Page 1 of 1

What the 09+ Matrix should have been designed like

Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:16 pm
by Whelan
I'm not a fan of the new one, it looks just un-appealing from every angle. And the visibility out the back must be 100 times worse. My 05 has practically no blind spots. But I'm surprised they went with the draped cloth over the table look (flowy paneling), instead of something like the Auris. It's sharper, looks more aggressive and appealing. Oh well, glad I don't own a new 09, even if it has a little more oomph in the AWD.Yes it's smaller than the Matrix, but they could have made it larger easily.

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 12:45 am
by Kincaid
That looks good! I have not warmed up to the new Matrix either. So, that's the Auris? That one of those "everywhere but here" cars?

Re: (Kincaid)

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:41 am
by Whelan
Yup sold everywhere but here. The new Matrix just really turned me off. I am a splitter in that I liked the 03-08 Matrix better than the Vibe, no I like the 09+ better than the new Matrix. The new Vibe is edgier and more creased like my older Matrix is. The new one just looks toyish and like it belongs in the Scion lineup. I peeked at the new Mazdaspeed 3 but I can't get over the big smiling lower fascia.But back to the Auris. It is based on the Corolla so there is no reason why the refresh Matrix couldn't have this design cue. Projector lamps and cleaner taillights. Here is a side profile, still looks great. Note this is a full hybrid concept, based on the current Auris for sale.

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 4:07 am
by Kincaid
That is nice. I've always liked the Yaris - sedan and hatch.I agree with you also about the direction Mazda is taking - the gaping grin of the new ones is a big turn off. FWIW, I've never liked the "smiling" cars, but prefer frowners like the current Mitsubishi Evolution.

Re: (Whelan)

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:33 am
by Kincaid
Quote, originally posted by Whelan »The new Matrix just really turned me off.Actually, I take back my comment in part. I do not like the more wild XRS, however, the base Matrix is not that bad.

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:39 am
by ou.grizzly
I can not handle small compact wagons... Yaris is SMALL... Really do not like the look of the front end either...

Re: What the 09+ Matrix should have been designed like (Whelan)

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:12 pm
by ajb812
Yeah, I just got an 09 Vibe GT myself, and like the styling a lot better then the new Matrix. It has a nicer and has a more aggressive look then the Matrix. Not too sure about that Auris though, not a big fan of the really small compacts myself. This looks kinda like a Yaris crossed with a Versa. I do like the projector headlights though!

Re: What the 09+ Matrix should have been designed like (ajb812)

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:59 pm
by Whelan
If Mazda only offered AWD in their 3 hatch I would have been a customer back in 06 when I got the Trix. I know in Europe projector styled lamps are pretty much the norm and are I believe the new law for headlamps there. Why we are so behind is beyond me. I'm still shocked that HIDs are an option on luxury cars like BMW and MB. That should be standard by now along with an mp3 adapter.I remember a time when A/C and a CD player were options, lol. Anyways, back to the Auris here. I'm pretty sure I won't be a Toyota customer next time, most likely I will be joining back to the American cars

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:26 am
by lovemyraffe
I agree that it has a bunch of blind spots, but I still like the look of the new Matrix.

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 3:57 am
by ramenboy...
i agree with the new design looking like a tablecloth draped over the table. not a fan of it... isn't that the toyota blade? or it was supposed to be called the blade at one point

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 4:06 am
by ramenboy...
http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...age=1found an older thread. i do like the latest pic from whelan better.