However, the dash is quite something. The round instruments seem to pop out in 3D and really pack a visual punch. The well-positioned centre console is simple and attractive. Without taking your breath away, the Matrix’s dash board is exactly what we’re looking for in this sort of thing.
On the flip side, the fabric seats of our test version, the Matrix XR, didn’t make for such a comfortable ride. Too hard and definitely not form-fitting (which form has, I admit, expanded over the past few years), they take away from the driving experience, especially on longer trips.
There is decent head- and legroom, though you’ll have to limit your rear passengers to two people if you want them to enjoy their space fully. Even if, theoretically, the Matrix can accommodate a third person, you have to come to terms with the fact that that third seat is limited and should strictly be reserved for your worst enemy. Worse yet, the actual seat cushion is so low that you’d swear you’re sitting in a bathtub, and you practically have to stand up to see what’s going on around you.
On the plus side, the 1,400-litre cargo area is nice and big once the seats are folded down, and the accessories include a standard 115-volt outlet, two by-no-means-insignificant features.
A short, carefree jaunt
Under the hood of this small modern wagon hides a 4-cylinder, 2.4-litre mill (the basic version gets a 1.8-litre affair) producing some 156 hp. And without much huffing and puffing, might I add.
It’s true that abrupt accelerations cause a blood-curdling roar to escape the engine, but it quickly settles back down to its gentle purring once you ease up on the pedal.
Coupled with front-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission, it behaves as expected. Though it definitely isn’t sporty, during normal use there’s nothing to find fault with. Acceleration is linear and surprise-free and the well-spaced gears enable you to keep an ideal engine speed to ensure comfort and fuel efficiency.
The result? At the end of my week-long test, I had maintained an average fuel consumption of about 8.2 litres, city and highway combined, without making the least effort to limit my consumption.
But as for the drive (alright, I know, I’m repeating myself), the Matrix is a far cry from an exhilarating sports car. It does its job very well, but a little more emotion behind the wheel would be welcome (as is the case of almost every Toyota).
But at that price, and with such a mix of interesting features, the Matrix continues to be one of the top choices offered by Toyota.
photo:Toyota, Matthieu Lambert
On the flip side, the fabric seats of our test version, the Matrix XR, didn’t make for such a comfortable ride. Too hard and definitely not form-fitting (which form has, I admit, expanded over the past few years), they take away from the driving experience, especially on longer trips.
There is decent head- and legroom, though you’ll have to limit your rear passengers to two people if you want them to enjoy their space fully. Even if, theoretically, the Matrix can accommodate a third person, you have to come to terms with the fact that that third seat is limited and should strictly be reserved for your worst enemy. Worse yet, the actual seat cushion is so low that you’d swear you’re sitting in a bathtub, and you practically have to stand up to see what’s going on around you.
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| Under the hood of this small modern wagon hides a 4-cylinder, 2.4-litre mill producing some 156 hp. |
On the plus side, the 1,400-litre cargo area is nice and big once the seats are folded down, and the accessories include a standard 115-volt outlet, two by-no-means-insignificant features.
A short, carefree jaunt
Under the hood of this small modern wagon hides a 4-cylinder, 2.4-litre mill (the basic version gets a 1.8-litre affair) producing some 156 hp. And without much huffing and puffing, might I add.
It’s true that abrupt accelerations cause a blood-curdling roar to escape the engine, but it quickly settles back down to its gentle purring once you ease up on the pedal.
Coupled with front-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission, it behaves as expected. Though it definitely isn’t sporty, during normal use there’s nothing to find fault with. Acceleration is linear and surprise-free and the well-spaced gears enable you to keep an ideal engine speed to ensure comfort and fuel efficiency.
The result? At the end of my week-long test, I had maintained an average fuel consumption of about 8.2 litres, city and highway combined, without making the least effort to limit my consumption.
But as for the drive (alright, I know, I’m repeating myself), the Matrix is a far cry from an exhilarating sports car. It does its job very well, but a little more emotion behind the wheel would be welcome (as is the case of almost every Toyota).
But at that price, and with such a mix of interesting features, the Matrix continues to be one of the top choices offered by Toyota.
photo:Toyota, Matthieu Lambert
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