To help keep sales of the Matrix moving and the factory in Cambridge, Ontario, humming, Toyota Canada has launched a special edition of the front-wheel-drive station wagon.
The Matrix TRD Special Edition is probably best suited for the people who understand what Toyota Canada means when it says the model is ''Priced and equipped to knock to please'' in the headline of its press releases, but the rest of you are welcome to consider it as well.
There are no actual performance enhancements from the regular Matrix (which is essentially a wagon version of a Corolla and a fraternal twin of the Pontiac Vibe) for the TRD Special Edition, but there are plenty of cosmetic changes.
Toyota says the TRD Special Edition is ''enhanced with an extensive list of features designed to please young and young-at-heart Matrix fans,'' and carries an MSRP of $20,700 for a model with the five-speed manual shifter, and $21,650 for a model with the four-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the complement of standard features found on every Matrix FWD, says Toyota, the TRD Special Edition also includes:
Overall, says Tony Wearing, the managing director of Toyota Canada for marketing, Matrix TRD Special Edition ''adds yet another level of choice to the versatile Matrix lineup. This Special Edition offers an exceptional level of sporty driving excitement and standard amenities to enthusiastic drivers on a budget.''
The Matrix TRD Special Edition is powered by a 1.8-litre inline-four that produces 130 hp at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. That's not a bad set of numbers for a person or even a couple, but if you start to load the wagon up with people or stuff it fairly quickly starts to lose its juice.
Every 2005 Matrix features a specially designed sliding track cargo system integrated into the rear floor, split rear seatbacks, a front passenger seat that folds completely flat, eight steel tie-down rings, and additional tie-down hooks on the load floor. The rear glass hatch also opens separately from the main cargo hatch, which Wearing points out is convenient for loading.
Every Matrix is fitted with dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, and three-point seatbelts for all occupants with pre-tensioners, force-limiters and height adjustable shoulder anchors in front.
The rear seat is equipped with child restraint seat anchors, and the rear doors have child protection door locks for added safety.
 |
There are no actual performance enhancements from the regular Matrix (which is essentially a wagon version of a Corolla and a fraternal twin of the Pontiac Vibe) for the TRD Special Edition, but there are plenty of cosmetic changes.
Toyota says the TRD Special Edition is ''enhanced with an extensive list of features designed to please young and young-at-heart Matrix fans,'' and carries an MSRP of $20,700 for a model with the five-speed manual shifter, and $21,650 for a model with the four-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the complement of standard features found on every Matrix FWD, says Toyota, the TRD Special Edition also includes:
- a 200-watt Panasonic AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system
- a rear spoiler
- air conditioning with clean air filter
- power door locks
- fog lamps
- coloured mirrors, door handles and side skirts
- TRD exhaust tip
- blacked-out side window frames
- chrome scuff plates
- illuminated entry
- unique 17-inch alloy wheels
- rear bumper protector
- TRD decals
 |
The Matrix TRD Special Edition is powered by a 1.8-litre inline-four that produces 130 hp at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. That's not a bad set of numbers for a person or even a couple, but if you start to load the wagon up with people or stuff it fairly quickly starts to lose its juice.
Every 2005 Matrix features a specially designed sliding track cargo system integrated into the rear floor, split rear seatbacks, a front passenger seat that folds completely flat, eight steel tie-down rings, and additional tie-down hooks on the load floor. The rear glass hatch also opens separately from the main cargo hatch, which Wearing points out is convenient for loading.
 |
The rear seat is equipped with child restraint seat anchors, and the rear doors have child protection door locks for added safety.