2011 Toyota Matrix Review

Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show 2011, with new changes to the 2011 season, the sporty five-door Toyota Matrix cleverly combines the spirit of fun to drive with the utility of a small SUV and excellent fuel economy. In 2011, Toyota Matrix will feature new standard wheels, interior decoration items, the home care plan of Toyota, and the level of the Smart Stop.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix is ​​based Star Safety System ™ as standard equipment, including vehicle stability (VSC), traction control (TRAC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and assistance in braking. It also includes standard braking system Smart-Stop annulment.

Performance and Efficiency

In 2011, Toyota Matrix is ​​available in two grades: the base S and the matrix quality sport. Powertrain choices are 1.8 and 2.4 liter four-cylinder, a manual gearbox with five forward speeds and four or five-speed automatic gearboxes. wheel drive (AWD) with Active Torque Control is available on the Toyota Matrix S, published in the 2.4-liter engine.

The Matrix class is powered by a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that develops 132 hp at 6000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) control of valve timing on both camshafts intake and exhaust to maximize performance and economy. The 1.8-liter engine is mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT).

The Toyota Matrix S has a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that produces hp at 6000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm 158. A balance shaft eliminates the vibration, and exhaust system is designed to pressure the contras reduced to improve performance.

Channels of 2.4-liter engine of its power through a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission. Wheel drive (AWD) matrix S is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 4 speed automatic ECT.

Read more engaging driving experience, the driver can shift the automatic five-speed manual shift lever to the left of the position "D" will be the "S" position, pushing forward upshifts and downshifts on the back.

Both machines use Flex lock the torque converter to improve fuel efficiency. Up / down to transfer control to select the right driving conditions and help moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

Toyota Matrix quality has earned an estimated EPA fuel economy rating 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway 1.8-liter five-speed manual transmission and 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway 1.8-liter four-speed automatic transmission combined.

Matrix S is powered by the 2.4-liter engine is a five-speed manual transmission to achieve the EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. After a five-speed automatic transmission, which earns 21 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. Toyota Matrix S AWD with a four-speed automatic to reach 20 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Ride and Handling

The Matrix is ​​built around a rigid, stiff body, made of steel with high tensile strength, gussets and cross bars for strength, stiffness and low weight. The front suspension consists of a compact, rigid type L-arm MacPherson strut independent with stabilizer bar. Toyota Matrix is ​​equipped with a double wishbone rear suspension with coil springs over shock of an agreement, which allows effective packaging with excellent handling and comfort.

disc brakes at all four wheels are standard on all Matrix models. The Matrix class is equipped with a 10.7-inch vented discs in front and 10.1-inch solid rear discs. Toyota Matrix S 11.6-inch ventilated front discs and 10.9-inch solid discs in the rear (11.0 inches for AWD).

The new wheel design of the steel matrix with full wheel covers sports 16-inch six-spoke wheels and P205/55R16. distinctive brand new alloy wheels 17-inch five-spokes are available in the matrix S with 215/45R17 tires.

The all-wheel drive with active torque control function available on Toyota Matrix S front-wheel drive and distributes torque to the rear wheels through an electromagnetic coupling in the case, for example, when the front wheels spin during acceleration, or a title. This active control system detects the available torque according to the signals sent by the ABS sensors on each wheel to the ECU. Traction Control (TRAC) provides an extra measure of control wheel spin in both FWD and AWD models.

Safety and Security

In addition, the Star safety system, the matrix is ​​a complete list of safety features. It comes with front and rear crumple zones, the matrix is ​​designed to effectively absorb and disperse impact energy throughout the body structure. The deformation of the cabin is well managed, because the effect of power distribution and design of high-strength steel used in the body.

All Matrix models are equipped with six standard airbags, including advanced front airbags, front seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. safety belt pretensioners undo the seat belt in a collision, and the force in two stages limiter helps to reduce the strength of seat belts in the passenger's chest. The front seats integrate the active head restraints. If a vehicle is hit from behind with enough force, the cable-drive mechanism for an active front seat headrest moves the headrest up and forward to help restrict the movement of the head of the passenger. Toyota Matrix has the energy-absorbing steering column.

The standard stability control (VSC)-the system automatically adjusts engine output and braking force at each wheel to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and the vehicle is moving.

Comfort and Convenience

The Matrix interior is designed to shape, fun and functionality of a sport utility rejuvenated and versatile at the same time. The standard tilt and telescopic sport steering wheel improves driving comfort in position for a wide range of a conductive body. Front pair-to-back yields more space away from the 60/40 split rear seats folding rear seat head restraint includes a center position.

Generous new standard with the rank Matrix is ​​an all-weather package, electric windows and driver's side auto down and maintain the characteristics of power, central locking, cruise control, color-keyed power heated outside mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel sports, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, AM / FM / CD sound system with four speakers MP3/WMA playback, auxiliary audio jack, car audio equalizer (ASL), intermittent wipers, 12-volt power outlet, center console front and a box of engine block.

The Toyota Matrix S also adds a degree interior metallic trim, a power of 115 volts, integrated fog lights, front passenger fold-flat, remote keyless entry, AM / FM / CD with MP3 capability and six speakers with MP3 / WMA capability.

Matrix is ​​equipped with powerful air conditioning system for large gaps. Significantly, the system electronically varies the power of the compressor based on heat load and engine speed, and not just cycling the compressor on and off. This function reduces noise and improve indoor comfort.

Accessories

The options available is the Matrix class contains the basic sports package, with front and rear spoilers start applications, integrated fog lamps and unique badge S.

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

Appearance

The second generation of the Matrix seems stylistic sport-coupe, while maintaining impressive interior utility. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that provides an accurate and quiet, comfortable ride for five people.

The Toyota Matrix has rounded rear window and continuous character lines that go from the grid of the A-pillar. The matrix S, which includes all new front and rear bumpers in 2011, includes front and rear wings and a large mesh fog lamp bezel front.

In 2011, a new six-color Mica color, flavor associated with the Matrix, which includes Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Mica, Radiant Red and Nautical Blue Metallic.

Interior Design

Cab styling and the Matrix is ​​anchored in the driver-oriented instrument panel and console. Optitron instrument, the instrument panel feature bright white light and a silver decoration new for 2011. Big round speedometer installed in the center, tachometer left and the red needles, which now has a new white line, adding both style and is easy to watch. The combination meter on the right houses the fuel gauge speedometer, engine temperature indicators and LCD display, which connects the outside temperature indicator and odometer / tripmeter. Center console is a new, metal-plated rings around the vents, and the audio unit is a new color to the surface in 2011.

In 2011, the Toyota Matrix is ​​a new fabric that exude a sporty look. Choice of two interior colors include dark charcoal or a combination of charcoal and dark gray ash, and the three-spoke steering wheel, sporty. Toyota Matrix S with the new design-leather steering wheel, which includes mounted audio controls, and spoke of a Bluetooth hands-free functionality.

The front center console is equipped with a support member movable and removable cup. The cup holder area can be used as a tray when the divider is removed, and all the drawers open, rubber mats. More storage is located in the cockpit, including pockets in the front and rear doors, each with a plastic bottle of 20 oz. Four side panel bag hooks and four D-rings in the floor allows stowage of luggage convenience. A folding tonneau cover also comes standard.

Limited Warranty

Toyota 36-month/36, 000 mile basic new car warranty applies to all other components of normal wear and maintenance items. Other 60-month warranty covering the transmission of 60 000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete information on limited warranty.