Matrix has good average

You decide what to call the Toyota Matrix - compact crossover or five-door hatchback - because I’m not really sure. Either way it works, though, after its major refresh in 2009.

My base tester’s 1.8-litre four-banger supplies the get-up and go through the optional four-speed automatic, which, for $1,010 extra, is what most customers will likely opt for. It won’t win any championships with only 132 hp and 128 lb.-ft. on tap, but it does return excellent fuel economy, if you can control your right foot urges.

Three other trims—XR, XRS and AWD—all come with a 168-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 162 lb.-ft. of torque. Both powerplants have dual valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), sequential multiport electronic fuel injection, stainless steel exhaust and improvements to sound insulation.

Throttle response is decent on the 1.8 and the vehicle accelerates well in the cityscape. Gearshifts will happen fast enough for most people. It takes some effort to get it to highway speed on short on-ramps, but of course, it can do it. Likewise, passing manoeuvres require time and space, but are slightly more emphatic. Kick-down isn’t harsh or jarring.

Handling is predictable and tracking is dead straight. The electric-assisted rack and pinion kit is fairly communicative with no dead zone. A decent turning circle makes close quarters driving easy since the sight lines are good all around. Noise is well in check and the ride is neither bouncy nor harsh.

Interior ergonomics are good - tilting, telescoping steering wheel is standard (though a multi-function wheel isn’t available unless you move up to the XR with upgrade package B) and seats and mirrors are easy to adjust - though there’s maybe too much hard plastic. Controls are simple and easily accessible from the driver’s seat. There’s a centre console, albeit a small one, for elbows to rest upon between the cloth-covered seats. Several cup and bottle holders are included.

Air conditioning, power windows and door locks are optional for almost $2,500, and a touring package (for $4.255) is the only other option for base models. It adds traction control, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, wheel locks, roof spoiler, door entry scuff plates and fog lights.

The rear seat is a 60/40 deal that not only folds flat, but also features rubberized strips (carried over from the cargo area floor) to prevent cargo from sliding around too much. It doesn’t replace cargo netting entirely as unsecured groceries and small loose items will still move about back there. Larger items like suitcases, tool boxes and empties will stay better put. Some small-but-usable storage cubicles can be found under the rear floor along with the spare tire kit.

There’s ample head and legroom for two or three average-sized adults to sit comfortably in the rear of Matrix. Cargo space increases from 19.8 cu.-ft. to 49.4 when the seats are folded down. And, once that upward-swinging rear door is opened, the Matrix almost dares you to put anything and everything back there.

Four-wheel ABS disc brakes, six airbags and a host of other safety features like child seat anchors, active head restraints and seatbelt pretensioners, for example, come standard on the base.

For entertainment, the four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo plays MP3 and WMA audio files, comes with an auxiliary input jack and is pre-wired for XM Satellite radio. A single 12-volt outlet is found nearby. There’s nothing fancy about it really—it just works!

The base Matrix hardly excites, but it’s not completely boring either, thanks to decent looks, functional hatchback body and cool cargo-carrying options. It gets great mileage and let’s not forget that cargo area tie-down rings are standard on all models.