transmissions
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 173.0 (S and XRS grades)
171.9 (Standard grade and S all-wheel-drive grade)
Overall Width: 69.5
Overall Height: 61.4 (XRS and S all-wheel-drive grades)
61.0 (Standard grade and S)
Wheelbase: 102.4
Ground clearance: 5.3 (S and XRS grades)
5.8 (Standard grade)
Comments (29)
FUGLY!! I would never buy this car. It looks like a blob on wheels and whats with the huge blind spot that is caused by the rear pillar? Gimme the Mazda3.
Posted by Alben | October 31, 2007 9:32 PM
Posted on October 31, 2007 21:32
"The Matrix concept was based on blending the functionality of an SUV, the style, image and performance of a sports car with the affordability of a subcompact sedan," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager.
LOLED this guy has to be fired immediately
Posted by Truc | October 31, 2007 9:34 PM
Posted on October 31, 2007 21:34
Better than Mazda3??? Are you frigging kidding me? Even the older Matrix looks better than this "improved" version. Jeeeez... They should fire an entire design team responsible for this monstrocity and the new Corolla..
Posted by Alex Greene | October 31, 2007 10:24 PM
Posted on October 31, 2007 22:24
looks pretty sexy to me, much better than the previous generation
Posted by Calvin Chan | October 31, 2007 11:00 PM
Posted on October 31, 2007 23:00
Wow that is a total fail, The old car looks better, the new one looks the mutant offspring of a Mazda 3 and a Hyundai Tiburon after someone inflated the car on accident with an air pump. I wonder if this is and the lower quality ratings are the start of a downtrend for Toyota.
Posted by Travis | October 31, 2007 11:41 PM
Posted on October 31, 2007 23:41
I agree!!!
1 word...
FUGLY!
Posted by Car Realist | October 31, 2007 11:53 PM
Posted on October 31, 2007 23:53
not as catastrophic as the new corolla but still has that buzzy annoying insect appeal....
if a 6'3" person can fit in this car comfortably in the front at least (which doesn't seen to be the case...) this would be a more practical and tasteful choice than corolla... than again these cars are not called compact for just the exterior...
damn hit a home run with the Scion xB, so why do Japaneses car makers keep making claustrophobic compacts?
Posted by SVT | November 1, 2007 1:37 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 01:37
I like it a LOT. The hot hatch lover in me says that the XRS = sweet stuff. It would be the perfect car for me if it was a 2-door, a little less wide, and not as long. But i guess they're trying to sell to actual utilitarians instead of tuners like me who mourn the loss of cars like the Honda CRX, Civic EG hatch, etc.
Posted by Neptronix | November 1, 2007 2:19 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 02:19
Kind of reminds me of a subaru impreza.
You know this bad boy would be sick if it were lowered, had dual tail pipes coming out the back, and the TRD supercharger from the scion tc installed or turbo
I can see this being a tuner vehicle in a few years.
In the meantime.. toyota/scion has way too many different models of boxy hatchbacks.. xa... xb.. xd... matrix.. and all in 4 door configs.. wtf? simplify your lineup, dudes!!!
Posted by Hiryuux | November 1, 2007 2:36 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 02:36
it's okay. i think the hoodline is way too high though. too much fat between the top of the wheel well and the top contour of the hood. sadly, that's the story with almost every car now. read: scion TC.
at least it's not another SUV.
Posted by Dan | November 1, 2007 7:14 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 07:14
It's a corolla station wagon everyone! Same engine and same ugliness! I agree, what is up with that rear pillar? Can that teeny tiny piece of glass be even considered a window?
Posted by Terence | November 1, 2007 8:42 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 08:42
The Mazda3 is a lovely car, and its designers do not deserve to be insulted by comparisons to this disaster.
Posted by Jay | November 1, 2007 9:24 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 09:24
I own a first-year Matrix... and I think it looks much better than the modern version. Toyota took all the crisp lines away.
Bland and now I'm uncaring.
If this is the result of trying to please everyone, I'd rather buy something that my dad called "ugly".
Posted by Tom Underhill | November 1, 2007 10:16 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 10:16
So they are offering AWD as an option, hopefully this won't be tied to only automatics....that would stink
Posted by chris | November 1, 2007 10:40 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 10:40
Way to make your entire fleet look craptastic Toyota. Won't see a ipcture of me jumping in your dealerships anytime soon! And the manual shift up so high it screams "3 on the tree" when I look at it. Whoever designed all of their cars needs to be put out to pasture, like all of the 2006 subaru models.
Posted by Carnut57 | November 1, 2007 10:54 AM
Posted on November 1, 2007 10:54
I like it. I like it better than the original one. I like the new Corolla too. I've been waiting for the new Matrix now for a couple of years and I enjoy this new design a lot.
Posted by brucemlloyd | November 1, 2007 12:15 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 12:15
To me, all of Toyota's cars are beginning to look as if the entire car is made of some form of rubbery plastic. I suppose if you could drive into a wall and have the car spring back to shape it'd be a good thing, but aesthetically it's not very appealing.
Posted by Mark_Welby | November 1, 2007 12:16 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 12:16
This car is ugly. Why do all of the fender flares and side skirts have to have edges that stick out? The Mazda3 and especially the Audi A3 are WAY more attractive. And no, I won't talk about performance, because there isn't any.
Posted by Kell | November 1, 2007 1:11 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 13:11
The 09 Vibe looks 10x better. How can Toyota mess up it's own design like this and let GM make a nice looking car on the same platform? Looks like a kit project gone bad, really bad.
Posted by Ed | November 1, 2007 1:18 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 13:18
The 09 Vibe looks 10x better. How can Toyota mess up it's own design like this and let GM make a nice looking car on the same platform? Looks like a kit project gone bad, really bad.
Posted by Ed | November 1, 2007 1:18 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 13:18
Has a Yaris looking front end and some RAV 4 butt enhancements so it is butt ugly at both ends.
Posted by Scot Ruf | November 1, 2007 10:32 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 22:32
I wouldn't call it ugly, but it's not going to win any beauty contests.
One thing is for certain: this car has NOTHING on the Mazda3. NOTHING.
Posted by SEALBoy | November 1, 2007 11:02 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 23:02
Why the fuck do you americans need small cars with big engines? This little car need a little engine to cruise around the city. The environment need small engines.. and low fuel consumption. In europe they sell this car with 1.4 and 1.6 litres and realy low fuel consumption. Why can't americans stand up for the environment?
Posted by Green | November 2, 2007 8:48 AM
Posted on November 2, 2007 08:48
Being environmentally friendly has nothing to do with ugly.
Also Toyota should drop the "sport" model Corollas and concentrate their efforts on a hybrid or an electric model.
"Matrix models powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed automatic transmission will have an estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/29 city/highway mpg."
that mileage SUCKS, and it's still slow. Get my point?
Posted by Kell | November 2, 2007 11:19 AM
Posted on November 2, 2007 11:19
@Green.
Because we want our cars to actually accelerate. 29 mpg is nothing to really sneeze at and some of us don't buy the global warming socialist propaganda when most reputable scientists and climatologist's are saying there is no such thing or it has been a steady increase since we are still coming out of an Ice Age. Neither one caused by the car we choose to drive. Also since it is our money and we are buying the gas, insurance and making the payments on it. we think that other people, especially ones who do not live in this country and do not have a thing to do with us, should concentrate on their own affairs and not tell us what we can and cannot drive. If we wanted a car with a crappy little engine that made no power we would buy them! But we don't, so we are not.
Posted by Mark | November 2, 2007 1:41 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 13:41
This must be a love-it/hate-it, because I love it. It reminds me of the Scion xD, but fat. Seems most people who like Toyota/Scion new cars like 'em all, and vice versa... I think that they are going for a lineup where if one car is even slightly appealing, the others will be as well. Seems to be a good idea, except for those who don't like the new look.
No stick on the bigger engine, tho?
Posted by Tony | November 4, 2007 12:08 AM
Posted on November 4, 2007 00:08
Still having a daytime running light? It is a big joke!!!!!!! and dont need that during beautiful weather. Who will pay a new bulb to replace a burn one? Me? or Factory?
Posted by Herman | December 9, 2007 4:08 PM
Posted on December 9, 2007 16:08
The question of looks is a personal thing...some hate it, some love it...some think it's OK I presume. The thing that I do like is that it now has 4 wheel disc brakes & ABS is standard. I also like that they offer the Camry motor as an option. My wife has the current Matrix & she likes it alot but we both think it's a bit under powered.
Posted by Michael | December 20, 2007 1:22 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 13:22
my dad gonna buy mazda3 sendan 2008..is't beutefull plzz ¨'answer me''is't''
Posted by zizu | April 26, 2008 3:18 PM
Posted on April 26, 2008 15:18