Yorkregion.com - Wheels - Corolla and Matrix get more power and panache for ‘09
Corolla and Matrix get more power and panache for ‘09
The 2009 Matrix, with its lower profile, looks more hatchback than wagon. In XRS trim, it sports front and rear spoilers, large mesh fog lamp bezel and a rear deck spoiler.
Leisure
Nov 23, 2007 04:42 PM
2009 Toyota Corolla and Matrix ‘sneak preview’
By: Neil Moore
For nearly four decades, the Toyota Corolla has been a top seller in the compact car segment – as dependable as mom’s old Kenmore stove and nearly as exciting. And while trustworthy but tame has been a winning strategy so far (who can argue with more than one million vehicles sold in Canada?) Toyota has taken a new tack with its tenth-generation model.
The Corolla, along with the second-generation Matrix recently debuted at the SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) in Las Vegas. But as most journalists had to forgo SEMA to attend the “Test Fest” event for Canadian Car of the Year, Toyota offered a sneak peek of both 2009s at their Cambridge plant a few days earlier. This is where, since 2002, 460,000 Matrixes have been built and since 1988, more than 2 million Corollas.
The ‘09 Corolla will come in four flavours: CE, LE, S, and the sporty XRS.
Compared with its predecessor, the new Corolla has a wider, lower stance, with a sportier profile, due in part to the base of the A-pillar moving forward and bottom of the C-pillar moving back to create a more slippery shape.
While in the CE and LE models such ‘sportiness’ is more subtle, the S and XRS benefit from a standard body kit that includes a front spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers. The S gets 16-inch alloys and the XRS gets big 17-inchers.
This new, more aggressive look is accompanied by a bump in power. Order the CE, LE or S model and you get an all-new 1.8-litre, 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine. It produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. That’s up from 126 and 122 in the 2008 model.
At these trim levels, you can get either a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic.
The XRS puts even more horses under the hood with its standard with a 2.4-litre, 16-valve DOHC four that delivers 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A five-speed manual is standard and five-speed auto is optional.
The 2009 Corolla has grown slightly in length, is up 60mm in width and has the same wheelbase as last year’s model. The interior feels quite roomy, thanks in part to clever storage throughout. For example, the centre console gets side pockets, there’s an upper and lower glove box, and the front and rear door pockets can also hold water bottles. The console between the seats has a large main tray and smaller accessory tray.
Additional standard equipment includes a satellite-ready AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA capability, auxiliary audio input jack for your iPod, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and a heavy-duty rear defogger. 60/40 split folding rear seats open to a generous trunk.
Safety on all Corollas includes driver and passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags and front active headrests. All models get ABS; the XRS also gets Vehicle Stability Control.
Matrix began life in 2002 as a sporty crossover with two engine options and the availability of all-wheel-drive. But with the dropping of the more potent XRS version and AWD in 2007 (you couldn’t get AWD with the 180-hp engine anyway), it became nothing more than basic family transportation.
For 2009, Toyota is making strides to take the Matrix in a new direction with a sportier look, more power and the return of optional AWD.
The Matrix looks wider, probably because the roofline is noticeably lower. The profile is more hatchback than wagon, with smooth contours that run from the headlamps over the wheels arches and back to the rear shoulder lines.
Matrix will also be available in four models: Base, XR, XRS and AWD. And while this car is aimed at a younger demographic, the XRS does so more noticeably with its front and rear spoilers, large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear deck spoiler.
The engine choices are the same as with the Corolla, and transmission options are a five-speed manual and either a four- or five-speed automatic. Wheels are 16-inch steel (with wheel covers) on the Base, 17-inch five-spoke aluminums with the AWD and 18-inch alloys with a twin five-spoke design for the XRS.
Inside, the Matrix has been completely redesigned with lowered seats to accommodate the vehicle’s lower profile. Driver and front passenger get comfortable, well-bolstered seats and rear passengers get plenty of kneeroom. An optional fold-down front passenger seatback will be available on XR and XRS models, which is great for carrying long objects like lumber and ladders.
Matrix also gets a new tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel. Opt for the XRS and that includes spoke-mounted audio controls, optional Bluetooth capability and a leather-wrapped shift knob. XR, XRS and AWD models also include high-efficiency A/C with larger vents and reduced power consumption.
Other standard equipment includes power heated outside mirrors, heavy-duty rear defogger, intermittent wipers and rear washer/wiper, 12-volt power outlet, auxiliary auto input and engine immobilizer. XR and XRS trim levels add power windows and locks, cruise, remote keyless entry with rear hatch release and an upgraded audio system with MP3/WMA capability.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on Matrix. Vehicle stability control and traction control (with off switch) will be standard on XRS and optional on XR and AWD. Airbags and active headrests are the same as with the Corolla.
Although both models have enjoyed a reputation for rock-solid reliability, Corolla and Matrix have, until now, lacked the panache of such competitors as Mazda3, Honda Civic and even Dodge Caliber. But with a new look and attitude for 2009, Toyota hopes to grab the attention of a younger demographic as well as those who have always relied on the company’s legendary build quality.
The 2009 Corolla and Matrix will hit dealer showrooms in February 2008.