2009 Toyota Matrix

• Competes 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 vital 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 not good 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 additionally underpins the 2008 Scion xB, the Matrix is significantly improved. whether it handles

Power is the same two engines as the new Corolla. potential for Standard and S trims is rated at 132 hp from a revised version of the preceding four-cylinder engine, with mileage figures of 26/32 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission and 25/31 for the motorized. 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 that application and is only mated to a five-speed motorized.

All-wheel drive will be an available option on the S trim level. More photos are below. Feel free to tell us what you think of the new Matrix.