Ok, so it's not a Tacoma. In fact, it's not even a truck. But who can argue that this isn't one of the coolest vehicles Toyota has produced to date?
Rumors have been circulating for months about Toyota's new vehicle, the Matrix. It recently became official: On February 2nd, the Toyota Matrix will arrive at a showroom near you.
Click image for Matrix desktop wallpaper |
I know my first question when I first saw it was : "What is it?" Well, Toyota calls it a "CUV", short for Cross-Over Utility Vehicle. However, since this is a new segment of the market that hasn't been identified yet, it's difficult to know exactly what CUV means. My interpretation of it is a Corolla/Rav4 cross-breed.
So what's it got to offer? After doing some research, I found that it's got the same 4-cylinder engine(s) as its brother, the sporty Celica. The low-end model has the 1ZZ-FE that produces 130hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. The beefier model, the Matrix XRS, sports the 180hp 2ZZ-GE with variable timing and lift. If you've ever had the chance to drive a new Celica GT-S, you know what this motor is capable of.
One of the other obvious features of the Matrix is it's interior. It appears as though Toyota took the extra effort to make the interior as cool (if not even cooler) than the rest of the car. Chrome-rimmed pod gauges with red lighting make you feel as though you're piloting the next Shuttle while cool (and comfy) looking bucket seats hold you firmly in place in the corners. You know, now that I think about it, the interior of the Matrix reminds me a lot of the new VW Beetle interior. Bottom line: lots of attention to detail.
Toyota didn't skimp on the details on the outside, either. 16" (17s on the XRS) wheels and smooth, sweeping body lines are sure to make the Matrix a looker at every stoplight.
In all, the new Matrix looks like another great innovation from Toyota with killer looks and a beefy power plant to back it all up.
Read up on Matrix options and specs in this PDF document.
For more information about the Matrix, check out Toyota's website.
