Toyota has come to the Chicago Auto Show with the new 2011 ModelYear Matrix. This tall five-door hatchback looks a bit weird at first, but that design has resulted in a compact exterior with a spacious interior. It kinda reminds us of the Hyundai i30 hatchback.

2011 Toyota Matrix is available in two grades of Base and S and can be obtained with two engines including a 132 hp 1.8 liter and a 158 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, with a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions. The 2.4 model in S trim can be ordered with all-wheel drive (AWD) with active torque control.

The Toyota Matrix grade has earned an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the 1.8-liter with the five-speed manual transmission, and 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the 1.8-liter paired with the four-speed automatic transmission.

The Matrix S powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed manual transmission achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. With the five speed automatic transmission, it earns 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Toyota Matrix S AWD with the four-speed automatic achieves 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The base Matrix comes as standard with 16-inch wheels, but the S trim can be had with all-new 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and 215/45R17 tires.

All Matrix models are equipped with six standard airbags, including advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags. Seatbelt pretensioners retract the seat belt at the time of a frontal collision, and the dual-stage force limiter helps limit the seat belt force applied to the passenger’s chest. Front seats integrate active headrests. If the vehicle is struck from the rear with sufficient force, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active front headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to help limit the movement of the occupant’s head. The Toyota Matrix also features an energy-absorbing steering column.

The design of the car on the outside is fair, but the interior is just plain hideous. The layout is dreary and the materials they’ve used even in the pictures scream they are rubbish!

It does get a far amount of standard equipments though, including an all-weather package; power windows with driver’s side auto down and retained power features; power door locks;; cruise control; color-keyed power heated outside rearview mirrors; tilt and telescopic sport steering wheel; daytime running lights; heavy duty rear window defogger; AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling (ASL); intermittent rear window wiper; 12-volt power outlet; front center-console box; and an engine immobilizer.

The Toyota Matrix S grade also adds a metallic interior trim; a 115-volt power outlet; integrated fog lamps; fold-flat front passenger seat; remote keyless entry; AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability.

The Matrix is equipped with a high-efficiency air-conditioning system with large vents. Significantly, the system’s compressor electronically varies output capacity based on heat load and engine speed, rather than simply cycling the compressor on and off. This feature reduces noise and enhances interior comfort.

Available options on the Matrix grade include a base Sport package with front and rear underbody spoilers, integrated fog lamps, and a unique S badge.

The Toyota Matrix S offers an S Sport Package with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear underbody spoilers, color keyed rear spoiler and a unique S badge. The Premium Package offers a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM radio (includes 90-day trial subscription), auxiliary audio jack, USB poert with iPod connectivity, CD text display function, auto sound leveling and hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.