2011 Toyota Matrix Debuts

The 2011 Toyota Matrix will get numerous new toys that will help it compete in the 21st Century, such as Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Lock brakes, Electronic Brake distribution and Smart Stop Technology brake-override.

Step it up to the Matrix S and Toyota will throw in a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.

The base 2011 "Toyota Matrix" will come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that will produce 138 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be connected to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic from the stone ages.

If buyers opt for the five-speed manual Matrix S, the EPA estimated that one should get 21-mpg city and 28 on the highway. If all-wheel drive if equipped, the Matrix will only be able to net drivers 20-mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is less than stellar.

In 2011, the Matrix will feature new standard wheels, interior design features, the Toyota Care complimentary maintenance plan, and standard Smart Stop Technology.

The 2011 Matrix continues to feature Toyota Star Safety System as standard equipment, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Performance and Efficiency
The 2011 Matrix is available in two grades: base Matrix and the sporty S grade. All-wheel drive (AWD) with active torque control is available in the Matrix S, teamed to the 2.4-liter engine.

The 1.8-liter engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission (ECT).

The 2.4-liter engine channels its power through a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Matrix S is equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the ECT 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Matrix S powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed manual transmission achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. With the five speed automatic transmission, it earns 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Matrix S AWD with the four-speed automatic achieves 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all Matrix models. The Matrix grade is equipped with 10.7-inch ventilated front discs and 10.1-inch solid discs in the rear. Matrix S features 11.6-inch ventilated front discs and 10.9-inch solid discs in the rear (11.0-inch for AWD).

The Matrix's newly designed standard 16-inch steel wheels come with sporty six-spoke full wheel covers and P205/55R16 tires. The available AWD system with active torque control on the Matrix S is front-wheel-drive-based and distributes torque to the rear wheels through an electromagnetic coupler when needed, such as when the front wheels slip, during heavy acceleration, or on a grade. Traction Control (TRAC) provides an extra measure of wheel slip control, on both front-wheel-drive and AWD models.

Featuring front and rear crumple zones, the Matrix is designed to efficiently absorb and disperse impact energy throughout the body structure. All Matrix models are equipped with six standard airbags, including advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags. Front seats integrate active headrests. The Matrix also features an energy-absorbing steering column.

Generous new standard equipment on the Matrix grade includes an all-weather package; power windows with driver's side auto down and retained power features; power door locks;; cruise control; color-keyed power heated outside rearview mirrors; tilt and telescopic sport steering wheel; daytime running lights; heavy duty rear window defogger; AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling (ASL); intermittent rear window wiper; 12-volt power outlet; front center-console box; and an engine immobilizer.

The Matrix is equipped with a high-efficiency air-conditioning system with large vents. This feature reduces noise and enhances interior comfort.

The Matrix S offers an S Sport Package with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear underbody spoilers, color keyed rear spoiler and a unique S badge. The Matrix S, which features all-new front and rear bumpers in 2011, integrates front and rear underbody spoilers and a large mesh front fog lamp bezel.

Interior Design
Cockpit styling in the Matrix is anchored by a driver-oriented instrument panel and console controls. Matrix S comes with a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel that includes spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth capability.