Everybody is getting ready for the first real sign that winter is here, and when the snow does fly there will still be those who are saying to themselves, "I guess I should get the car ready for winter."
There are also those who get their winter tires on their vehicles on Oct. 1 every year whether we have snow or sunshine. Over the years more and more manufacturers have been adding an all-wheel-drive vehicle to their lineups, because whether there is snow or not, people seem to feel safer in an all-wheel-drive vehicle. However, when the snow does fly that driving difference is immediately noticeable.
A few years ago Toyota introduced a little hatchback called the Matrix. This utilitarian vehicle was, and still is, quite popular and for good reason.
Not only is it easy on gas, it has lots of room for all of its passengers and a trunk that can be used for anything. Part of the reason is, the material covering the floor in the back and on the back of the rear seats is a hard plastic meaning it will wear well and it is also washable. This is perfect for pets, dirty work boots, winter fun equipment and all sorts of other items.
Quite often the boot of a vehicle like this is covered in carpet, which when wet can get stinky, and when pets are placed here their hairs get stuck to the carpet and can be a pain in the butt to get off. With the plastic covering in the back of the Matrix cleaning is as easy as a wet towel and a quick wipe.
On each side there are two grocery bag hooks and there is also a small amount of storage space under the floor. Unlike some hatches, the floor in the Matrix folds completely flat making for better storage possibilities, and the split-folding rear seats make seating and storage capabilities a cinch.
This version of the Matrix came with all-wheel-drive, which as mentioned earlier is perfect for the approaching weather, and there are no buttons or dials needed to turn the all-wheel-drive on and off. It is there all the time providing better grip which will come in very handy as of probably next week.
The Matrix is quite comfortable and 37 mpg in an all-wheel-drive vehicle is not bad at all.
Driving around town and on the highway, the Matrix needs no effort to drive. It is not a monster SUV with huge power, neither does it need the parking room and large turning circle of a big SUV, yet it does everything an SUV does for the normal SUV buyer, but is easier to drive, costs less and uses less fuel. It is also as or more versatile and can carry the same amount of passengers and luggage. So why the need for the big SUV?
Toyota has also included some safety options to make you feel better come winter, with antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution vehicle stability control, traction control and side-impact airbags on the top of the list.
For your listening pleasure there is satellite radio, an MP3 CD player and AUX input as well as power doors and mirrors.
All these and more make for a versatile and user-friendly vehicle whose popularity is sure to continue, especially with the falling of the first flakes of snow.
Toyota Matrix
5-door hatchback
4-speed manumatic
1.8 litre four cylinder
Horsepower 132 @ 6,000
Torque 128 @ 4,400
Mileage: 10.3 l/100 km 27 mpg City 7.7 l/100km 37 mpg Hwy
Price $26,075
