Assembled In: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

Model Line Up: Toyota Matrix; Matrix S; Matrix S AWD; Matrix XRS.

Model Tested: Toyota Matrix XRS.

Options Tested: navigation system with six-speaker radio; moonroof, all-weather guard package with rear heat ducts, intermittent rear wiper, heated mirrors.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix is a new, second-generation design developed in tandem with the Corolla sedan. In essence, the Matrix is the wagon/hatch version of the Corolla. In fact, the company refers to it as the Toyota Corolla Matrix. With edgier styling inside and out and four versions to choose from, the Matrix makes a sensible choice for many people.

Perhaps the oldest piece of hardware on the new Matrix is the all-wheel-drive system introduced on the RAV4 for the 2006 model year. Everything else is newer, making the Matrix an all-new car. The 1.8-liter engine is new. Even better news is the high-revving version that was poorly matched to the previous-generation Matrix has been replaced by a larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder from the Camry. Gearboxes, brakes, steering and safety systems have all been redone. The body work is all new, also, though the design is an evolutionary update of the previous version.

The new 2009 Toyota Matrix is bigger than the previous version, but Toyota hasn't lost sight of this being its smallest crossover vehicle. You can carry four big people or drop three seats and slide a short board inside; four doors make loading kids, dogs and miscellaneous cargo a cinch.

All run on regular unleaded fuel and rate at least 20 mpg in the city; the 2.4-liter upgrade engine pushes 30 mpg on the highway, while the smaller engine and five-speed manual, which are as much fun to drive as the big automatics, run mid 20s in the city and low 30s highway. Given Toyota's history we can't imagine they will require much in the way of expensive repairs or maintenance. Engines were a weak point on the previous-generation Matrix, so the 2009 represents a big upgrade.

Check out the Matrix if you want the reliable reputation of the Corolla with less visual boredom, if you need a urban runabout that's cheap to buy and run, or just because it's logically all you really need in a land of average speeds hovering in the mid-30-mph range. The Matrix doesn't stand out anywhere as much as it provides a useful, better than average package for any purpose short of pickup-sized building materials or a trip to the red carpet. In short, the new Toyota Matrix is a very sensible choice.

By price and hatchback design, the Matrix slots into multiple categories for cross-shoppers, including roomy compact cars such as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Subaru Impreza, and VW Golf; small vans and crossovers such as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson, Mazda5, Nissan Rogue; and the less-easily categorized Chevrolet HHR, Dodge Caliber, Scion xD, and Suzuki SX4.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix comes in three defined models, although we treat the Matrix S AWD (all-wheel drive) as a separate model.

The standard Toyota Matrix uses a 1.8-liter engine and five-speed manual gearbox and comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, AM/FM/CD stereo compatible with MP3/WMA files, input jack and XM satellite radio, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Optitron (electroluminescent) gauges with tachometer, power mirrors, intermittent wipers, engine immobilizer, and cargo cover.

Options include alloy wheels, six-speaker radio upgrade, power locks/windows, keyless entry, cruise control, moonroof, lighter, an all-weather package (heated mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, rear-seat heat ducts), electronic stability control, and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Matrix S comes with the 2.4-liter engine and five-speed gearbox. Standard features include the six-speaker radio, power windows/locks, keyless entry and intermittent rear wiper plus a 115-volt AC outlet and larger rear brakes. Options include a JBL sound system or navigation with real-time traffic (you can't have both), moonroof, rear spoiler, cruise control, electrochromic interior mirror w/compass, lighter, 17-inch alloy wheels, the all-weather package, electronic stability control and a five-speed automatic.

Matrix S AWD uses the 2.4-liter engine, a four-speed automatic and all-wheel drive; it also includes a fully independent rear suspension, larger rear brakes, and the all-weather package. Options on the all-wheel drive are similar to S, excepting the all-weather and five-speed automatic.

Matrix XRS models come with the 2.4-liter and five-speed manual, plus seat fabric upgrade, 215/45R18 tires on alloy wheels, front strut brace, electronic stability/traction control, three-spoke leather steering wheel, rear spoiler, fog lamps, and the independent rear suspension and big rear brakes. XRS options are limited to the JBL sound system or navigation, moonroof, cruise control, lighter, all-weather, and five-speed automatic transmission.

Safety features that come on all models include front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist, tire pressure monitors, and daytime running lights. Electronic stability control is standard on XRS and optional on others.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix is just slightly larger than its predecessor though it looks significantly larger. It's a fraction of an inch longer and lower than the previous model.

Three factors add to its visual size: First, the nose is sleeker, with lights that more closely parallel the Camry, S and XRS models have a deeper chin than before, and the grille opening sweeps cleanly up and outboard on the hood, becoming the base of the windshield pillar. The second contributor is the inch-wider rear track which carries more visual weight further aft. Finally, the C-pillar (the roof support behind the back door) is very thick and the side window has been removed, with just a sliver of curved glass at the end, leading into the hatch glass.

The longer, lower front end of S and XRS models employs outer black nacelles for fog lamp housings and the center section is dark to the bottom for a more aggressive look. The S and XRS also have different lower trim all around the body and the dark material that shows on the seams between the panels and main bodywork gives a hint of the add-on look, a situation more pronounced on light-color cars.

In profile the front side windows resemble a wine glass on its side; the upper side curved along its length and the lower side scoops downward, for a good view of the mirror without the mirror blocking any forward or side vision, and then begins the taper upward to the rear. Painted mirrors and door handles, lack of any side moldings, and just two pieces of glass keep visual clutter to a minimum.

Seventeen-inch wheels make the best of big wheel wells while the rear spoiler serves as a punctuation point to an otherwise near-hemispherical rear end, and auxiliary sunshade for rear-seat riders.

It's no stretch to consider Matrix the wagon or hatchback version of the Corolla, indeed the official name is Corolla Matrix. The Corolla is about seven inches longer and half that lower, excepting headroom has larger interior dimensions but a smaller trunk. The Matrix hatchback eases loading awkward objects, the upright stance gives a slightly better view of traffic, and it offers all-wheel drive and a rear wiper for inclement weather. Expect a Matirx to cost about $1,000 more than a similarly equipped Corolla.

The Toyota Matrix provides the economy-minded pricing and operation of a compact car with the practicality of a hatch. All-wheel drive is available, an important option for those who need it that not all competitors offer. One never feels something is missing or left out, especially with the addition of a navigation system, and the new styling won't be dated before the next version of Windows or iPhone.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent G.R. Whale filed this report after test driving all the various models of the Toyota Matrix in North Carolina.