Shown at SEMA and the LA Autoshow, the Toyota Matrix Rally concept looked pretty sweet. It's good to see Toyota trying to be appealing to the enthusiast once again. Even though this won't see production, it's nice to know Toyota has us in the back of their mind
ompetes with: Mazda3, Dodge Caliber, Pontiac Vibe, Saturn Astra Looks like: A demonic little hatchback Drivetrain: 132-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder or 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Hits dealerships: February 2008
While not nearly as important as the Corolla, the Matrix is still a part of the Toyota family, and it too gets an all-new design for 2009. We're a bit surprised the Matrix is as aggressively styled as it is, though that's not a bad thing. With its sloping roofline and sharp looks, it could really compete with the Mazda3 and Saturn Astra.
Based on the new Corolla's platform, which also underpins the 2008 Scion xB, the Matrix is significantly improved. If it handles anything like the Scion xB, we'll be impressed. Power comes from the same two engines as the new Corolla. Power for standard and S trims is rated at 132 horsepower from a revised version of the previous four-cylinder engine, with mileage figures of 26/32 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission and 25/31 for the automatic. A performance XRS trim level will reappear for 2009 with the same 158-hp four-cylinder found in the Scion tC and xB. It gets 21/29 mpg in this application and is only mated to a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive will be an available option on the S trim level
Bigger and capable that the current generation, boasts a larger trunk and interiors with better quality, both visually and to the touch. The equipment also can be very complete, with up to six airbags, ESP, xenon headlamps or automatic air conditioning.
For the time being not set range Argentine although everything seems to indicate that in addition to the 1.8i 16v engine of 136 hp could launch a diesel, as has been the custom in other models in the segment. The point is that we do not know if it will launch with the 126-hp 2.0 D4D or otherwise opt for a block more veteran, with two litres and 90 HP already used in the previous Corolla. In a few months quit doubts.
A couple of months ago, at the Auto Show from Los Angeles, Toyota revealed their latest concept, the new Matrix Rally Sport. With a wide body kit the car looks like a strong, muscle car. The guys from Toyota installed 19? OZ rims painted in white that add an interesting contrast to the car’s look. This car is equipped with a 2.4L engine that has 4 cylinders, almost the same as engines that equip Mazda 3 cars.
With this engine the car should be really fast for it’s size and it should have an incredible acceleration. The car’s design looks really impressive and we could see it go into production in 2009. Toyota Kluger also received a facelift in 2007 and it’s one of the most sold japanese 4×4 cars in this year and day by day Toyota is getting closer to General Motors, the company that sells most cars in the whole world.
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