The engine was what I think of as a typical Toyota unit; four cylinders, fuel injection, low emissions (excuse you), Variable Valve Timing with

Any way you slice it, the Matrix is a heckuva package. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

Intelligence (VVT-i), and an excusable 118-horsepower generating 115 lb-ft of torque. Granted, the horsepower is at the lower end of the Toyota scale, or any scale above the subcompact class for that matter, so I sometimes felt like I was swimming against a strong tide, but so far my calculations put average fuel consumption at 7.3 L/100 km. I could definitely live with that.

I could also start the debate of how to classify it - wagon, five-door, or crossover - but I don't really care what you call it. Any way you slice it, it's a heckuva package. Seating for five, ample storage, solid styling, affordable reliability and that peace of mind that comes with owning any Toyota.

The interior is modern and stylish, the dash covered in forgettable grey

Another high point is the highly visible Optitron backlit gauge cluster, deep set in their chrome-trimmed wells. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

plastic, but the centre console was detailed in this cool plastic with a kind of sparkly satin-metallic effect. Another high point is the highly visible Optitron backlit gauge cluster, deep set in their chrome-trimmed wells. The deepness shelters the faces from glare, making everything easily defined at a glance.

Everything else is straightforward, simple three-knob HVAC controls, large-print, big-buttoned stereo controls and round black vents that split and flip open when you push the top. The only thing I had trouble finding was the gas flap release - it was under the seat, next to the door - is it just me or is that weird? (It's just you Jonathan, Ed.) I found it eventually, so that shouldn't ever be a problem again.