Toyota Matrix Next Gen to Look and Feel Like Mazda3

With a replacement due in 2008, Automotive News is reporting the Matrix replacement will take visual and feel inspiration from the Mazda3.

The US Trademark office show the Toyota recently registered the Blade name and sources indicate that it will replace the Matrix.

The new Blade will be a Corolla-based hatchback and possibly sport a 158 hp 2.4 liter engine.

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Matthew1 - 2/13/2007 3:01:01 PM

-1 Boost

"will take visual and feel inspiration from the Mazda3"

Then why not just buy the Mazda 3? Anyway, the Mazda 3 is hardly the class leader, so Toyota in its infinite wisdom, isn't setting itself very high.

Also it shows Toyota still has the appropriation bug, now just one step further, incorporating 'feel' onto the list of things it doesn't know how to create itself.

JRobUSC - 2/13/2007 3:46:34 PM

+3 Boost

actually the Mazda3 is pretty generally considered the benchmark for the class, it has won virtually every comparison test it's been put in. It might not sell in the quantities the Civic and Corolla/Matrix do but that's because Mazda is a smaller, niche company. Even the brand new Civic came in behind the two year old Mazda 3 in the magazines and on Edmunds.

1970toyotamarc - 2/13/2007 3:18:21 PM

0 Boost

Well since the current Mazda3 took its cues from the current Matrix, I guess Toyota is just returning the favor. I love my Matrix XRS, but when the 3 came out, it took the sport hatch/crossover/wagon to the next level. Previously Mazda had been making do with the lacklustre Protege5. This market segment is not just subcompacts with a hatch. Toyota knew this when it debuted the Matrix, and Mazda copied that example. Toyota needs to step up their game again with the next gen, and be assured they will. That in no way means it will look or feel like the next 3.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/13/2007 5:56:05 PM

+1 Boost

Not really. No offense, but the Matrix looks incredibly old (like the Corolla), and this replacement isn't a minute too soon. The 3 doesn't really look like it at all. They may be of similar bodystyle (3 hatch), but that's as far as it goes.

TruenoAE86 - 2/14/2007 6:29:44 PM

+3 Boost

Mazda didn't get the styling cues from the Matrix for the Mazda 3. In fact, the chief designer of the Mazda 3 got the inspiration (or should we say copied) from Peugeot and Alfa....

"Design chief Hideki Suzuki cites the Peugeot 307 and Alfa Romeo 147 as inspiration sources for the car's New Age look." <- published on Car and Driver

http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/7566/mazda-3.html

DiamondJim - 2/14/2007 7:30:12 AM

-1 Boost

i remember 001 calling the mazda 3 80% of a BMW it might be best for you to do search before you say silly things. 80% of a BMW is freaking awesome!

truckmen - 2/15/2007 1:05:40 AM

+1 Boost

I have heard from owners that they were disapointed with the mielage they were getting and the mielage they were getting wasn't close to the advertised mielage.Lets hope they improve gas mielage on this new model.

Agent63 - 2/15/2007 1:18:03 AM

+1 Boost

the interior for the mazda 3 is far more attractive than the matrix. I also think the interior is better as well. Hands down in this segment the 3 beats the Matrix.

Also the Mazda 3 speed is a quick little car as well. Powered by a 262 horsepower 280ft-ib of torque i'd say its the better/quicker car. Matrix only has 126 horses and 122 lb-ft of torque.