The March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused severe problems to automakers all around the world, mainly due to the lack of parts, but at least Toyota seems to be recovering at a faster pace than expected. Today, the world’s largest automaker said production at its North American facilities will rise to approximately 70 percent of normal in June, up from around 30 percent in May when it was forced to idle factories for several days or reduce shifts.
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On the outside, the subtle refresh is limited to all-new front and rear bumpers with integrated front and rear underbody spoilers and a large mesh front fog lamp bezel. The newly designed 16-inch steel wheels and 17-inch, five-spoke alloy rims plus the introduction of a new Spruce Mica color round off the changes.
The redesigned 2009 Toyota Matrix is set to go on sale at dealerships in early February with base MSRP ranging from $16,190 to $21,850. Toyota’s compact crossover is offered in three distinct grades, Standard, S and XRS and two different four-cylinder engines, a 132 HP 1.8-liter unit and a 158 HP 2.4-liter unit that are mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the Matrix also offers the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. -Details after the jumpPRESS RELEASE: 2009 MATRIX
The Toyota Matrix helped redefine the concept of a crossover vehicle, and has been redesigned for the 2009 model year.
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. The result is a sporty shape that has a wider, lower stance than the current model, but contains room for five people to ride in comfort. The Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
The Matrix features three distinct grades, Standard, S and XRS. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler, while a rear deck spoiler is standard for all XRS models.
The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission models.
For those who crave horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 21/29 city/highway mpg for the automatic transmission models and 21/28 with the five-speed manual transmission models.
In addition, Matrix once again offers the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The AWD Matrix S is equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the Super ECT 4-speed transmission.
The AWD system uses active torque control to distribute the appropriate amount of torque to each wheel. The system is front-wheel-drive-based and distributes torque to the rear wheels through an electromagnetic coupler only when needed.
The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility. The instrument panel and center cluster were designed to create the sensation of a cockpit. The optitron gauges in the instrument panel feature bright white lighting and red needles. A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior.
The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with standard seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table is available for the front passenger's seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. For rear-seat passengers, a folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger.
Throughout the interior, designers supplied multiple storage spaces. A folding tonneau cover is standard and helps keep items placed in the cargo area out of sight.
All systems are equipped with a universal mini-jack port that allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the Matrix's speakers.
Form, fun and functionality are in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on the Standard Matrix includes P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.
The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
In addition to these features, the XRS grade includes standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.
The Standard Matrix with a five-speed manual transmission will carry a base MSRP of $16,190, while the four-speed automatic begins at $17,000. The Matrix S front-wheel drive with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP of $18,260, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $19,450. The Matrix S AWD with a four-speed automatic has a base MSRP starting at $20,400. The Matrix XRS with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP starting at $20,660, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $21,850.