An S model with 17's in Radiant Red, Ash interior. 5 Spd auto tranny. Overall the car was really quite similar in feel to my current 03 on the inside, I checked out the tilt and telescope and thought this will probably help out those that are reach impaired, but I drove it in the same position I drive mine in, tilt all the way up and telescope in. I have never really been onboard with Toyota's type of tilt and its no different with the 09. The dash layout also has a familiar feel to it even tho its all new, The little oval part of the instument cluster, that has been a point of contention with alot of people, really does fit when you are driving it and it took no time in adjusting to it, it has the temp and gear selection in it. The center stack is laid out nice with the HVAC controls and are easy to operate. The sound controls on the steering wheel are great and am glad they have incorperated this into the Matrix, I don't like that the clock is seperate from the stereo and eyes off the road low . I like the new overhead compartment. The sunroof no longer has the halfway stop in it, but I didn't really care for the controls, now they are like the window cotrols which I like but because they are overhead they are like opposite of the window controls, I'm sure this would work itself out in ownership and new to the Matrix, owners probably wouldn't have this issue.
I didn't really like the look of the Ash interior, it has this weird multi color effect that apears to look like the interior is stained. I really like the Dark Charcoal in the XRS and would choose it for the interior.
I only drove it for about 5 miles but its a loop I use when test driving that has a mix of most road conditions in it. The first section is a mile and 1/2 stretch of highway that from the stoplight I was able to get on it and quickly get up to speed, letting the tranny shift itself and the shifts were pretty smooth at full throttle up to 65, a dime over the posted limit. I was actually surprised at how well it accelerated, actually felt some torque and it pulled straight and the power was very linear, no real falloff when shifting. From there I pull a u turn and and nail it again, this time getting a decent amount of wheel spin and I started shifting manually (I love this feature) I came to a stop sign and nothing really new there, even tho its 4wdisc, stopping felt the same as mine. I let it rev to 2k setting with the brake on and then nail it again, this time got some really good wheel spin with the audible squeel, I was seriously thinking about now, that I could probably E-brake it and get the tires to light up relatively easy The rest of the loop is comprised of some left and right switch backs that each turn is different and have to be taken at different speed and one basically taken at rolling stop speed, this car also had the factory STB, then a short straight and back to the dealership.
I can't say that I was overly impressed with the new powerplant but definately pleasantly surprised, I'd like to run it against mine and see what happens.
The salesman was really spot on with his info and that really impressed me, no BS.
The dealership( Rick Collins Toyota/Scion )has 7 Trix's on the lot 3 Classic Silver all S trim, 2 with Hubby's and 1 with the 16' Alloy's, 2 Radiant also in S trim, with 17's, a Black Sand Base and a Magnetic Gray XRS with 18's in the Showroom (damnit)
I have enjoyed owning my car now, for almost 6 years and If I was gonna buy another I'd buy an 09 Sundance or Magnetic, probably in S trim but would have to drive an XRS to feel the difference with the IRS, before making a decission.
Here is a pic of the three Silver S's and a side by side of an 08 and 09.
