Toyota Canada reveals aggressive prices for 2003 Corolla and Matrix

TORONTO, Jan. 7 /CNW/ - Toyota Canada today announced its customer-friendly pricing strategy for two all-new 2003 vehicles: the completely redesigned Corolla, and the innovative Matrix "crossover utility vehicle". Both cars will go on sale across Canada in February. The all-new, ninth-generation Corolla is larger, more powerful, more efficient, safer and better equipped than the 2002 model - and costs less. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for 2003 starts at just $15,290, down from $15,765. With Matrix, Toyota proves its commitment to attracting a new generation of buyers with a stylish blend of performance and economy. The versatile Matrix is available for $16,645 (MSRP) with front-wheel drive, or with sure-footed four-wheel drive starting at $20,315 (MSRP).

"Starting with an all-new shared platform and using the best of Toyota's new and existing technology, we've created two unique packages of exceptional value," said Tony Wearing, Group Vice President in charge of Vehicle Sales and Marketing. "Each will find a different but equally enthusiastic audience with price-conscious drivers who want the right car for their lifestyle, with all the quality, dependability, comfort and safety we build into every Toyota."

Designed specifically for North American drivers and combining the roominess of the previous generation Camry with the power and efficiency of Toyota's 130 horsepower, 1.8-litre ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) engine, the 2003 Corolla is available in three trim levels:

- The CE, with tachometer, outside temperature gauge, 60/40 split-folding

rear seat, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, power remote control

outside mirrors, and standard 5-speed manual overdrive transmission has

an MSRP of $15,290.

- Corolla Sport, with its unique black interior and dynamic exterior

including rear spoiler, skirt package and fog lamps starts at an MRSP

of $19,650.

- The top-of-the-line LE includes such standard amenities as power

windows and door locks, 6-speaker stereo system, cruise control,

keyless entry, aluminum alloy wheels and ABS (Antilock Braking System),

for $19,865 (MSRP).

Matrix, actually a new category of car that Toyota is calling a "crossover utility vehicle," provides a unique blend of sportscar performance, SUV versatility and compact car affordability. Offered in both front-wheel drive (FWD) or with Toyota's V-Flex 4-wheel drive system (4WD), Matrix can be equipped with a choice of engines, providing up to 130 horsepower for lively family car capability or 180 horsepower for potent, sporty performance.

A package of extraordinary flexibility that can be configured to suit almost any active lifestyle, the Matrix lineup includes:

- The Matrix FWD. Equipped with the 130 hp engine, 5-speed manual

overdrive transmission and an extensive list of standard features

including AM/FM CD stereo system, comprehensive instrumentation and

flip-up rear hatch glass, the MSRP is $16,645.

- Matrix 4WD, with essentially the same equipment but outfitted with

V-Flex 4WD and an electronically-controlled (ECT) 4-speed automatic

transmission, has an MSRP of $20,315.

- The XR grade heats up the sporty image of Matrix with side skirts,

colour-keyed door handles, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power

windows, and a driver's seat cushion height adjustment. With FWD, XR

starts at $20,925. With 4WD, the MSRP is $24,110.

- XRS is the performance star of the Matrix lineup. With a 180 horsepower

VVTL-i engine and high-performance 6-speed manual gearbox, plus

Anti-Lock Braking System, premium 6-speaker stereo, anti-theft system,

17-inch alloy wheels and unique exterior with full skirt package, the

XRS has an MSRP of $24,540.

All Corollas sold in Canada, and every Matrix sold in North America will be built exclusively at the award-winning Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) facility in Cambridge, Ontario.