Toyota's entry to the economy hatch game
Toyota's Matrix is one of those cars that has to do it all- be comfortable, roomy, versatile, sporty, fun and economical. It needs to be many things
to many people, all the while performing its duties day in and day out with a smile on its face.
Sounds a bit like a mother, now doesn't it?
Well, it acts like one too.
It's sensible, polite and flexible- and although it probably bakes horrible cookies, it has a natural knack for keeping the budget in check while taking care of active families.
Matrix is aimed squarely at the economy-minded buyer in the market for a reliable hatchback. Worthy competitors include the Mazda 3 and Dodge Caliber. Under the hood is a 1.8 litre engine with dual variable cams and 126 horsepower. It's the sole engine offered, the XRS powerplant and all
wheel drive system having both been dispensed with this year.
The mill is sufficient for most duties though acceleration is sluggish at best when loaded up with 5 adults and their gear. Toyota says the Matrix will achieve as little as 6.4 L/100km on the highway, and a little over 8L / 100km in the city. My average highway mileage was 8L / 100km, though I was advised by several Matrix owners and an employee at a Toyota garage that it takes a few thousand more clicks then my tester had served before the engine "mellows out". A four-speed automatic transmission was fitted, adding an additional $1,045 to the pricetag. A manual transmission will get the most out of this engine.
Despite its calm and collected market presence, the Matrix has all the typical fun-hatch styling cues in place. There is a big, happy looking fascia, tiny rear spoiler, clear tail lights, a large chrome exhaust tip and even a great shark-fin shaped swoosh along the side of the sheetmetal. Big
wheels, a sunroof and fog-lamps complete the look courtesy of the "B" package, which also adds ABS brakes to the "crossover utility vehicle".
In general, the interior is pleasing and helpful. There is plenty of storage at hand, the color scheme is upbeat, the instruments are gorgeous and it's appropriately cool looking too. With excellent visibility and the turning radius of a riding mower, parking or changing lanes requires no second thought.
Basically, it's a good place to log some hours. A common complaint though, the seats proved a little uncomfortable after a few five-hour highway trips. There is no lumbar adjustment available which could serve to save the sensitive spines of folks like me. Additionally, I found a few cheap bits of trim inside, though assembly quality is adequate.
Interior uncertainties aside, Matrix is a hands down winner in terms of
both front and rear headroom as well as cargo carrying capacity by volume. Compared to the Caliber and 3 Sport, you sit a little higher and have a more commanding view of the road too. It's also got some of the best headlights I've encountered for nighttime driving, and the rearseat room is impressive.
Handy cargo space tops off the package with split-folding rear seats and a fold-flat front passenger seat creating enough room to transport a ladder or some skis. The rear hatch glass opens separately of the entire liftgate, meaning quick stowage of smaller items. I recon you could sleep in back on a camping trip if needed, too.
Toyota's Matrix is one of those cars that has to do it all- be comfortable, roomy, versatile, sporty, fun and economical. It needs to be many things
 |
| 2007 Toyota Matrix (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Sounds a bit like a mother, now doesn't it?
Well, it acts like one too.
It's sensible, polite and flexible- and although it probably bakes horrible cookies, it has a natural knack for keeping the budget in check while taking care of active families.
Matrix is aimed squarely at the economy-minded buyer in the market for a reliable hatchback. Worthy competitors include the Mazda 3 and Dodge Caliber. Under the hood is a 1.8 litre engine with dual variable cams and 126 horsepower. It's the sole engine offered, the XRS powerplant and all
 |
| 2007 Toyota Matrix (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
The mill is sufficient for most duties though acceleration is sluggish at best when loaded up with 5 adults and their gear. Toyota says the Matrix will achieve as little as 6.4 L/100km on the highway, and a little over 8L / 100km in the city. My average highway mileage was 8L / 100km, though I was advised by several Matrix owners and an employee at a Toyota garage that it takes a few thousand more clicks then my tester had served before the engine "mellows out". A four-speed automatic transmission was fitted, adding an additional $1,045 to the pricetag. A manual transmission will get the most out of this engine.
Despite its calm and collected market presence, the Matrix has all the typical fun-hatch styling cues in place. There is a big, happy looking fascia, tiny rear spoiler, clear tail lights, a large chrome exhaust tip and even a great shark-fin shaped swoosh along the side of the sheetmetal. Big
 |
| 2007 Toyota Matrix (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
In general, the interior is pleasing and helpful. There is plenty of storage at hand, the color scheme is upbeat, the instruments are gorgeous and it's appropriately cool looking too. With excellent visibility and the turning radius of a riding mower, parking or changing lanes requires no second thought.
Basically, it's a good place to log some hours. A common complaint though, the seats proved a little uncomfortable after a few five-hour highway trips. There is no lumbar adjustment available which could serve to save the sensitive spines of folks like me. Additionally, I found a few cheap bits of trim inside, though assembly quality is adequate.
Interior uncertainties aside, Matrix is a hands down winner in terms of
 |
| 2007 Toyota Matrix (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Handy cargo space tops off the package with split-folding rear seats and a fold-flat front passenger seat creating enough room to transport a ladder or some skis. The rear hatch glass opens separately of the entire liftgate, meaning quick stowage of smaller items. I recon you could sleep in back on a camping trip if needed, too.