Toyota Yaris 2012 Official Photos

Toyota has unveiled a pair οf official phοtοs with the 2012 Yaris, previewing both the exteriοr and interior οf their next generation cοmpact car. Based οn the automaker's claims, the 2012 Toyota Yaris will be cοmpact οutside and spacious insideand will οffer affordable multimedia connectivity thrοugh the new Tοuch & Go system which cοntains a 6.1-inch touch screen display that will fitted as standard οn 95 percent οf sales.

The engine lineup fοr the 2012 Toyota Yaris will cοntain three eco-friendly chοices, and these are represented by two petrοl VVT-i plants with a capacity οf 1.0-litre and 1.33-litre respectively, plus a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel.

The exact perfοrmance figures and emission levels remain unknοwn at this pοint. Production fοr the 2012 Toyota Yaris will take place at the Valenciennes plant in France, and the autοmaker specified that this new generatiοn uses higher quality materials, and a more driver-fοcused cοckpit.

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2012 Toyota Prius Selectable EV Mode Feature

 Toyota has been shοwing οff its plug-in hybrid Prius since it debuted in concept form at the 2009 Los Angeles Autο Shοw.

The Japanese autοmaker is getting ready tο deliver the 2012 production versiοn, and we just found οut that it will have some significant changes οver the prototype versiοns we have seen sο far. The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle bοasts twο unique features; a selectable EV driving mode, and the ability tο apply recaptured energy to the electric-οnly driving range.

The selectable EV driving mοde will be quite useful for trips requiring the use οf a highway or that cοver longer distances than simple in-tοwn errand running. This will allοw Prius PHEV drivers tο conserve energy fοr electric-only jaunts. A buttοn will allow you tο turn the EV mode οn or οff.

Any run-οf-the-mill Prius hybrid uses regeneration tο replenish the battery. In the protοptye PHEVs, no more energy can be recaptured and stοred fοr later use than the regular non-plug-in mοdel. That means there was no way tο extend EV-only range withοut plugging back in. On the productiοn version οf the Prius PHEV, the car will be able tο take advantage οf that regenerated energy, and extend the time the car can spend in EV mοde.

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2012 Toyota Camry "Best Selling Car In USA"

2012 Toyota Camry is the best car for you if you want an all-new version of the iconic car family. Toyota has marked its presence in almost all types of vehicles and new standards for the recovery of their models to meet the buyer. Toyota Camry Hybrid made ​​a mark for the first time in 1983 and became a successful car. Since the first of 2007 and after the Camry 2011 model, Camry now comes with new design in the 2012 Toyota Camry. New Camry 2012 is ready to take the edge of the competition Ford Fusion, Honda and Hyundai Sonata. 2012 Camry Hybrid is a four-door small car limousine interior is spacious and in a number of options from the base SE model is available, support from the LE and XLE models top models.

The 2012 Toyota Camry Camry will be completely redesigned the first since the 2007 model. It will remain, roomy front-wheel-drive four-door sedan medium but has a new style, extra features, and more efficient machine. Redesigned 2012 model kicks off the seventh generation Camry design, car design parlayed deceive the ordinary into the extraordinary appeal of the width.

Wait a 2012 Camry if you want to progress in features, fuel economy, and security that comes with all new designs. Waiting for 2012 Camry car styling means you will look at several years, and it will be worth more at resale than 2011 out of the Camry. Buy 2011 Camry if you need transportation noise value today and do not place a premium on the latest looks or technology. The 2011 Camry sedan is still a wonderful family. It comes with unintended-acceleration-mitigation Toyota modifications. And benefit from generous factory incentives may not be offered on 2012 models.

To preview the styling of Toyota Camry, 2012, look to the real theme of the Toyota Venza and re-engineered 2011 Toyota Avalon. Venza is Toyota's new era of crossover wagon. Avalon is basically a stretched version of the Camry sedan. Both have roots architectural design of medium-Toyota. Their ensemble-blade horizontal grille and swept back headlamps are very likely a rough preview of the front end of the 2012 Camry. 2012 Camry buttocks should reflect the elements introduced in 2011, which is flanked by Avalon sculpted form large taillamps that wrap into the rear fenders. Look for Camry 2012 for get some trendy "light-pipe" detail front and rear lighting. And hope the body that expands slightly lower the better shows road-hugging stance. Do not anticipate major changes in size four-door sedan or the general silhouette.

2012 Camry may be slightly wider than the outgoing model. But the overall length, it should remain at around mid-pack in the medium-car field. Toyota, however, tend to stretch the wheelbase of the 2012 Camry. Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles and a major factor in how much space you can devote to the automobile passenger compartment 2007-2011-generation Camry to achieve one of the cabins in the segment roomiest despite having one of the shortest wheelbases. Chalk that up inspired packaging. But given the opportunity to redesign the Camry, Toyota will probably make things a little easier on himself with a wheelbase a bit more, and that should translate into still more passenger leg room.

Toyota Camry 2012 will continue to deceive the field may be mechanically unadventurous - at least in terms of horsepower figures striking or cutting-edge design of the suspension. Indeed, talent Camry over-delivers on common specifications are the major reasons for the wide appeal: it has been selling U.S. passenger car for almost every year in the last decade. Camry geared up to achieve an impressive level of improvement. And given the modest aspirations, even the performance is commendable.

2012 Camry will maintain the front-wheel drive, which concentrates the mass of the engine and transmission in the car's nose. It's best to pack efficiently. And by concentrating the weight for a tire that is also pushing a car, aids traction in rain and snow. Front-wheel drive handling balance rarely match the rear wheels. But Camry is the purpose, easy-drive predictable nature. There is no reason to doubt the 2012 Camry will continue to meet that goal, even though Toyota will quiet some critics, if given a new car with more precise steering feel and put a little more muscle in suspension.

Under the hood, expect Toyota Camry to replace the outgoing 169-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 2.7 liter four was particularly strong in the Venza is available, there is, it is rated at 182 horsepower. Toyota will find it hard to fix the machines available Camry V-6,, plump smooth 3.5-liter continued to serve in a variety of vehicle manufacturers of cars, including some in the luxury Lexus line. Expect V-6 version to get back on Camry 2012 and continues to around 268 horsepower. 2012 Camry four-cylinder may again be offered with a six-speed manual transmission. They will certainly come back with a six-speed automatic, which accounts for the bulk of sales. Expect a six-speed automatic transmission back to being single for the V-6. Possible 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid is an open question. Combining the four-cylinder gas engine and electric motors powered by on-board self-charging battery system, the Camry Hybrid has been present steady but low-volume throughout the period of the sixth generation.

All 2012 Camry will be equipped with Toyota's latest safety features. These include systems that automatically cut the throttle if the override signal from the brake and accelerator are applied simultaneously. Also in place for 2012 will be the new Toyota Camry Star Safety System. Designed as a comprehensive tool for controlling the vehicle, integrating actions Toyota Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system to combat anti-slip side slides, anti-lock braking system (ABS) to enhance control in emergency stops, and traction control to reduce wheel spin on take-off.

Expect the 2012 Toyota Camry to proceed with various types of models that are very effective to penetrate almost all the layers of middle-car horizon. Again should begin with the equivalent 2011 model Camry CE, which sometimes refers to Toyota as a "Standard" or "basic" Camry. From there, the list of names 2012 Camry LE trim must ride through the most popular and high-level equivalent XLE today. Although not a big seller, Toyota may be looking to again have the sporty model in the lineup.

This role has been played by Camry SE, which featured increasingly tense suspension tuning and unique trim inside and out and is available with a V-6 or a 179-horsepower version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. If a 2012 Camry Hybrid longer part of the lineup basic level of equipment must be placed in between the LE and XLE. Standard features on all 2012 Toyota Camry will include air conditioning, height-adjustable driver's seat, tilt / telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. Split-folding rear seatbacks also have to go back to increase cargo flexibility, and Toyota could pull the features of the 2011 Avalon and Camry XLE complete with the rear seatbacks are lying to enhance passenger comfort.

Prices for 2012 Toyota Camry will not be announced until shortly before the car will be sold, but the base price range of around $ 20,300 - $ 29,900 is almost guaranteed. That's where most of the medium-car business is conducted and where the Camry has delivered great value. (All prices are basis of this study objectives include the cost of compulsory automobile manufacturer Toyota For 2011, the cost is $ 750 .. The cost can vary for Toyota purchased in the Southeast and Gulf states.)

If the lineup again, including 2012 Camry SE or a sporty model like hoping to start around $ 23,500 in four-cylinder engine / manual transmission form and range to about $ 27,000 with a V-6 and automatic. If the gasoline-electric model no longer part of the lineup, look for 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid prices start around $ 27,500.

Given the speed of the latest Camry redesigns, expect a seventh-generation Camry has a life cycle that includes six model years, from 2012 until 2016. This will likely receive a refresh for 2015 model year, get the style of small tweaks and updates may be mechanical. Life cycle which of course depends on a variety of conditions beyond the control of Toyota. But Camry is one of the company's signature product and the auto makers may not take the risk of falls is very much fast-moving competition by delaying repairs popular midsize sedan.

Whether the design will include a seventh-generation Camry Solara Toyota model or equivalent is open to conjecture. Solara comes as a two-door coupe or two-door convertible version of the Camry. It was dropped from the lineup after model year 2008 because of slow sales. Among the main rivals, only the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima coupe body style offered in addition to their sedan. There are no direct competitors is available as a convertible.

New Toyota Camry 2011

Toyota Camry 2011 show 17 of 21 midsize car at an affordable price. Selling car in America for eight consecutive years, the Toyota Camry's reputation damaged by a sensational recall Toyota unintended acceleration (see Toyota's recall page for details.) Buyers who are interested in a calmly Camry can be found, a comfortable coach comfortable, but we have seen reports quality problems with the 2011 Toyota Camry.

Americans know exactly what to expect from Toyota Camry for years. The 2011 Toyota Camry has a long list of virtues, but virtues which do not reflect reviewes impressive car. For fans of Toyota, Toyota Camry 2011 May chance to buy great, especially over the Toyota Camry has been deducted from the strong incentives represent the last few months.

Take the 2011 Toyota Camry, for example. Being a huge success, oddly enough, sometimes it can be somewhat unattractive. Camry car enthusiasts prefer to ignore the sarcastic comments that relate to the excitement factor of the washing machine. But the reality is that for every car guy (or gal) is in need of comfort from what they drive, there are hundreds of people who just want their cars to provide transportation is convenient, efficient and reliable. Camry has long excelled in this area, and the result is a midsize sedan Toyota became one of the top-selling car for most of the last quarter century.

Of course there is more than just a bland persona Camry. Camry engine choices including 2.5-liter inline-four polite strong and ultra-smooth 268-horsepower V6 is without question the best in the family sedan segment. Other strong points include Camry commendable level of comfort, a lot of convenience and luxury features, and top-notch safety scores. Whether you use it for daily commuting or family road trips across the country, the Camry is likely to satisfy.

Midsize sedan segment is arguably the most competitive in the automotive market, and thus the 2011 Camry has a number of worthy opponents who must battle for supremacy of the sales charts. Of course there is the age-old rivals, the Honda Accord, but now you can also consider the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima and Suzuki Kizashi. Although the 2011 Toyota Camry does not handle nearly as well as a sporty class immigrants - such as 6 and Altima - we suspect most buyers will not be too concerned.

The 2011 Toyota Camry four-door sedan is offered in four trim intermediate levels - basic, LE, SE and XLE. Base Camry comes only with four-cylinder engine, while the other trims offer a choice between four-cylinder and V6.

Camry base features 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, auto up / down windows for all four doors, six-speaker CD audio system with an additional input jack, tilt steering wheel-and-telescoping, cruise control, full power accessories and the backseat 60 / 40-split-folding. Camry LE adds keyless entry and eight-way power driver seat.

SE includes sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and special interior and exterior styling details. The luxurious XLE back into LE soft suspension settings and 16-inch wheels while providing JBL-branded system improved sound with in-dash CD changer and satellite radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity and music, automatic dual-zone climate control, power passenger seat, auto -dimming rearview mirror, rear seat reclining, a moonroof, wood-tone and accent, the V6 model, leather seats. Note that both the SE and XLE offers folding rear seat, though each has a center pass-through.

Most upgrades are offered on the XLE trim levels are lower as options. The other main option, depending on trim level, including sunroof, navigation system, keyless ignition and entry, and heated front seats.

All Camry is a front-wheel drive, and the standard engine on the base, LE and XLE trim levels are 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 169 hp. SE receive tweaked version of the same engine good for 179 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all four cylinders except for the Camry XLE, which comes only with a six-speed automatic. For the rest of the trim, automatic is optional. Estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with a manual, while highway mileage automatically dropped slightly to 32 mpg.

Optional on all models except the base Camry is a 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice. Thus equipped, the Camry can sprint to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds fleet, but still impressive fuel economy mpg at19/28/23.

In the base and LE models, the interior of the Camry is very easy and functional. Toyota's decades of experience in ergonomics shines through here - the main controls are large and logically placed, and the seat width to easily accommodate most body types. There are plenty of storage drawers, too. Ice-blue backlighting for audio and climate controls may seem a bit tacky, but do things turn a bit. SE adds sporty interior styling cues, while the XLE raise the bar with convincing faux wood accents and upscale features not usually seen in this segment - the back seat lying down. Trunk capacity for all models is 15 cubic feet.

In particular, build and materials quality is not up to the high standards set by the previous generation Camry. Some standard plastics, and supplies the panel is not exactly uniform. Camry interior is not bad by any means, but it is no longer above average for this segment.

2011 Toyota Venza "Vehicle Controversy"

Toyota Venza, 2009 to enter the market and new models at the same time, controversy. Before practices and functional properties to unite, then the Venza is actually always been a vehicle that has been through this controversy. In 2009, vehicle manufacturers who sell style and comfort combined with the versatility of an SUV. But it is the cross, taking into account their capabilities, size and ground clearance.

The 2011 Toyota Venza looks like a V-6 3.5 liter engine is based, Toyota is offering to supply 268 pounds of torque hp/246-pi. Also available online with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with lb.-ft. 246 182 hp and torque. Engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission engine tranny. It comes with front-wheel or full as well.

Venza sits higher than the Camry, the offer from Toyota, and can tow 3500 pounds. This vehicle combines high performance, comfort and performance, but do not have a specific reason. It is not so bad because the car buyer can customize the site Venza.

Style Council: Crossover SUV Engine: 2.7L I-4 3.5-liter V-6 Transmission: six-speed automatic model: FWD 2.7L, 2.7L AWD, FWD 3.5L, 3.5L 2011 Toyota Venza AWDWhat Newth keep the same team has in 2010. But then Venza Crossover does not have many new pieces of equipment in the last year or - iPod and USB standard, such as Bluetooth connectivity. The Venza is a greater height for better visibility and fuel economy mpg highway and 21 mpg ciudad/29.

Exterior Toyota Venza has a different grille and cargo crossover, but it is clear that the proportion of vehicles in the DNA (and 109.3 in wheelbase) with the Camry sedan. Venza includes 19-inch wheels as standard vehicles with 20-inch wheels optional.

The five-passenger Venza cabin is equipped with dual-zone air conditioning, power windows and locks, and six speakers. Glass sunroof, power seats, leather upholstery, navigation and rear seat DVD entertainment is optional for the Venza.

With the V-6, there are a lot of energy for heavy vehicles. This causes the Venza at 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and a quarter mile in 15 seconds flat out to 93.7 mph. Venza address bit steep, 20-inch wheels make travel more difficult (but still fun), and roll suspension when pressed.

Standard driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger seats in two rows side curtain and driver knee. Also standard on the Toyota Venza increases stability, traction control and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

EPA Fuel Economy

2.7L FWD: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway

2.7L AWD: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway

3.5L FWD: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway

3.5L AWD: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

You'll Like

Beautiful interior

Excellent ergonomics

Generous cargo space

Good fuel economy

You Do not Like

Underpowered four-cylinder

Rough ride with 20-inch wheels

Slightly numb steering

MSRP: $ 26.625 - $ 29.900

Invoice: $ 24.364 - $ 27.209

2015 Toyota Prius Design Study

As part of last year’s Toyota Design Internship, industrial designer Eric Leong produced this interesting take on the fourth-generation Toyota Prius for the year 2015.

By acknowledging that wind resistance is one of the key factors in improving vehicle economy, Leong’s Prius III hybrid is extremely slippery. Described by the designer as moving, “through [the wind], not into it”, this design study channels air over its surface through a series of vanes.

And there are some nice little design touches as well such as the wraparound glasshouse, one-piece windscreen and roof and the transparent wing mirror arms / turn indicators.

There’s something about this design study; it reminds me of ItalDesign’s concepts of the 1980s and 1990s. You can check out our gallery of images below or leave a comment if you wish.

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Toyota Mulling a Larger Hybrid Minivan than the Prius V with Seven Seats

The all-new Prius V five-seater minivan isn’t due to arrive in U.S. showrooms until this fall, yet Toyota is already looking into the development of a larger model capable of seating seven passengers as well as carrying their luggage, according to Bob Carter, Toyota Division general manager. The larger Prius won’t be based on the Japanese market Prius Alpha nor the European specification Prius+, both of which pack a retractable third row of seats into the Prius V’s cargo area.

Carter told Autoweek that while the company has not made a final decision yet, the concept of a true 7-seater Prius minivan for the North American market is “being seriously studied”. He added that the three-row Prius would have to be based on a dedicated platform and meet certain criteria such as feature an aerodynamic shape, be able to return at least 40mpg and have a strong value-price equation.
Another Toyota executive, corporate manager of product planning Ben Mitchell, confirmed that his team has put several proposals for new hybrid vehicles in different segments on the table, including that of a larger 7-seater Prius as well as hybrid versions of the Sienna minivan and Venza crossover.

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Toyota and Shell Build New Station in California

Toyota and Honda celebrated today the opening of the first hydrogen station in the U.S. fueled directly from an industrial hydrogen pipeline. Located near the headquarters of Toyota USA, in Torrance, California, the station is built on the company's land and is the result of a collaboration between Shell, Toyota, Air Products, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Department of Energy.
The station will provide hydrogen for the Toyota fuel cell hybrid demonstration program vehicles, as well as other manufacturers' fuel cell cars in the Los Angeles area.
“Building an extensive hydrogen re-fueling infrastructure is a critical step in the successful market launch of fuel cell vehicles,” said Chris Hostetter, vice president for product and strategic planning at Toyota USA. “We plan to bring a fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015, or sooner and the infrastructure must be in place to support our customers’ needs,”
Until then, other manufacturers that have fuel cell vehicles are free to use the station. Honda, for instance, celebrated the opening of the station by inviting users of its FCX Clarity model to fill up their tanks, with client Jon Spallino becoming the first retail fuel-cell vehicle customer to fill at the station. The FCX Clarity is available on a limited retail basis in Southern California with more than two dozen cars currently on the road.
"This is a positive step for our FCX Clarity customers and the industry as we continue to put vehicles on the road and demonstrate the real-world capabilities of Honda fuel-cell electric vehicle technology," said Elmer Hardy, senior manager at Honda USA.

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New Toyota Matrix 2011

The 2011 Matrix is due a minor styling facelift and its sporty and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models will likely get a new engine. The 2011 Matrix will remain basically a station wagon version of the 2011 Toyota Corolla compact sedan but with the additional benefit of available AWD. Toyota is phasing-in the installation of an electronic brake override designed to thwart sudden acceleration and every model-year 2011 Matrix will have the upgrade. Most 2010 models should have it as well.

Should you wait for the 2011 Toyota Matrix or buy a 2010 Toyota Matrix? Wait for the 2011 Matrix if you want the latest styling tweaks or you’re interested in a bit more power. Neither should be compelling enough, however, to pass up a great deal on a 2010 Matrix if you need a compact wagon now. Toyota’s extending generous cash-back and low-interest incentives as it tries to recover from sales lost during the sudden-acceleration recall. Obviously, verify with your dealer that any 2010 Matrix you’re considering has the brake-override system as well as the modified gas pedal and replacement driver’s-side floormat fitted as part of the recall.

With miles of style and attitude to spare — the 2011 Matrix is ready for whatever, whenever. With its low profile and wide track, Matrix has performance inspired styling backed up by the power beneath the hood.

The S Package—available on both Matrix and Matrix AWD—brings out Matrix's aggressively sporty attitude courtesy of 17" Aluminum Alloy Wheels with Wheel Locks, Sport Grille, Fog Lamps, Power Moonroof, Roof Mounted Spoiler, Chrome Exhaust Tip, Colored Mirrors, and Sport Front & Rear Fascia. The performance inspired XRS is set off by its newly redesigned Front Grille, Fascia and Rear Bumper in combination with Front and Rear Underbody Spoilers, Fog Lamps, 18" Aluminum Alloy Wheels, Scuff Plates, and XRS Badging.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix will likely receive slight modifications to its grille and front fascia, minor changes to its taillamps, and perhaps new wheel designs. . Revisions to passenger-compartment textures and graphics would be welcome, too. Otherwise, this 2011 Toyota will retain the shape and size the second-generation Matrix sported when it debuted as a 2009 mode. 

That means a slightly disheveled collection of arcs and angles on a vehicle that’s taller than the typical compact car but not as long overall. Matrix’s shape translates to great head room and lots of cargo space, though rear-seat knee clearance is modest. Newer arrivals to the category of hard-to-define mobility boxes tend to be less lengthy still, and taller, too. These include the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and, from Toyota’s own youth brand, the Scion xB. Matrix’s competitive set, however, is broad enough to include compact four-door hatchbacks like the Mazda 3 and true compact wagons, like the Hyundai Elantra Tourin.

None of these rivals offers AWD, though. Just 10 percent of Matrix buyers choose it over the standard front-wheel-drive, but having AWD available does qualify Matrix as a sensible on-road alternative to bulkier compact SUVs. One competitor the 2011 Matrix won’t have to contend with is the very vehicle more like it than any other: the Pontiac Vibe. A Matrix with different (and nicer-looking) sheet metal, the Vibe has been discontinued along with the Pontiac brand.

Every 2011 Toyota Matrix will have the brake-override system, which is designed to cut engine power if the accelerator and brake pedals are applied simultaneously. Toyota is poised to make some changes beneath the hood of the 2011 Corolla, and since Matrix shares the same selection of four-cylinder engines, it should receive similar treatment. 

The entry-level 2011 Matrix is likely to again be called the Matrix Standard and should carry on with a 132-horsepower 1.8-liter engine rated at 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque (Think of torque as the force that gets you moving, horsepower as the energy that sustains momentum.) However, the 2011 Toyota Matrix S and sporty 2011 Toyota Matrix XRS models are apt to exchange a 158-horsepower 2.4-liter for a 169-horsepower 2.5-liter. Already used in the midsize Toyota Camry, the 2.5-liter would have only marginally more torque than the 2.4, 167 pound-feet to 162. But the 2.5 is a newer design that should deliver better gas mileage. Fuel economy would further improve if Toyota upgrades the automatic transmission available in the Matrix S and XRS models, from a five-speed to a more efficient six-speed, as in the Camry. 

The automatic used in the 2011 Matrix with the 1.8-liter engine will almost certainly remain a four-speed, for cost-savings. All these models will likely continue with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. They’ll also come with front-wheel drive, which places the weight of the engine over the driven wheels to the benefit of traction in wet conditions. AWD is an alternative exclusive to the Matrix S model. Not intended for off-road use, the system is designed to maximize traction on wet or snowy pavement. It automatically reapportions power to the rear wheels when the fronts begin to slip, then reverts to front-wheel drive when grip is restored. A four-speed automatic has been the only transmission available on AWD Matrix S models. 

Toyota will need to determine if fuel-efficiency gains would offset the added cost of any 2011 Matrix powertrain revisions. But upgrades would help performance, too. Currently, the Standard model can feel slightly underpowered and driving a Matrix really is entertaining only when you combine the XRS with manual transmission. Toyota already enhanced Matrix’s safety equipment for model-year 2010, making an antiskid system – also known as stability control -- standard on every model, not just the XRS.

Toyota will not announce 2011 Matrix prices until shortly before the car goes on sale. But even with a new engine and possible new transmissions, 2011 Matrix prices won’t climb much above model-year 2010 levels. (Base-price estimates in this review take into account the manufacturer’s mandated destination fee. Toyota’s fee for factory-delivered cars was $750 for model-year 2011; Toyotas in some southeastern states are delivered by independent distributors and may carry different destination fees.)

The best-selling model in the 2011 Matrix line should again be the Standard. Estimated base price for the 2011 Toyota Matrix Standard is $17,450 with the five-speed manual transmission and $18,260 with the four-speed automatic.

Expect 2011 Toyota Matrix S pricing to start around $19,500 with manual transmission, $20,700 with automatic. Power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a household-type power outlet, and a leather-covered steering wheel with audio controls should again be among S-model upgrades over the Matrix Standard. Estimated base price for the Toyota Matrix S AWD is around $21,800.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix XRS prices would start at an estimated $21,840 with manual transmission, $23,100 with automatic. Positioned as the sportiest Matrix, the XRS has included 18-inch tires instead of its stable mates’ 16s or 17s. And the XRS and the AWD S are the only Matrix models with a handling-oriented independent rear suspension instead of a budget-conscious torsion-beam setup.

Returning as key options for the 2011 Matrix should be a Power Package that brings the Standard model close to S-level equipment for around $1,000. Toyota could decide to add cruise control to the 2011 Matrix Standard or S model instead of charging $250 extra as it did for model-year 2010. A power sunroof should continue as an option on all 2011 Matrix models for around $900. The navigation system will probably again be confined to Matrix S and XRS models, where it has been available for about $1,800 and $1,300, respectively.

Mileage estimates for the 2011 Matrix had not been announced in time for this review. But with no expected change in powertrain the 2011 Toyota Matrix Standard’s fuel-economy rating should remain 26/32 mpg city/highway with manual transmission, 25/31 with automatic.

If the 2011 Toyota Matrix S and XRS get the larger engine and it’s coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission instead of a five-speed, expect these models to squeeze out another mile per gallon or two in both city and highway driving compared to their 2010 counterparts, which were rated at 21/29 mpg city/highway. Similarly, an engine and transmission change to the 2011 Matrix S AWD would better its chances of improving the 2010 version’s rating of 20/26 mpg.

Manual transmissions account for a miniscule percentage of Matrix sales but the prospect of improving overall fuel-economy averages could drive Toyota to upgrade from a five-speed manual to a six-speed for the 2011 Matrix S and XRS. That would improve their chances of beating the 2010 versions’ rating of 21/28 mpg.