| 2006 Toyota Matrix: Value Meets Fun |
23 Nov |
During the early part of this decade Toyota was examining its vehicle line up and the decision was made to build a car to entice young people who were looking for something that was small, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasnt that kind of a car and something radically different was needed. Enter the Matrix. Based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do: turn heads. Lets take a look at this sporty compact and see how the 2006 model stacks up.
In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the North American market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors the Pontiac Vibe is its twin the Matrix is aimed toward budget conscious young people who want a car that makes a statement. To save money, the Corolla frame was used, but the Matrix stands some 3 inches taller and is 8 inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is completely different too as it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving the car somewhat of a wagon look to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an extra bit of room for people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, much like in a small SUV or as in a car like Chryslers PT Cruiser. With four doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its sleek exterior easily refutes that fact.
Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a four wheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Mated to a five speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more power, there is also a higher tuned version of the same engine delivering 164hp. It gets paired with a six speed manual transmission. Four wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.
Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the car a motorists dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front wheel drive version of the car produces some of the best results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a possibility on just one tank of gas; this is particularly good for the student who has to drive back and forth between college campus and home.
Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customize their vehicles. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessories pitched to youth, who are the primary owners of the Matrix.
MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at just under US$20K to about CDN$25K.
For the entire North American market, Toyota sells nearly 100,000 Matrix per year. Not bad for a car whose origins are fairly simple but whose heart is truly sporty and youth minded.
Tags: 2003 Matrix, 2006 Toyota Matrix, Corolla, Cylinder Engine, Enter The Matrix, Excitement, Four Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive, General Motors, Joint Venture, Liter, Manual Transmission, Matrix 3, Motorists, Pontiac, Pontiac Vibe, Pt Cruiser, Sibling, Stacks, Toyota MatrixRelated posts
read comments (0)| 2006 Audi A3: Heading Towards the American Market |
17 Nov |
The 2006 Audi A3 has revolutionized the automobile industry. It has made its own set of standards as per its class. It provides appeal, personality, dynamism, ambition, and ambience. And that is all in one vehicle. When Audi was creating this vehicle, it was a crucial moment for them. The company had created the 2006 Audi A3 so as to seek the niche and claim equality with its rivals from Bavaria and Stuttgart. This time, the 2006 Audi A3 will make its way to the United States automobile market.
This new vehicle from Audi provides a responsive and adjustable ride that is very much like the BMW Compact. The 2006 Audi A3 has been specially crafted so as to provide tactile qualities for its major controls. Like its throttle pedal as an example. The Audi A3s throttle pedal now pivots, just like a BMW, from the floor. The brake has also been ideally positioned so as to provide great heel and toe control. The long throw gearshift of the old Audi A3 has been replaced and discarded for a unit that is faster and is more positive. New for the vehicle is an electromechanical steering and it varies it assistance as per the vehicles speed.
The European predecessor of the Audi A3 had soft curves. This new one has been given a harder edge. It sports a stronger and a more boastful demeanor. It has high set shoulder lines that gives the Audi A3 a more hunched and determined stance. It is less elegant than its older sibling however it sports and exudes more power. In order to provide more cabin space, this vehicle has had its shape expanded. The wheelbase welcomed in an additional 2.5 inches. It also is 1.1 inches wider than before. Every passenger is given luxury and comfort inside its spacious and roomy interior. The chairs also are comfortable and provide utmost support. The atmosphere inside the cabin simply provides premium quality. This is given more emphasis as Audi had also given the Audi A3 round air vents and easy to use air conditioning controls.
The 2006 Audi A3 has been bequeathed and bestowed with features that include power outside mirrors with defoger, a power rear window wiper, side indicator lights mounted in its front fenders, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) with vacuum power assist, Sideguard head protection airbags for its front and rear passengers, power central locking system with safety unlock feature, the LATCH system, child safety rear door locks, manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats with active head restraints, power sport driver seat and manually adjustable sport front passenger seat, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, cloth seat upholstery, leather seating surfaces, a 4-spoke steering wheel, electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features, and illuminated glove box, rear cargo area, lighter and ashtray, power windows with power retention.
The new 2006 Audi A3s total package of design and performance puts it at the head of its own class. Maintaining the Audi A3s performance can be well taken cared of by superior Audi auto parts from Auto Accessories Giant. Auto Accessories Giants extensive array of maximum quality Audi accessories are available 24 hours a day.
Tags: 2006 Audi A3, Air Vents, Ambience, Audi A3, Automobile Industry, Automobile Market, Bavaria, Bmw Compact, Cabin Space, Crucial Moment, Demeanor, Dynamism, Gearshift, Roomy Interior, Shoulder Lines, Sibling, Soft Curves, Tactile Qualities, Utmost Support, WheelbaseRelated posts
