THE 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX INCLUDES TRD SPECIAL EDITION

THE 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX INCLUDES TRD SPECIAL EDITION

July 9, 2007 (TORONTO, Ontario)   – Toyota Canada introduced the 2008 Toyota Matrix in two trim levels and several special options packages, including the return of the edgy TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Special Edition package.

“The Canadian-built Toyota Matrix is noted for its flexible crossover design - one that drivers across the country have embraced for its winning combination of fun and functionality,” said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. “Again this year, we have worked with our colleagues at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario to develop a TRD Special Edition package that delivers fantastic style and performance.”

For 2008, Toyota's popular crossover comes in two trim levels, including the Matrix Base FWD and Matrix XR FWD. Both feature front wheel drive and a choice of transmissions, and may be enhanced with one of several performance, comfort and convenience boosting packages. Buyers have the option to customize their Matrix by using the Vehicle Configurator on Toyota Canada's website (www.toyota.ca) or in any Toyota dealership across Canada.

The 2008 Toyota Matrix Base FWD includes many standard options that are often available only as options or at higher trim levels in the segment, such as:

• AM/FM Stereo/Compact Disc audio system with four speakers
  
• Rear seat heater ducts
  
• Optitron electronic gauges including tachometer, outside temperature gauge, dual trip odometer and digital clock
  
• Dual vanity mirrors
  
• Side window defoggers
  
• Tonneau cover
  
• Interior chrome trim and metallic dash accents
  
• Tilt steering column
  
• Front and rear cupholders
  
• Accessory power outlets
  
• Tinted glass
  
• Intermittent wipers
  
• Halogen headlamps
  
• Chrome tail pipe
  
  

The Matrix XR FWD is loaded with many comfort, convenience and style features:

• Air conditioning with cabin air filter
  
• Power door locks and illuminated entry
  
• Power windows with driver's side auto down feature
  
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel (and leather shift knob on models equipped with an automatic transmission)
  
• Cruise control
  
• Keyless entry with hatch release
  
• Map lights
  
• 16” aluminum alloy wheels with wheel locks
  
• Power mirrors
  
• Colour-keyed side skirts, door handles, and mirrors
  
• Chrome tail pipe
  

The 2008 Toyota Matrix is in dealerships now. The Matrix Base FWD carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $17,200, with the optional TRD Special Edition listed at a suggested starting price of $21,415. The suggested price for the Matrix XR FWD starts at $21,465.



2008 TOYOTA MATRIX – PRODUCT DETAIL

A SPORTY, CAPABLE AND VERSATILE VEHICLE
The 2008 Matrix features Toyota's proven 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, 16 valves, and variable valve timing with intelligence. This engine features sequential multiport electronic fuel injection, plus heavy duty battery, starter, alternator and heater for performance and reliability, and produces up to 126 HP @ 6,000 RPM and up to 122 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 RPM.

All models feature a five-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, rated at 8.0L/100km in the city and 6.0L/100km on the highway. Both the Matrix Base FWD and Matrix XR FWD are also available with four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) with overdrive and lock-up torque converter. This transmission is rated at 8.3L/100km city and 6.3L/100km highway.

Inside, the Matrix features a unique interior that is both roomy and functional. With seating for five and a 60/40 split rear fold-down seat to create a cargo capacity of 15.1 cubic feet, the Matrix offers true versatility for Canadian drivers. The Matrix features a specially designed sliding track cargo system integrated into the rear floor, split rear seatbacks, a front passenger seat that folds completely flat, eight steel tie down rings and additional tie-down hooks on the load floor. The rear glass hatch opens separately from the main cargo hatch for convenient loading.

PACKAGES PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COMFORT AND STYLE
To the already well-equipped Matrix Base FWD, the available “B” option package adds:

• Special 16” aluminum alloy wheels with wheel locks
  
• Power door locks (shifter activation available on automatic transmission)
  
• Keyless entry with hatch release
  
• Air conditioning including a cabin air filter
  
• Illuminated entry
  

The Toyota Matrix TRD Special Edition adds many performance, comfort and styling features to the “B” option package contents of the Matrix Base FWD, such as:

• Special 17” alloy wheels
  
• Painted front disc brake callipers
  
• A 200-watt Panasonic AM/FM/CD system with MP3 player
  
• Rear bumper protector
  
• Fog lamps
  
• Power remote mirrors
  
• Colour-keyed rear spoiler, mirrors, door handles, and side skirts
  
• Chrome scuff plates
  
• TRD decals, exhaust tip and interior trim accents
  

To the standard contents of the Matrix XR FWD, an available “B” option package adds all-season P215/50R17 tires and 17” aluminum alloy wheels, an antilock braking system (ABS), a power moonroof, fog lamps and tire pressure monitoring system.

SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND
Standard safety systems in the Matrix include dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, and three-point lap and shoulder belts in all five seating positions, with front belt pre-tensioners and force limiters and adjustable shoulder belt anchors on the B pillars. Meantime, the Matrix keeps younger occupants safe with child restraint seat anchor points and child protector rear door locks.

Matrix is provided with Toyota's no deductible, no transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for 3 years/60,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for 5 years/100,000 kilometres, major emission control components for 8 years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for 5 years with unlimited distance.