2003 toyota Matrix Xrs

2003 toyota matrix xrs: Toyota started delivering its new youth-focused Matrix to car dealerships in February 2002 as a very early 2003 version. Called a crossover utility lorry, the Japanese car manufacturer says the Matrix incorporates the functionality of a sport utility vehicle with the photo as well as performance of a sports car, yet it's as inexpensive as a subcompact sedan. "Young customers desire cars that are high in image and also high in practical energy," claims Don Esmond, general supervisor of Toyota Department.

Because of its functional wagonlike setup, cars.com positions the Matrix hatchback-- and the closely relevant Pontiac Vibe-- in the wagon group. Styled by Toyota's CALTY Layout Studio in Newport Coastline, Calif., the four-door Matrix follows the company's street-performance utility motif.

High headroom as well as adaptable seating positions are amongst the Matrix's unique attributes. Three trim levels are available: standard, the step-up XR and the high-performance XRS. The criterion as well as XR versions might be equipped with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The XRS sporting activity design comes only with FWD and also packs an added 50 horse power and a six-speed-manual gearbox-- a powertrain borrowed from Toyota's Celica GT-S sport coupe. The Matrix is produced in Ontario, Canada.

2003 toyota matrix xrs

Exterior

The Matrix's standard appearance most looks like a tiny wagon-- a body design that seems making a moderate resurgence. Although the system is new, it resembles the one made use of by Toyota's preferred subcompact Corolla car. Tips of the stylish Lexus IS 300 are evident in the Matrix's front end. Toyota claims the "edge-web" body panels have sharp surface sides, however they show rounded weblike contours meant to generate strong, moving personality lines.

Standard tires measure 16 inches in size, and the XR and also XRS could have optional 17-inchers. Alloy wheels are optional on the requirement and also XR models, as well as they are typical on the XRS, which likewise includes fog lights, a front looter and a back underbody looter.

Inside

The Matrix seats 5 owners, as well as the rear seats fold up right to produce a level flooring. A gliding track in the cargo floor can be adjusted to hold numerous way of living accessories. The chauffeur deals with deep-set Optitron gauges, as well as a navigating system is optional.

Typical equipment includes air conditioning with an air filter, power mirrors, periodic wipers and a freight cover. The XR includes power windows and door locks, keyless access, a sport guiding wheel and a vertical seat-height insurance adjuster. A four-speaker CD stereo is standard, however the XRS obtains a six-speaker cassette and also CD system. Optimum cargo volume with the seats folded down is 53.2 cubic feet.

Under the Hood

The requirement and XR editions obtain a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that creates 130 hp; versions furnished with 4WD create 123 hp. Working with variable shutoff modern technology (VVT-i), the engine satisfies Ultra Low Emissions Car (ULEV) requirements. Either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission can be set up.

Available only with FWD, the XRS brings a 180-hp variation of the 1.8-liter engine and also a close-ratio six-speed-manual transmission. Toyota's 4WD system has no center differential yet makes use of a viscous combining. If any type of wheel slips, as much as 50 percent of torque mosts likely to the back wheels.

Safety

Anti-skid brakes are typical in the XRS and optional in the criterion as well as XR designs. Side-impact airbags are offered as a choice.

Driving Perceptions

The Matrix is well constructed, nicely designed and fashionable, yet very early drives produced a slightly undesirable surprise for a Toyota product: noise. It is quiet enough while travelling, yet the 130-hp engine generated significantly extra audio compared to a Corolla throughout acceleration, discharging a growly as well as practically whiny audio. Road noise is also obvious. The base engine in designs equipped with the automatic transmission isn't really loaded with oomph. Equipment adjustments are obvious but not annoying.

Stability readies, and also it's very easy to keep the Matrix on training course. Steering with even more accuracy as well as much less wheel resonance compared to the Corolla, it still drops a bit except boosting, though the XRS is extra improved.

Even with a sunroof, front headroom is very good. Backseat space beats the Corolla's, as well as there's a great deal even more headroom compared to the reduced roofline recommends. Because the navigation system does not have a touchscreen, it's not as easy to use as some systems on the marketplace.

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