Three Toyota posts in a row. Maybe I’m just missing driving a Toyota. Anyway, on to the news.

The Toyota Matrix is the Japanese auto-maker’s offering for those looking for compact hatch. And since hatches are quite hot for the past year, that means the Matrix faces some stiff competition in this segment with the likes of the Mazda3 and even the hatch Ford Focus. So what has the Matrix got to offer?

The all-new 2009 model was made with the thought of blending the functionality of an SUV, the style of a sporty hatch at the price of a subcompact sedan. We’ve seen it unveiled in last year’s SEMA show but it will only hit showrooms after Valentine’s Day on Feb. 15.

The Matrix would come in three different trim level The Standard will be equipped with the 1.8L 2ZR-FE (132 hp) while the S and XRS trime levels will find 2.4L 2AZ-FE (158hp) engines under their hoods. The Standard would come in either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The S and XRS will come either in manual or 5-speed auto. Both engines are equipped with Toyota’s VVT-i technology.

Definitely, as a marketing ploy, dealerships can offer you a whole lot of options starting from entertainment packages to power mechanisms. ABS and traction control are standard.

Source: Toyota