During the early component of this decade Toyota was examining its automobile line up and the choice was produced to develop a car to entice young individuals who had been searching for some thing that was small, enjoyable to drive, and inexpensive. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that kind of a car and something radically various was required. Enter the Matrix. Established on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do: turn heads. Let us take a look at this sporty compact and discover how the 2006 model stacks up.
In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the North American market. Constructed in California as a joint venture with General Motors – the Pontiac Vibe is its twin – the Matrix is aimed toward budget conscious young individuals who want a car that makes a statement. To save cash, the Corolla frame was utilized, but the Matrix stands some 3 ins taller and is eight inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is totally different too as it slopes from front to back and finishers in a wedge, giving the automobile somewhat of a wagon appear to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its distinctive look as well as an additional bit of room for people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, much as with a little SUV or as in a car like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With four doors together with a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its sleek exterior effortlessly refutes that reality.
Motorists have a option between front wheel drive along with a four wheel drive versions of the car, something not provided on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is certainly a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Mated to a 5 speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more energy, there is also a greater tuned version of precisely the same engine delivering 164hp. It gets paired having a six speed manual transmission. Four wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped having a 4-wheel anti-lock brake program ABS that is optional on 2WD models.
Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the car a motorist’s dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front wheel drive version of the car creates a a couple of the greatest outcomes of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A 13 gallon tank makes 400 mile trips a chance on just one tank of gas; this really is particularly great for the student who has to drive backward and forward between school campus and house.
Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a broad selection of goods to aid Matrix owners customize their autos. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are a a couple of the Toyota components and accessories pitched to youth, who’re the primary owners of the Matrix.
MSRP begins at US$15,110 CDN$17,200 having a the surface of the line Matrix topping out at just under US$20K to about CDN$25K.
For the whole American marketplace, Toyota sells almost 100,000 Matrix’ annually. Not bad for a automobile whose origins are fairly easy but whose heart is really sporty and youth minded.
