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Toyota Matrix - Test Drive at Destination Toyota!



Fuel Economy

City
7.7
L/100K
Highway
6.1
L/100K

Vehicle Dimensions (mm)

4365
1765
2600
1550

2013 Toyota Matrix 5MT

Fuel City 7.7L/100K
Fuel Highway 6.1L/100K
Transmission Manual
Max Power 98 KW 132 HP
Body Type Wagon
Number of Doors 5
Engine 1.8l
Drive Wheels Front Wheel Drive

2010 Toyota Matrix Road Test Review

The fact that Toyota Canada announced a 25% drop in year-to-year sales in the first quarter of this year (faring better than most),
2010 Toyota Matrix
The Matrix is hot despite an overall decline in Toyota Canada's sales. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
but still saw a 12% increase in Matrix sales speaks volumes about this practical little machine. 

Based on the Corolla, the Matrix is a slightly more expensive and slightly more stylish step up.  Its cousin is the US-built Pontiac Vibe, which GM recently pulled the plug on, ending their production partnership with Toyota as it restructures. This hardly means the Matrix gets the road to itself, as there’s a long list of competitors in this segment including the Ford Focus, Dodge Caliber, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Mazda3, just to name a few.  There are a number of reasons, however, to include this five-door hatchback on your car-shopping trip.

Starting at $16,330, this four-banger offers significant bang for the buck. My test unit came with the base 1.8L, 132hp engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing that provides 128 lb-ft of torque. Even mated to the optional 4-speed automatic transmission ($1,010) I found this front-drive five-door surprisingly zippy while providing better than decent fuel economy. With the aforementioned configuration, the Matrix has a combined city/highway fuel consumption rating of 7.1L/100km. My mileage came close under similar conditions, at 7.6L/100km.

What
2010 Toyota Matrix
Five-door wagon layout makes it extremely accommodating and sportier looking than the Corolla it's based on. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
the Matrix saves in gas it more than makes up for by using another petroleum-based product – plastic!  Hey, I know this car lists for around the same as a smart car, but the base trim level left me underwhelmed. Then there are the seats, which I will get to later but first, playing with buttons, the ergonomics of the Matrix is at least friendly. All controls are within easy reach. The Optitron electronic gauges are also easy to read. The four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo is pretty basic stuff, but comes with an auxiliary input as it should but still, surprisingly, found missing in some competitor offerings.

The Matrix is a great little utility vehicle providing a lot of storage space for its size with 560 litres (19.8 cubic feet) of storage behind the 60/40 rear seats. There are also a nice number of
2010 Toyota Matrix
Interior is well laid out but plasticky. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
moulded receptacles in the doors, and other little trays, nooks and crannies to store things.

The dimensions remain the same as last years reworked Matrix with an overall length of 4,365 mm (171.8 inches) and a 1,765-mm (69.5-inch) width. The second generation hits the scales at 1,310 kilograms (2,888 lbs) with the heavier automatic transmission. You will add another 175 kg (386 lbs) with the available all-wheel drive version.  Parking the Matrix just about anywhere will not be a problem and the 11-metre (36-foot) turning radius is quite nifty. While the handling in the grocery store parking lot is great, on the road it is just ok. The Matrix features independent front suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars and electric power steering, but I felt a higher centre of gravity that did not evoke confidence when pushing the car in the corners.
2010 Toyota Matrix
No shortage of stowage space. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)
Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control are standard, however, across the board for 2010. 

Other safety features for the unrated 2010 model include front and side impact airbags with front and rear curtain airbags.  Anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution provide adequate stopping power for the standard P205/55R16 all season radials. My test unit had the $2,485 Convenience package, which adds a Tire Pressure Monitoring System as an extra safety feature. Air conditioning, power locks, windows and keyless entry also come with the package. With freight and delivery of $1,270, the sticker price totaled $21,095.  The current generation Matrix should yield high resale values as well.

While I give the Matrix the most points for zip and economy, I am knocking off several points for comfort, or lack thereof. Starting with the noise levels, the engine drone is not pleasant and compounded by unacceptable road noise and back to those seats, they are a tad uncomfortable.  On a lengthy trip, they might be torture for my back at least.

At this price point tradeoffs are required, and overall the 2010 Matrix is a fairly stylish and sporty package that offers great utility for a wide range of buyers.

Interior

  • Seating: 5 passengers
  • Audio system with AM/FM
    radio, CD player (reads
    MP3 format)
  • 1 12V in front
  • Cargo area light
  • Main dashboard display
  • Tachometer
  • Luxury trim: alloy look
    on doors and alloy look
    on dashboard
  • Load restraint: hooks
  • Front seat center armrest
  • Rear seats: split-folding
    bench with seating for
    three
  • Power steering type
  • Ventilation system with
    cabin filter
  • Rear window with
    defroster and
    intermittent wiper
  • Dashboard console, full
    floor console with
    covered storage
  • Audio Connectivity: AUX
    jack
  • 4 speakers
  • Remote audio controls:
    steering wheel mounted
  • Front reading lights
  • Driver and passenger
    vanity mirror
  • Service interval
    indicator
  • External temperature
  • Carpet floor mats
  • Seat upholstery: cloth
  • Front driver seat :
    bucket ; details: manual
    height, front passenger
    seat : bucket
  • Multi-function steering
    wheel ; includes height
    adjustment and telescopic
    adjustment
  • Cupholders in front row
    and rear seats
  • Rear view mirror
  • Tinted glass
  • Fuel consumption(L/100km)
    : city= 7.7 ; highway=
    6.1 ; combined= 7.0 ;

Exterior

  • Roof antenna
  • Driver and passenger door
    mirror: heated, black,
    power adjustable
  • Spare wheel: spacesaver
    with steel rim
  • Mica paint
  • Windshield wipers with
    fixed intermittent wipe
  • Doors: driver, rear
    driver, passenger and
    rear passenger : front
    hinged

Mechanical

  • Front-wheel drive
  • Electronic traction
    control (via ABS & engine
    management)
  • Fuel system: multi-point
    injection
  • Independent front strut
    suspension with
    stabilizer bar and coil
    springs, semi-independent
    rear torsion beam
    suspension with coil
    springs
  • Powertrain type :
    combustion
  • 4.312:1 axle ratio
  • Emissions data: CO2:
    3,350 kg/yr
  • Fuel: unleaded ( 87
    octane)
  • Transmission: 5-speed
    manual ; incl. shifter on
    dash

Safety

  • 4 disc brakes (2
    ventilated)
  • Painted front and rear
    bumpers
  • Headlights: halogen with
    complex surface lens
  • Front to rear curtain
    airbags
  • Front side airbags
  • Height adjustable front
    seat belts with
    pre-tensioners for driver
    and passenger
  • Vehicle Stability Control
    (VSC) stability control
  • Brake assist system
  • ABS
  • Immobilizer
  • Daytime running lights
  • Intelligent driver and
    passenger front airbag
  • 2 active height
    adjustable head
    restraints for front
    seats, 3 height
    adjustable head
    restraints for rear seats
  • Rear seat belts for
    driver, rear seat belts
    for passenger, 3-point
    rear seat belts for
    center
  • Electronic brake
    distribution

Dimensions

  • External dimensions:
    overall length (mm):
    4,365, overall width
    (mm): 1,765, overall
    height (mm): 1,550,
    wheelbase (mm): 2,600,
    front track (mm): 1,519,
    rear track (mm): 1,522
    and curb to curb turning
    circle (mm): 11,000
  • Cargo capacity(in
    litres): rear seat down:
    1,398 and all seats in
    place: 561
  • Fuel tank: 50 litre
    capacity
  • Power: 132 hp @ 6,000
    rpm; 128 ft lb of torque
    @ 4,400 rpm
  • Front and rear steel
    wheels: 16"x 6.5"
  • Internal dimensions:
    front headroom (mm):
    1,029, rear headroom
    (mm): 999, front hip room
    (mm): 1,328, rear hip
    room (mm): 1,110, front
    leg room (mm): 1,057,
    rear leg room (mm): 919,
    front shoulder room (mm):
    1,354, rear shoulder room
    (mm): 1,336 and interior
    volume (litres): 2,662
  • Engine: 1.8L in-line
    four-cylinder DOHC with
    VVT
  • Front and rear all-season
    tires 205/55/H
  • Weights: published curb
    weight (kg): 1,290

Misc

  • Charges:
  • Delivery/freight charge:
    $ 1,520.00

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

Metallic paint


(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

Gloss paint


(J002) Standard Pearl Paint

Pearl paint


(B) Convenience Package

Air conditioning Charges: Air Conditioning Tax $ 100.00 Front power windows with 1 express, rear power windows Cruise control Remote keyless power locks ; includes trunk/hatch Low tire pressure monitor Body colour exterior door handles Remote control trunk/hatch release Bluetooth ; includes phone connection and includes music streaming Audio Connectivity: AUX jack and USB 6 speakers


(S) S Package

Roof spoiler Driver and passenger door mirror: body colour Power glass sunroof ; includes tilting function, sliding function, sunshade and one-touch opening Front fog lights Front passenger seat Partial overhead console with covered storage Deletes: Front and rear mud flaps Front and rear alloy wheels: 17"x 7.0" Front and rear all-season tires with black sidewall : 215/45/W


(C) Touring Value Package

Power glass sunroof ; includes tilting function, sliding function, sunshade and one-touch opening Front and rear alloy wheels: 16"x 6.5" Front fog lights Partial overhead console with covered storage


*Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change without notice, Installed options may also vary by dealer. Price is plus HST. See dealership for final pricing and availability.


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