Toyota unleashes the MATRiX

Small cars that go fast. It's a catch-cry you'd never think would have survived the 90s, but just take a look at the latest sales figures in 2000 and beyond.

Cars such as the WRX are selling by the boat-load. It is classed as a 'small car' and, as such, is seen by many a much preferable option to larger, heavier sports models, such as Ford's XR8 or Holden's SS.

With this in mind, say hello to Toyota's latest vehicle - the MATRiX. Yeah, its got a funny name and sure, it looks like a lowered RAV4, but Toyota wasn't a company formed yesterday - it knows what the market wants.

The MATRiX sits on a similar wheelbase to that found in the Corolla, so you could group this new car in the 'small' bracket. Toyota big-wigs have stated that this car is aimed at a youth demographic, one which wants style, versatility and large, magnesium wheels.

"The Matrix combines the functionality of an SUV, the style, image and performance of a sports car and the affordability of a subcompact sedan," said Don Esmond, USA Toyota Division General Manager.

"The Matrix is the result of listening carefully to what is most important to young new-car buyers.

"Young buyers want vehicles that are high in image, and high in functional utility. The problem is that utility and image have always come at a price out-of-range for most young buyers. The Matrix will be active, accommodating, adaptable and most important, affordable."

Well, there's the inside line on subcompact sedans, but what is this MATRiX really all about? Judging from the interior of the car, one would assume that this is a pure-bred race car. Drilled metallic pedals, a tightly clustered instrument panel and plenty of chrome create a modern, sporty look. But if Toyota wants to capture the youth market, the car must be cheap. Very cheap.

From the outside, there is a hint of Echo, a smidge of Celica and something else that's harder to define. One would be mistaken for thinking this is a snazzy new Japanese design, as the MATRiX was created from the ground-up at Toyota's CALTY Design Studio, in Newport Beach, California.

The model pictured is the sports edition, with the all the go-faster extras, like alloy wheels, low-profile front and rear aprons, plus side skirts and integrated fog-lights. At present, only the sports model has been announced, but rumour has it that cheaper, less powerful versions are also part of Toyota's plans for the MATRiX.

The small multi-purpose vehicle derives power from a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine and drives all four wheels. The inline four-cylinder engine may sound a little weak, but it sure likes to rev. Its powerband is between 6,800 and 7,600rpm, that is, the area of revs between maximum torque and power.

Torque maxes out at 6,800rpm and creates 130 lb/ft and maximum power is achieved at an ear-piercing 7,600rpm, at which point the MATRiX puts out 180bhp (135kW), which isn't too shabby for a small car.

To put it into perspective, the Holden Barina has 66kW, the Mitsubishi Mirage has 69kW - which means the MATRiX has roughly double the power of these small cars. This power is accessible via a six-speed manaul gearbox, though auto versions are a sure bet, too.

This is no Porsche 911, but with a curb weight of only 1255kg, the MATRiX is light. The 16-valve engine makes use of Toyota's impressive VVTL-i - or "variable valve timing and lift intelligence", for the acronymically inclined. This means that more acceleration is available across a wider range of revs, thanks the engine's ability to alter valve timing and lift. In essence, more power, more often.

The US-designed sports-utility vehicle sits on a tasty set of 17" alloy wheels and the specially tuned sports suspension will ensure a smooth, yet predictable ride. The MATRiX is part of a new sub-genre of cars - cheap, reliable and very versatile. These are the new breed of cars that society's youth will want, so say the analysts. From our point of view, the concept is very intriguing, though we'll have to wait a while yet to see if the new models really take off.

The release date of the MATRiX in Australia has not yet been released, but expect it in late 2002.