From the L.A. Auto Show, Cars.com's Suburban Dad, Patrick Olsen, takes a look at the 2009 Toyota Matrix.
Transcript
Hi. We're at the LA Auto Show. We're looking at the other small car that Toyota has redesigned for 2009, the Matrix. Now we're looking at the XRS version of the Matrix, which is the more souped up version.
It's got more horsepower and it's got an engine that's also in the Scion TC and XB. And has also been shared with the XRS version of the Corolla. The matrix is by far a flashier car than the Camry or the Corolla for Toyota. In fact, it's really a lot more similar to the Scion cars that Toyota builds. The controls inside are nice. They're well laid out. They're easy to use. The matrix is clearly targeted at young drivers because of that, You wouldn't expect much space in the back seat, but surprisingly, there's not too bad. I've got the front seat where I normally sit and my knees are a little jammed, but for short trips it would be okay. I wouldn't want to be here for a road trip to Ohio state, that's for sure. Toyota has taken a marketing page from the Scion playbook. One of the interesting things here at the LA auto show is that they've taken iPod nanos and spray painted in the colors that are available for Matrix buyers. The Matrix has adequate space in the bag for a hatchback, and he's got a low loaded floor. What's awesome he's got a one hand-pull button to lower the second row, but you need to be careful. You'll either need to move the passenger seat in the front all the way up to let it down or remove the headrest in the second row if somebody is sitting up there. Really the '09 Matrix, especially the XRS, has sharper styling than we would have come to expect from Toyota. Now it should be a good competitor to the cars like the Mazda Speed Three. For additional information on this car or any other go to cars.com and our blog kicking tires.
