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2003 Toyota Matrix
The 2003 Toyota Matrix is part of a new breed of car, dubbed the crossover
utility vehicle, designed for the young adventurers out there who want
a distinct set of characteristics, ones that include power, space, fuel
economy, luxury, versatility and, preferably, all-wheel-drive (AWD). The
Matrix is all those plus it is a Toyota and as such is required to live
up to their standards of quality and reliability. In reality this is a
sporty hatchback/SUV crossover with the economies of the former but some
of the most valued characteristics of the latter.
This means that that 2003 Toyota Matrix and cars like it get the best
of both worlds from sporty agility on one side to cargo carrying versatility
and adverse terrain capability on the other. With the range of version\s
and options available, the Matrix is more of a chameleon than ever.
Available Models
The 2003 Toyota Matrix has three models comes in three models, Standard,
XR and XRS. The first is a basic model that nevertheless has good standards.
The second ups the ante with more features and then, at the top-level,
the high-powered XRS. Custom-like exterior detailing gives the XRS a street
ready look that goes with its street-ready engine.
Interior Features
Inside any Matrix grade, an array of functional, utility-oriented characteristics
and features are offered. On top of ample room for five passengers, high
seating points provide easy access and great visibility. Driver's seat
height adjustment is in place on the XR and XRS models but this is a small
part of the seating story. 15.1 cu. ft. of cargo room in the back expands
to 53.2 cu. ft. with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats folded down.
In addition the durable and washable load floor is perfectly flat and
accompanied by tie down hooks and two cargo nets. Accessories like a roof
rack, rear bumper step cover, cargo mat or pet screen are available. In
addition, the front passenger seatback folds down and flat enabling it
to serve as a table or to accommodate particularly long objects. This
is a next generation vehicle with a new perspective on interior design
priorities.
The key fact to note, though, is that the 2003 Toyota Matrix also has
many of the luxuries that we expect from today's cars. For example, the
generous standard equipment includes air conditioning with an air filter,
an AM/FM/CD sound system with four speakers, power mirrors, tilt steering
wheel, intermittent wipers, a tachometer and a digital clock. Going up
a level to the XR grade adds power windows and door locks, a sport steering
wheel, keyless entry, variable intermittent wipers and a rear wiper.
Exterior Features
The new requirements of the CUV make for a tall and distinctive vehicle
with odd lines. However, the designers talk about "street performance
utility" and "edge-web" detailing. This focus looks for
strong character from sharply creased surfaces blended with rounded web-like
contours. Fog lights, optional front and rear under body spoilers, alloy
wheels and a power sunroof add-on all contribute to the potential for
sharp exterior styling.
Performance
The 2003 Toyota Matrix has a couple of different engine offerings that
will enable the buyer to choose a strength that is important to them.
Standard and XR Matrix models come with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
transmission coupled with a 1.8-liter 4-cyl with 130 hp at 6000 rpm and
125 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. AWD versions have only the automatic
transmission and the power is slightly reduced with123 hp.
The XRS is a different story. It has 180 hp at 7600 rpm and a 6-speed
manual is offered as well as the 4-speed automatic transmission. The XRS
has 180 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque at 6800 rpm.
Safety and Security
Safety is an important factor in a vehicle designed for adventurous risk-takers
and the capabilities have been tailored to the power offered. ABS brakes
are optional on the Standard model, standard on the XR and XRS models,
and the latter with 4-wheel disk brakes.
Dual front airbags and daytime running lights are standard and front
side airbags are optional add-ons to all Matrix grades.
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2003 Toyota Matrix Highlights
Customers
can choose from three model grades - standard, XR with enhanced
content and the unique XRS that injects a big dose of high performance
with its 180-horsepower engine. A front spoiler with integrated
fog lamps, rear underbody spoiler, side rocker panels, and 16-inch
aluminum alloy wheels give the XRS an even bolder street performance
look to go with its high-power muscle.
The
Matrix provides ample room for five passengers, and its high seating
points provide easy ingress/egress and a command view of the road.
The XR and XRS add a driver's seat height adjustment. The rear seat
offers 36.3 inches of legroom, on par with many midsize cars.
The
engine produces at least 90-percent of its peak torque from just
2,000 rpm to the 6,000 rpm redline, giving the Matrix especially
good low- and mid-range response. (Horsepower and torque slightly
lower for the all-wheel drive models).
The
Matrix XRS provides a high-performance driving experience simply
not available in any small SUV. Its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder DOHC
engine comes from the Celica GT-S, along with that model's six-speed
manual transmission. The engine produces 180 horsepower at 7,600
rpm and 130 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,800 rpm
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