Toyota Matrix: Station wagon cum sports car

Whenever I think of station wagon, a hatch back car with lots of sitting space comes to my mind. From the exterior, Toyota’s Matrix does not look like a station wagon rather a funky hatch back sports car. In reality it is a mixture of station wagon and sports car. In 2002, Toyota came with the idea to introduce a vehicle that will look trendy and attract the youth and at the same time serve as a utility vehicle. Thus came Toyota Matrix, a cross over between station wagon and sports car. Let’s take a look at the features:

The most attractive feature is that you can adjust the interior space of the car according to your need. The second row seat can be flattened to increase or decrease the cargo area. The door is ‘wide opening cargo lift gate.’

The low floor and high roof of the car gives a roomy feeling.

Elevated seating offers easy entry and exit.

From the exterior, the car will appear like a small sports car.

The newly developed electric steering mechanism will give you a good steering feel.

For an open interiored car, Toyota Matrix is very quiet. The latest addition in the interior includes a satellite navigation system and radio.

The 2008 Matrix comes with VVTi engine. Compared to the standard 1.8 liter 4-cylinder unit, this engine is better.

If that weren’t enough, an optional 2.4 liter 4 from the Camry/Scion tC side of the company is also available. This motor comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission. This is very rare in this class of vehicle. With the larger engine you pick up power and drivability, but pay about a 20% fuel economy penalty. Even though the Matrix is offered with an all-wheel drive option, only about 10% of buyers bother with it. (Times Record News)

Safety is an important issue for any Toyota product.

The budget priced Matrix comes with ABS antilock brakes, EBD electronic brake force distribution which transfers braking power to the tires not slipping, BA brake assist which adds boost to brakes in panic stops, traction control, stability control and active tire pressure monitoring. Additionally, they have front, side and side curtain airbags for all rows of passengers. Now that’s impressive. (Times Record News)

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Times Record News