2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix Preview

Toyota says its new Matrix five-door offers "performance that matters" for drivers who want crossover utility in a compact shape.It has - wait for it - the "soul of a two-door sports car," says Tim Morrison, Toyota 's marketing manager.

The new Matrix will arrive in showrooms early next year in three different versions: Standard, S and XRS. All come with front-wheel drive, but the S versions can also be ordered with all-wheel drive.

Two different engines will be offered. The first is a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four with 128 pound-feet of torque. Toyota estimates that with the standard five-speed manual, it will deliver 26/32 mpg. With a four-speed automatic, that drops to 25/31 mpg.The uplevel engine is a 2.4-liter four with variable valve timing and 158 horsepower, along with 162 pound-feet of torque. With a new five-speed automatic transmission, this combination will deliver 21/29 mpg, Toyota says.

Standard safety equipment on all Matrix wagons includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags, along with active headrests and anti-lock brakes. Stability and traction control is standard on the top XRS model, optional on the other versions.

© Source: thecarconnection
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