2011 Toyota Matrix

At 2011 Chicago Autos show Toyota unveiled the new Matrix hatchback proposing an interesting idea.

Toyota Matrix is a tall hatchback with a fairly compact body but spaciousness and practicality of a mini MPV. So it takes care of both purposes, having fun and doing day to day stuff at ease and comfort. It does look a bit weird though.

The car is powered by either a 1.8-litre DOCH engine producing 132 HP and 128 lb-ft of torque and a 2.4-litre unit generating 158 HP and 162 lb-ft of torque. It can be had with a five-speed manual or a four or five-speed automatic. The 1.8 liter engine is rated at 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

You can order the Matrix with AWD system as well, and that adds up to the car’s comprehensive list of safety features including Star Safety System Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Pricing of the car is yet to be announced, but complete specs of it can be seen right here in Toyota’s press release:

Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show with new changes for MY 2011, the sporty five-door Toyota Matrix deftly combines a fun-to-drive spirit with the utility of a small SUV and excellent fuel economy.  In 2011, the Matrix will feature new standard wheels, interior design features, the Toyota Care complimentary maintenance plan, and standard Smart Stop Technology.

The 2011 Matrix continues to feature Toyota Star Safety System™ as standard equipment, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.  It also includes standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

Performance and Efficiency
The 2011 Matrix is available in two grades: base Matrix and the sporty S grade.  Powertrain choices include 1.8- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.  All-wheel drive (AWD) with active torque control is available in the Matrix S, teamed to the 2.4-liter engine.

The Matrix grade is equipped with a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm.  Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to help optimize performance and economy.  The 1.8-liter engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission (ECT).

The Matrix S features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.  A balance shaft suppresses vibration, and the exhaust system is engineered for reduced backpressure for improved performance.
The 2.4-liter engine channels its power through a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.  The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Matrix S is equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the ECT 4-speed automatic transmission.

For a more engaging driving experience, the driver can shift the five-speed automatic manually by moving the shift lever to the left from its “D” position into the “S” position, then pushing forward for upshifts and back for downshifts.

Both automatics use a torque converter with flex lockup for increased fuel efficiency. Uphill/downhill shift control selects the proper gear for conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

The Matrix grade has earned an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the 1.8-liter with the five-speed manual transmission, and 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the 1.8-liter paired with the four-speed automatic transmission.

The Matrix S powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed manual transmission achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.  With the five speed automatic transmission, it earns 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.  The Matrix S AWD with the four-speed automatic achieves 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Handling and Ride
The Matrix is built around a stiff, rigid body structure that relies on high tensile-strength steels, gussets and crossmembers for its strength, rigidity and light weight.  The front suspension is composed of a compact, rigid L-arm-type independent MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar.  The Matrix features a double-wishbone rear suspension with a coil-over-shock arrangement, which allows efficient packaging along with excellent handling and ride comfort.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all Matrix models. The Matrix grade is equipped with 10.7-inch ventilated front discs and 10.1-inch solid discs in the rear.  Matrix S features 11.6-inch ventilated front discs and 10.9-inch solid discs in the rear (11.0-inch for AWD).

The Matrix’s newly designed standard 16-inch steel wheels come with sporty six-spoke full wheel covers and P205/55R16 tires.  Distinctive all-new 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels are available on Matrix S with 215/45R17 tires.

The available AWD system with active torque control on the Matrix S is front-wheel-drive-based and distributes torque to the rear wheels through an electromagnetic coupler when needed, such as when the front wheels slip, during heavy acceleration, or on a grade.  This active torque control system detects available traction based on signals sent from the ABS sensors on each wheel to the ECU.  Traction Control (TRAC) provides an extra measure of wheel slip control, on both front-wheel-drive and AWD models.

Safety and Security
In addition to the Star Safety System, Matrix has a comprehensive list of safety features.  Featuring front and rear crumple zones, the Matrix is designed to efficiently absorb and disperse impact energy throughout the body structure. Deformation of the passenger cabin is well managed due to the impact-energy-distribution design and high-strength steel used in the body.

All Matrix models are equipped with six standard airbags, including advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags.  Seatbelt pretensioners retract the seat belt at the time of a frontal collision, and the dual-stage force limiter helps limit the seat belt force applied to the passenger’s chest.  Front seats integrate active headrests.  If the vehicle is struck from the rear with sufficient force, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active front headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to help limit the movement of the occupant’s head.  The Matrix also features an energy-absorbing steering column.

The standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system automatically adjusts engine output and braking force at individual wheels to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading.

Comfort and Convenience
The Matrix interior is designed for form, fun and functionality with a sporty, youthful look and flexible utility at the same time. The standard tilt-and-telescopic sport steering wheel enhances driving-position comfort for a wide range of driver physiques.  Front-to-back couple distance yields more rear seat room, and the 60/40 split folding rear seat includes a center-position headrest.

Generous new standard equipment on the Matrix grade includes an all-weather package; power windows with driver’s side auto down and retained power features; power door locks;; cruise control; color-keyed power heated outside rearview mirrors; tilt and telescopic sport steering wheel; daytime running lights; heavy duty rear window defogger; AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling (ASL); intermittent rear window wiper; 12-volt power outlet; front center-console box; and an engine immobilizer.

The Matrix S grade also adds a metallic interior trim; a 115-volt power outlet; integrated fog lamps; fold-flat front passenger seat; remote keyless entry; AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability.

The Matrix is equipped with a high-efficiency air-conditioning system with large vents.  Significantly, the system’s compressor electronically varies output capacity based on heat load and engine speed, rather than simply cycling the compressor on and off.  This feature reduces noise and enhances interior comfort.

Optional Equipment
Available options on the Matrix grade include a base Sport package with front and rear underbody spoilers, integrated fog lamps, and a unique S badge.

The Matrix S offers an S Sport Package with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear underbody spoilers, color keyed rear spoiler and a unique S badge.  The Premium Package offers a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM radio (includes 90-day trial subscription), auxiliary audio jack, USB poert with iPod connectivity, CD text display function, auto sound leveling and hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

Exterior Design
The second-generation Matrix displays sport-coupe-inspired styling cues while maintaining impressive interior utility. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that provides a quiet interior for five people to ride in comfort.

The Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar. The Matrix S, which features all-new front and rear bumpers in 2011, integrates front and rear underbody spoilers and a large mesh front fog lamp bezel.

In 2011, a new Spruce Mica color joins Matrix’s color palate, which includes Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Mica, Radiant Red, and Nautical Blue Metallic.

Interior Design
Cockpit styling in the Matrix is anchored by a driver-oriented instrument panel and console controls.  The Optitron instrument-panel gauges feature bright white lighting and new silver ornamentation for 2011.  A large round speedometer is mounted in the center, with a tachometer to the left and red needles that now feature a new white line, adding both style and are easy to view.  A combination gauge to the right of the speedometer houses a fuel level indicator, an engine temperature indicator, and an LCD display that combines an outside temp indicator and odometer/trip meter. The center console features new metal-plated rings around the air conditioning vents, and the audio unit has a new flush surface in 2011.

In 2011, Matrix will have new seat fabrics that exude a sporty look.  A choice between two interior color schemes includes dark charcoal or a combination of dark charcoal and ash gray, and a three-spoke steering wheel adds a sporty touch. Matrix S comes with a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel that includes spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth capability.

The front center console features a movable and removable cup support element.  The cup holder area can be used as a tray when the divider is removed, and all open trays have rubber mats. Multiple storage spaces are located throughout the interior, including front and rear door pockets that each holds a 20-ounce plastic bottle.  Four side panel shopping bag hooks and four D-rings in the floor provide luggage tie-down convenience.  A folding tonneau cover also comes standard.

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