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2009 Toyota Matrix Review
All-new version much improved, practical, fuel-efficient.
2009 Matrix Review Summary & Specifications
The Toyota Matrix provides the economy-minded pricing and operation of a compact car with the practicality of a hatch. All-wheel drive is available, an important option for those who need it that not all competitors offer. One never feels something is missing or left out, especially with the addition of a navigation system, and the new styling won't be dated before the next version of Windows or iPhone.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent G.R. Whale filed this report after test driving all the various models of the Toyota Matrix in North Carolina.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | G.R. Whale |
| Model Lineup | Toyota Matrix; Matrix S; Matrix S AWD; Matrix XRS |
| Engines (standard) | 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve I4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) | 132-hp 1.8-liter I4; 158-hp 2.4-liter I4 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags; ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, electronic stability control |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | electronic stability control; all-wheel drive |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Cambridge, Ontario, Canada |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-468-6968 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.toyota.com |
| Base Price MSRP | |
| Model Tested MSRP | Toyota Matrix XRS |
| Standard Equipment | Sport fabric upholstery, air conditioning, tilt/telescoping three-spoke leather steering wheel, six-way manual driver seat, 60/40 folding rear seat, Optitron gauges, cargo cover, front/front side/side curtain airbags, power windows/locks/mirrors, XM/AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo (XM requires subscription), fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler |
| Destination Charge | |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | navigation system with six-speaker radio; moonroof, all-weather guard package with rear heat ducts, intermittent rear wiper, heated mirrors |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 158 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 162 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy | 21/28 |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 |
| Length/Width/Height | 173.0/69.5/61.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 38.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.7/52.3/41.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.7/43.7/36.3 |
| Trunk Volume | 60.9 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1500 |
| Front Suspension | independent, coil springs |
| Rear Suspension | independent, coil springs |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 |
| Curb Weight | 3140 |
| Stock Tires | P215/45R18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 |
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