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Team player: Matrix gives Toyota a reliable compact hatchback

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By David Mikesell , Test Drive Updated 3:15 PM Friday, September 11, 2009

Toyota doesn’t go for the home run with all of its products. One thing the consumer can count on, though, is that the Japanese automaker will consistently knock out a series of doubles.

To translate the baseball metaphors, Toyota is going to be reliable. Take the redesigned Matrix. This isn’t some kind of thrill ride but it is the perfect get-about  town or open-road vehicle. The 2009 Matrix, like its predecessors, is the hatchback counterpart to the Toyota Corolla sedan and also has a cousin in the Pontiac Vibe.

The Matrix comes in three trims — Standard, S and sporty XRS. There are two 4-cylinder engines, a 1.8-liter with 132 horsepower and a 2.4-liter with  158 hp. We drove the midlevel  S version with the larger engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Starting price for the S is $19,550 with the other trims ranging from $16,290 to $21,950.

This is a front-wheel drive car, although all-wheel drive is available.

Befitting the price range, the interior of the Matrix supplies more function than luxury.

There’s plenty of hard plastic along the dash, but the controls and buttons are large enough and easily within reach. The seats are firm but roomy, with the fabric upholstery perhaps not feeling plush, but the sense is it would be easy to clean.

Our test car came with an optional vehicle stability control system and traction control for $250, which is a fair price. Antilock brakes are standard.

Transporting even messy cargo is possible with the hard-plastic rear bay. There is 19.8 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seat; When that split/folding seat is down, there is 61.5 cubic feet available for stuff.

The Toyota Matrix may not provide automotive flair, but its day-to-day value is part of its appeal.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.

2009 Toyota Matrix S

PRICE $19,550

AS-TESTED PRICE - $21,654

MILEAGE - 29 MPG (HWY); 21 MPG (CITY)

ENGINE - 2.4-LITER 4-CYLINDER

HORSEPOWER - 158

HOW MANY IT CAN FIT - 5

ANTILOCK BRAKES - YES

ANTISKID SYSTEM - OPTIONAL

CUPHOLDERS - 4