AWD? ABS? Wha?

[bkftl]

Hi there, i was just driving around and i saw a toyota matrix with AWD? I did not know it could come with that, its REALY crappy weather around here right now, so unless car has AWD 4WD or ABS people dont seem to drive em in winter. But this one matrix i saw was flying in the snow, and tailgating other cars...

Which models of Matrix, come with AWD and ABS?
What type of engine does it come with?
What type of manual transmissions can it have? 5 6 speed? Any differance there?
What a hell does Xs or whatver is on the back of the car mean? is that the model type? Engine type?
Does it handle well in SNOW? It looks a bit light.

Thanks!

[Gumby1800]

Originally Posted by bkftl

Hi there, i was just driving around and i saw a toyota matrix with AWD? I did not know it could come with that, its REALY crappy weather around here right now, so unless car has AWD 4WD or ABS people dont seem to drive em in winter. But this one matrix i saw was flying in the snow, and tailgating other cars...

Which models of Matrix, come with AWD and ABS?
What type of engine does it come with?
What type of manual transmissions can it have? 5 6 speed? Any differance there?
What a hell does Xs or whatver is on the back of the car mean? is that the model type? Engine type?
Does it handle well in SNOW? It looks a bit light.

Thanks!

I believe that in Canada, where we are offered fewer models, the only AWD Matrix available is the XR version, which I have and enjoy year 'round.
It is only available with 4 Speed Automatic.
It comes standard with ABS, Traction Control and Stability Control.
The only engine available is the 2.4 litre (formerly Camry Engine) with close to 160 horses and bags of torque.

The engine is powerful and the car is quick, but don't expect great mileage.
The AWD really shines when you replace the low profile all-season tires with winter ice/snows on all four corners.
I don't miss my Pathfinder in the winter at all.
This car will beat most 2WD cars off the line in snow or wet pavement.
Even with the automatic it is still fun to throw up rooster tails with all four wheels as you run circles around other snow-bound vehicles.

Hope this helps!

[fishexpo101]

In the US - the 2nd gen AWD Matrix is only available in the S-trim model (2.4L 2AZ-FE engine). The previous generation, it was available in only the XR trim variant (1.8L 1ZZ-FE engine). As mentioned by Gumby1800 - they are only available with the 4-speed automatic transaxles.

Not a true full-time AWD system, like the Subaru Impreza AWD competitor - the Matrix favors sending the power to the FWD (acts like a normal FWD Matrix), until the fronts slips, then it sends power to the rear wheels. In most cases, especially coupled with a dedicated set of snow/ice tires, will be enough to get you where you need to go.