The Toyota Matrix is so unconventional that it opens up a new class of cars, which the company calls Street Performance Utility (SPU). What is SPU? This is a 2003 Corolla sedan with the "body" of an SUV and the Celica engine. The main idea behind the creation of a new model was the desire to offer the buyer a large and functional space for cargo (as in an SUV), to give the car a sporty character and win the love of young people who appreciate roomy, functional cars with a memorable, sporty-toned appearance. Special style give body panels, stamped on special presses.
Thanks to the latest technology and equipment, Toyota engineers managed to combine smooth lines and contours with sharp edges. Matrix is designed to satisfy any customer: there are a choice of 2 engines, 4 transmission options, full and front-wheel drive and three interior trim options. The internal design of the car is quite attractive and, as mentioned above, is aimed at a young buyer.
Inside are fashionable seats, and in the roof are covered with stylish yellowish transparent glass. The design of the central panel resembles the 1990 model of Mitsubishi Eclipse. Additional instrument control buttons are displayed on the steering wheel. The distance between the wheels of the Matrix is 102.4 inches (as in the Corolla), but its full length is 7 inches shorter, which is compensated for by a greater height and width. As a result, the passenger space is 118 cubic feet. Suspension of the car in front of the McPherson strut, rear either torsion beam for 2WD, or double wishbone (4WD). Toyota Matrix has ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum.
The front-wheel-drive Matrix and Matrix XR are equipped with a 130-horsepower 1.8-liter VVT-i engine from Celica 1ZZ-FE. On the model with the additional four-wheel drive, the same engine is installed, albeit with a 123 hp power. A more powerful version of the Matrix XRS with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 hp is also offered. from Celica GT-S, which is also known as 2ZZ-GE. The 6-speed manual gearbox has a very unusual look.
Much more traditional are the 5-speed manual and two 4-speed automatic boxes. So, the Toyota Matrix is a car built using the elements of the Toyota Corolla chassis, assembled in an innovative single-volume body. According to its characteristics, this car combines a minivan and an SUV, and at the same time is comparable in price to regular sedans.
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