Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Matrix XR AWD Sport Pkg with automatic transmission
Price as tested: CDN$26855

Performance: Similar to the Corolla we reviewed earlier, new Matrix is powered by 2 4-cylinder engines. The difference is only the basic model is powered by that legthegic 132hp 1.8 liter, while the rest of the range is standard with a familiar 2.4 liter. Why familiar? Because this 2.4 liter 16-valve motor has been standard in Camry for the last couple of years. This VVT-i DOHC 4-cylinder 2.4 liter is good for 158hp and 163 lb/ft of torque. As expected from a Toyota powertrain, you won’t expect any breakthrough technology or astonishing performance through its proven engineering. What this 2.4 gains over its predecessor is slightly improved when it comes to responsiveness and refinement. It no longer feels as sluggish as it used to be although its nothing to be described as powerful. With our tester’s AWD and 5-speed automatic, this Matrix is more than adequate with over 3200 lb curb weight. For a compact hatchback, that is a pig of a weight. Fortunately, Corolla’s biggest drawback has been addressed with the additional gear in Matrix’s gearbox. That means a much more relaxing cruising gear ratios especially those above 3rd gear. It also makes for a smoother and more refined road manners which are up to Toyota’s usual standards.

Handling: Detached chassis and numb steering feel best describe Toyota’s dynamics, new Matrix is no exception. While the chassis is stiff and free of rattles, it feels detached and have a sense of dead through its communication. Its steering is pretty much the same. The electric power steering is featherweight and completely devoid of anything called driver feedback. The Vehicle Stability Control, or what Toyota stands for ESP, kicks in quite abruptly even pushed slightly out of picture. It just steps in instrusively whenever there is a bit of under or oversteer encountered. While its not any fun for enthuisasts, its active safety is good enough for those who are buying a Matrix. That is those who are looking for an “appliance” instead of a fun hot hatch. There are quite amount of body rolls when pushed. On the other hand, its AWD is good enough for daily driving even it only detects slippage before stepping in. Most of the time, Matrix’s AWD system stays FWD before nasty occurs. For FWD Matrix, VSC would kick in right after understeer or oversteer. For AWD Matrix, the system would transfer power to offending wheels before VSC steps in. AWD is 2 grand more expensive than an equivalent FWD but it worths every pennies.

Brakes: With front discs, rear drums and standard ABS. Matrix’s braking feel is pretty much one expects from a Toyota. The pedal feels solid and fade-free after a couple of hard stops. ABS only kicks in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: When it comes to versatility, Matrix’s cargo space is unbeatable. Not only you got completely flat floor after fold down the 60/40 split rear seats, its low liftover help the ease of loading luggage into the hatch. You can basically put anything else from a refrigator to a cupholder into the Matrix with all seats completely fold down.

The rest of the interior is a plastic galore. That means a rock- solid door panels made out of cheap plastic. The center console isn’t too much better neither. At least the aluminum trim is made out of higher quality plastic than the rest of the center console.
The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog, with everything else fall onto right place. However, the switchgears aren’t as well put together as its predecessor. The knobs for climate control feels very cracky, even if they are extremely ergonomically friendly layout.

Conclusion: The new Matrix is a comfortable and practical hatchback. Its also got surprising amount of power thanks to the 2.4 liter and 5-speed automatic gearbox. However, if you expect a Matrix to perform like a hot hatch, you should look elsewhere because its driving dynamics is no where near Mazda3 Sport, Rabbit 2.5 and Astra.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Toyota Matrix
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5