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),

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

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

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.

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

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(J002) Standard Pearl Paint

(B) Convenience Package

(S) S Package

(C) Touring Value Package