The new 09 Corolla/Matrix is pretty nice looking... The XRS model is back with a 158 hp 2.4 litre VVT-i (sans all wheel drive for the XRS) and seems to be setting its aim on the Mazda 3.
Upon review of the specs from the 09 Corolla and 08 Mazda 3 it seems that they are pretty similar...
However... it seems Mazda will fight the 09 Corolla with a little more juice.
The following is a rendering of the new 09 Mazda 3 (soon to be in production). The base engine (only available on the 4 door sedan) gets a few more horses up from around 150 depending on the year, and the 2.3 litre I previously owned will grow to a 2.5 and is speculated to have about a 20-30 hp increase. That would top it out at 180-190 hp in all the 5 door models and 4 door sedans in Touring and GT trim, if Mazda keeps the same engine configurations in their 4 and 5 door models.
Hopefully the price doesn't rise in direct correlation as the hp's...
The following is a rendering of the new 09 Mazda 3 (soon to be in production). The base engine (only available on the 4 door sedan) gets a few more horses up from around 150 depending on the year, and the 2.3 litre I previously owned will grow to a 2.5 and is speculated to have about a 20-30 hp increase. That would top it out at 180-190 hp in all the 5 door models and 4 door sedans in Touring and GT trim, if Mazda keeps the same engine configurations in their 4 and 5 door models.
Hopefully the price doesn't rise in direct correlation as the hp's...
I likie...
If priced similar to the 09 Corolla, I would argue that Toyota will still have some catching up to do to match the Mazda 3 in performance and style.
Despite its impressive levels of refinement, the 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS is not an athlete. Sure, the Matrix XRS is quicker and more agile than in years past, but it doesn't come close to matching the entertainment value of a Mazda3. - Edmunds.com
