There were rumours on the street that Toyota was planning to stop the production of its Matrix hatchback, when a new version of Corolla comes out sometime before 2013. We later confirmed from a reliable source that such plan never came up, and the 2013 Toyota Matrix is a testimony to that. Toyota is not ready to drop the Matrix for the forthcoming “Prius C” compact hatch or the Scion XB since they attracts different types of buyer.
The Matrix was at its peak in 2002, when 66,836 units were sold. Since then, sale has dropped. It was only in 2008, when the second-generation model made a debut that sale picked up again. However, the sale went down by 47.3% in 2009, and last year there was serious buyers’ revolt against it; sale went down by 44.5% and only 14,492 cars were sold! So, Toyota has now developed a new Matrix with hopes that it will be third time lucky. We will soon find out how lucky it will be, the Toyota Matrix 2013 model is just trickling into the dealerships with a price range of $20,115 to $22,415 and 36 months/36,000 miles warranty.
The Toyota Matrix is stylishly sporty car that gives the convenience of a small sport utility vehicle even when it is as affordable as a compact sedan. The versatile car is coming back with some changes on all its trim levels for the 2013 model year. The 2013 Matrix is still a five-passenger, compact hatchback with plenty of cargo space (Cargo space is about 49.4 cubic feet). It will compete with hatchback versions of the Mazda3 and the Kia Forte.
2013 Toyota Matrix Trim
The Matrix comes in two Front-Wheel Drive trim levels (a base version and an S trim) and one All-Wheel Drive trim level.
For the 2013 model year, the entire Matrix trim levels will have the following standard features: they will all sit on 16-inch wheels, and there will be an upgraded standard hands-free audio system, an MP3 CD player, air conditioning, heated mirrors and cruise control. Optional convenience features that are available in the 2013 Matrix base includes a Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB port (these were only offered on the S trim in the previous model) and a sound system with six speakers. The sporty Matrix trim will now have a stereo with a 6.1-inch display, USB port and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Matrix All-Wheel Drive is equipped with a leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, and an upgraded sound system.
Toyota 2013 Matrix Engine
On the base trim, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine delivers 132 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm, while the S trims are powered by a 158 HP 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. The estimated EPA rating of the base trim is 26/32 mpg and on the S trim it is 21/28 mpg, while on the AWD trim it is 20/26 mpg. 3 transmission systems will be available on the Toyota Matrix 2013 model. These include: a four-speed automatic, a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic with manual shift mode.
Standard safety features that are offered in the 2013 Toyota Matrix include vehicle stability control and traction control, front active head restraints, front-passenger impact airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, and a tire pressure monitor.
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