New Matrix & New Corolla
Author: colmar Post Date: November 6 2007I read about the sporty new Corolla, the increased power, and the additional luxury features and thought it was going to take a hit in mpg and emissions. How did I know? The 2008 Toyota Corolla base model gets 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on bigger roads. The 2009 Corolla will see that decrease to 27/35 mpg. That’s not too bad, but it’s not a move forward. t’s beefed-up model poses the real problem. In the XRS, fitted with a 2.4-liter, 158 hp engine, fuel consumption slumps to 22/30 mpg. Boo Hiss Boo.
Now, you know the Matrix is billed as a subcompact sedan/SUV. It’s also available in an XRS model with even worse mileage – 21/29. The smaller engine delivers 26/32 manual and 25/31 for the automatic version. Both cars are considerably more sporty, with more available features. I just hope new buyers will ask themselves whether they really need the extra power.



