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Essentially unchanged for 2006, this crossover wagon shares a basic Toyota-sourced design and powertrains with the Pontiac Vibe, which differs slightly in appearance and features. Toyota Matrix comes in three models with 1.8-liter 4-cyl engines. Standard and XR offer front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with 126 and 118 hp, respectively. A sporty XRS comes only with front-wheel drive, 164 hp, and 6-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission is mandatory for AWDs. The front-wheel-drive Standard and XR offer a 5-speed manual or optional automatic. AWDs have the same ride height as front-drive models and are not designed for off-road use. ABS is standard on XRS and AWDs, optional otherwise; XRS includes rear disc brakes vs. drums. An antiskid system is available for front-wheel-drive models with automatic transmission. Optional linewide are curtain side airbags packaged with front torso side airbags.
A brand-new Toyota Matrix is expected for 2008 along with a redesigned Corolla sedan sister. Both use a platform that appears first under Toyota's redone 2007 RAV4 compact SUV. Toyota Matrix is said to grow somewhat wider and taller for extra interior room. But as that implies extras pounds, look for 2.0-liter 4-cyl engines to maintain current 1.8-liter performance. A power-boosting turbo or supercharger option is possible, and a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain seems a good bet for '09 or later. At least one source believes the redesigned Toyota Matrix may transfer to Toyota's youth-oriented Scion line, where its "active lifestyle" persona would be a better marketing fit.
Toyota Matrix and Vibe are appealing alternatives to conventional small wagons and compact SUVs. We like their utility, good road manners, available all-wheel drive, and Toyota-grade reliability. We don't like the needlessly noisy engines and the harsher, high-strung nature of the Toyota Matrix XRS/Vibe GT. Note that base prices are generally a bit lower for Toyota Matrix vs. comparable Vibes, though Pontiac offers more-frequent factory rebates and other incentives.
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