Familiar cockpit
Once you set afoot in the new Matrix, you'll realize that it looks a lot like the old one. The circular air vents, the silver-painted trim panels that get scratched as easily and the shift lever that pops out of the centre stack are easily recognizable. However, the appearance of the dashboard plastic seems richer.

As for interior space, it's the same refrain; we benefit from an appreciable amount of space in front and in back, and the high roof is a clear advantage when you have young children, and that you have to bend into the car to fasten their seat belts.

Once you set afoot in the new Matrix, you'll realize that it looks a lot like the old one.

If there's an element that has seemed to lose ground compared to the old Matrix, it's the cargo capacity. The hatch opening is narrower, and the cargo hold is a little smaller because of the curve of the roof pillars. I had to use a tape measure to verify this, however, and I'm talking about an inch here and there.

The "tuning" look
My colleagues at the office ask me what I'm driving this week, and when I tell them that I have the 2009 Matrix XRS, one work buddy answered: "Oh, you mean that tuning thing that's in the parking lot?" Um, yes. Being mustard yellow, it's pretty hard to miss...

The new Matrix now has wide rear pillars, which hamper visibility. That's too bad, because the previous model offered a bigger glass surface.

And just like the old Matrix XRS, its appearance is highlighted by aerodynamic add-ons to distinguish it from the base model. The result is a car that seems to have been designed for a younger generation. In short, the look is sporty but not sport.

Competition
The Matrix XRS is priced at $25,220, which is rather high, but it comes with a comprehensive list of equipment. This version includes a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, wheel-mounted audio controls and a sound system that can read MP3 files and that includes XM satellite radio.

Here's a look at the XRS' rivals:

Chevrolet HHR LT 1SC with options, 172 hp, $27,090
Dodge Caliber R/T with options, 172 hp, $24,545
Mazda5 GT, 153 hp, $24,815
Pontiac Vibe GT with sunroof, 158 hp, $26,095
Saturn Astra XR 5-door with options, 138 hp, $23,555
Suzuki SX4 JLX AWD, 143 hp, $22,695

We could also consider the Jeep Compass and Kia Rondo, but they don't offer any sporty version that directly rivals the Matrix XRS.

The XRS appearance is highlighted by aerodynamic add-ons to distinguish it from the base model.