Urban Wagonettes: Toyota Matrix

by Barclay Nelson

First, you are probably wondering what exactly is an “urban wagonette”.  An urban wagonette is a small four door hatchback with urban sensibilities and practical utility.  I’m not talking traditional minivans or mini SUV’s here.  I’m talking gas sipping versatile sporty family friendly wagons with moped-esque parking skills.  Most of these chic contempo ponies won’t bust your bank and while they are small they have back seats for your little league posse or the seats can be folded down for surprising amounts of “hauling” space.

The Toyota Matrix is a prime example of the urban wagonette.  There are several models with reasonable prices ranging from $16,290-21,950.   Gas mileage ranges from 20/26 to 26/32.  There are two different engines to choose from as well as several other options. The Matrix somehow manages to have about 49 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down.  The back seats fold down easily, forming a convenient and a rare perfectly flat bed in back with anti-slip surface features.  The front passenger seat even folds down for extra long items. Safety features are generous.  Beyond its government safety rating of 5 stars for frontal driver and passenger collisions and side collisions on the driver side.  The exterior styling of the car is attractive as well.

You can get optional remote keyless entry with panic button, vehicle stability control and traction control and all wheel drive for additional safety as well.

I test drove the standard version and the sportier “S” version with the bigger engine.   The smaller base engine is perfectly adequate for most drivers (132 horsepower) and the large one adds some zip (158 horsepower).  Both drove very smoothly, had smooth transmissions and had a tight turning radius for easy city U-turns or tricky parking escapes.  The front seats were comfortable and the back seats were surprisingly roomy.  There were ample front and back cup holders, back seat storage compartments. 

The only thing I can think of that I didn’t like was the location of the MP3 jack which was in a hard to reach hard to see place down by the cup holders.  But don’t let that deter you from this stellar performer.  Besides having it’s own strong credentials, it shares a Toyota pedigree known for adhering to a higher standard of quality, safety, longevity and reliability. To learn more about the Matrix go to http://www.toyota.com/matrix/.

Some other noteworthy standard features include:
• low tire pressure warning lights
• oil change and maintenance indicator light
• power mirrors
• an easy to use pump seat height adjustment

Some optional features to consider include:
• power doors, windows and mirrors
• navigation system
• 6 disc changer
• the 2.4 liter engine upgrade
• handy 115 V power outlet

Lots of safety features mom will like including:
• front, side and curtain airbags
• anti-lock brakes
• side impact door beams and front and rear crumple zones
• energy absorbing steering column
• child protected rear door locks
• occupant sensors that know when to disable passenger side airbags

Barclay Nelson is a Financial Marketing & Research Consultant that likes to test drive cars and write about them when he’s not working, fly fishing or smoking cigars.