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2006 Toyota Matrix
by: Matthew C. Keegan, Tue Dec 6th
During the early part of this decade Toyota was examining itsvehicle line up and the decision was made to build a car toentice young people who were looking for something that wassmall, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla servedfaithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that spokeexcitement. The Corolla just wasn't that kind of a car andsomething radically different was needed. Enter the Matrix.Based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corollacan do: turn heads. Let's take a look at this sporty compact andsee how the 2006 model stacks up. In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the North American market.Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors - thePontiac Vibe is its twin - the Matrix is aimed toward budgetconscious young people who want a car that makes a statement. Tosave money, the Corolla frame was used, but the Matrix standssome 3 inches taller and is 8 inches shorter than its Toyotasibling. The roof line on the Matrix is completely different tooas it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving thecar somewhat of a wagon look to it. This rakish appearance iswhat gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an extra bit ofroom for people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and frontpassenger sit higher up, much like in a small SUV or as in a carlike Chrysler's PT Cruiser. With four doors and a rear liftgate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its sleek exterioreasily refutes that fact. Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a fourwheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on theCorolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Mated to a five speed manualtransmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For morepower, there is also a higher tuned version of the same enginedelivering 164hp. It gets paired with a six speed manualtransmission. Four wheel drive versions of the Matrix comeequipped with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which isoptional on 2WD models.
Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the car a motorist's dream. At30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front wheel drive version ofthe car produces some of the best results of any non-hybrid carsold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes 400 miletrips a possibility on just one tank of gas; this isparticularly good for the student who has to drive back andforth between college campus and home. Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produceda wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customize theirvehicles. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams,fog lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintablewindow covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessoriespitched to youth, who are the primary owners of the Matrix. MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the lineMatrix topping out at just under US$20K to about CDN$25K. For the entire North American market, Toyota sells nearly100,000 Matrix' per year. Not bad for a car whose origins arefairly simple but whose heart is truly sporty and youth minded. About the author:Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writerfor Auto Parts Canada, a wholesaler of fine Toyota parts and Toyota accessories for your Toyotatruck, van, SUV, or passenger car.
Mindcrest Hires US Experts to Support Rapid Growth
Mindcrest Inc., the recognized market leader in legal services outsourcing has hired four experienced U.S. lawyers and a training expert to keep up with the rapid growth expected in 2009. Three of these experts have relocated to India. With a current strength of 525 attorneys, Mindcrest is the largest provider of outsourced legal services. Mindcrest will add a 450 seat center in Mumbai in the first quarter of 2009. (PRWeb Dec 1, 2008)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/12/prweb1668934.htm ]]>
Conclusive Marketing Appoints Jan Rivenbark as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Growth Phase
New CEO Brings over 30 Years Experience as Senior Executive (PRWeb Dec 1, 2008)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/trigger/marketing/prweb1674514.htm ]]>
Automotive Components Using DuPont Materials Honored as the Most Innovative of 2008
The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division has named two automotive components that use DuPont engineering resins in the association's 2008 ''Most Innovative Uses of Plastics'' awards. (PRWeb Dec 1, 2008)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Plastics/Thermoplastics/prweb1690674.htm ]]>
Technology and Experience Give Purolator USA Customers the Edge in Cross Border and Intra-U.S. Shipping
Purolator USA has released a new technology system which, when combined with existing capabilities, will enhance the company's ability to provide rapid, cost effective logistics services. Purolator USA's heightened technological capability allows customers increased account visibility and greater options throughout the supply chain. (PRWeb Dec 1, 2008)
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Cross_Border/shipping/prweb1664264.htm ]]>
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