09 Matrix XRS previewed in new Car and Driver

[jmpnjoe86]

Just got the January issue of Car and Driver and they had a preview test of the new Matrix XRS. They generally liked it - "…well screwed together, has a roomy, make-sense interior and very nice instruments and controls, and, with the optional navigation system, is fairly upmarket…" They describe the handling as "reasonably crisp" and the ride "smooth except when the low-profile tires [215/45R18s] dived into a pothole". They estimate 0-60 at 7.7 seconds, a little faster than Toyota's estimate of 8.1 but slower than their tested '03 XRS (7.5).There's also a small blurb (with photo) of the '09 Vibe in the "Upfront" section but they (mistakenly) say that the GT and AWD engine is a 159-hp 1.8 rather than a 2.4 (the Matrix article correctly states 2.4).

[jmpnjoe86]

A couple more of their comments: The new independent rear suspension on the XRS doesn't make much of a difference in the ride/handling and they feel the electric power steering ranges from numb to very numb (depending on the model).

[slowpro]

I take those articles with a graing of salt. I read the same thing, and the numb steering feel is offset by the benefits of electronic steering; no power steering fluid to polute the earth, no parasidic loss due to a power steering pump. I can't wait to go for a test drive, I'll let you know how it really goes.