All About Japan Autos

With the number of affordable small cars and hatchbacks on the market steadily increasing, it’s not surprising that Toyota decided to refresh the Toyota Matrix for the 2011 model year. Toyota tweaked the Matrix’s interior and exterior and added interior features, but are these changes extensive enough to help the Matrix compete with the Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra Touring and Ford Fiesta.

“Let’s start off with what hasn’t changed — the powertrains,” says Kicking Tires. “The Matrix still comes with a standard 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated either to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. S trim vehicles still come with a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with either the same manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on the S trim. Gas mileage is rated the same at a maximum 26/32 mpg city/highway.”

While the engines have stayed the same, there have been a few exterior updates. In a press release, Toyota states, “The Matrix S, which features all-new front and rear bumpers in 2011, integrates front and rear underbody spoilers and a large mesh front fog lamp bezel.” Shoppers also have a new exterior color to choose from: Spruce Mica.

Toyota made more changes inside the Matrix. “Toyota appears to have paid the most attention to the 2011 Matrix’s interior,” says Automobile Magazine. “A number of trim changes were made in an effort to freshen the cabin. There are new seating fabrics, the audio unit has a new flush surface this year and there’s a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel. A Smart Stop Technology brake-override system is also standard.”

Few automotive journalists would disagree that the Matrix needed a refresh, but the main question is: Are these changes enough? The 2010 Matrix hung at the bottom of a class filled with affordable, utilitarian hatchbacks and wagons. With no changes to the engines, minor exterior updates and a higher base price – the 2011 Matrix starts at $18,545 – it seems unlikely that the Matrix will surpass the Honda Fit.

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