With both cars sharing the same 2.4 liter motor, the power and throttle response between the two cars feel the same. You won't get that rush of power seen from most sports cars, but both of these Toyotas have more than enough power to get out of their own way. These aren't high-revving motors, nor are they stump-pulling low-end torque monsters; they feel best when the needle is hovering around the middle of the tachometer. Both cars are offered with your choice of a five-speed manual or a five-speed sequential automatic transmission. The sequential automatic allows one to hold gears for as long as they like, and we really can't feel much of a difference in performance between the two transmissions. If you like having three pedals, get the stick. Otherwise, the automatic is just fine.
No Corolla without an AE86 chassis code has been a hit with the Super Street crowd, and this new NG chassis car likely won't win over any of the SS faithful. The '09 Corolla is a good car, and for those that only expect to get from Point A to Point B reliably, this car will suit their needs just fine. The Matrix XRS, on the other hand, with its sportier driving dynamic and aggressive Scion-like styling, should endear it to the tuner crowd. Just give the Matrix XRS a Chun-Li graphics scheme, and it could be the hit of HIN.
That New Car Smell
'09 Toyota Matrix and Corolla XRS
The Sticker TBA
Under the Hood 2.4L DOHC 16-valve inline four cylinder
The Power 158 hp @ 6000 rpm; 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Scale Tipping 3220 lb (5-sp ECT Matrix); 2965 (5-sp ECT Corolla)
Layout front engine, FWD
Gearbox 5-speed manual; 5-speed sequential automatic
Stiff Stuff (F) Macpherson strut; (R) double wishbone (Matrix), torsion beam (Corolla)
Rollers 18-in alloy (Matrix), 17-inch alloy (Corolla); 215/45R18 tires (Matrix), 215/45R17 (Corolla)
Stoppers power assist w/ ABS; 11.6-in front; Matrix: 11.1-in rear discs (Matrix); 10.8-in front, 10.2-in rear (Corolla)
At The Pump EPA 21 mpg city/29 mpg hwy (Matrix 5ECT); 22 mpg city/20 mpg hwy (Corolla 5ECT)
The Pack Honda Civic Si, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra SE-R
Deep Thoughts Great commuter cars, but not as fun to drive as the Honda Civic Si.
By Justin Kaehler
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