Video: Find a sporty, useful hatchback in the Toyota Matrix

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It's official. As we grapple with fuel that's approaching the cost of bottled water, America's casual love affair with big thirsty SUVs is now over. One consolation? Europeans still pay twice the price that we do. As we migrate to smaller vehicles, it suddenly looks like the 70s all over again. It was during the first gas crisis that this country dumped their big LTDs and Delta 88s and embraced the compact hatchback. Folks sold perfectly good, albeit large vehicles at huge discounts to buy fuel efficient models commanding premium prices. While the math didn't make financial sense, people felt better. It's déjà vu all over again.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix finds itself in the enviable position of being the right car at the right time. Buyers see this second generation Matrix as a fuel efficient vehicle and its hatchback design will look familiar to those coming out of SUVs. With its aggressive styling it could be sold as a Scion or seen as an aggressively styled Corolla wagon because that's the platform that it's based on. One thing the Matrix gets that Corolla or Scions don't get? All-wheel drive. 

With AWD installed, this swoopy but chunky rig retails for $24,020 as tested. With all four wheels getting power, Matrix could be an alternative to small crossovers like Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson or Subaru Forester. The system is completely automatic so there's no fuss and no muss.  

Matrix has two 4-cylinder engine choices. The smaller 1.8-liter makes 132 horsepower, and the 2.4-liter unit offers up 26 more for 158 horses. AWD requires the larger of the two and in this case it's hooked up exclusively to a 4-speed automatic transmission. That's one less gear than a front drive Matrix S, manual or automatic. Get the less powerful engine with an automatic and it will be the 4-speed.

Acceleration is mid-pack, don't go racing GTIs for pinks. When the road gets curvy Matrix does fine but in the end there's never a feeling that it loves to bend into corners. Ride quality and road noise are also smack dab in the middle. Marix is the kind of car that goes about its business in a business sort of way. I'm seeing 22 miles to the gallon in a good mix of city and highway driving. Of course the bulk of these cars will be sold as front drive models and will do better.

Inside Matrix gets more attitude than Corolla. The sculptured instrument panel holds a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes. Plastics are hard to the touch but look OK. There's an MP3 jack and a regular house style 115 volt power plug-in so you don't have to buy special car chargers for iPods or laptop computers. The 6 expected airbags are all here and the passenger seat folds forward and flat to become a desk of sorts. It's also good for hauling long stuff. A note to cowhide lovers, leather seating is not available in the Matrix. 

If you plan on keeping three adults happy in the back seat choose thinner friends. The seats do the old split and fold to expand the cargo hold. This space is hard plastic with rubber strips to help keep things from sliding around. This is great for easy clean up, especially if you have pets but I find that stuff still slides around and rattles against the hard material. Owners will probably keep a blanket handy to minimize this. There's some storage under the load floor by the spare tire. Matrix scores a six in the TP test, average in class. 

Gripes? The 6-disc changer sound system has anemic sound, curious in a car that seems to be marketed towards younger buyers. There is a factory upgrade path but it only comes with the top 'o the line package, making it expensive. Overall build quality is good but some details could use more attention. Seat mounting hardware is exposed and a few passengers pointed out the fabric on those chairs has slightly uneven seams. Not only does the door on the small storage compartment located in the instrument panel feel cheap and flimsy, the latch broke after just a few days. Judging by its construction, it appears this could be a common occurrence.

Possibly the worst kept secret in the world is that the Matrix has a twin, the Pontiac Vibe, which is also new this year. Made in the same factory with the same drivetrain, consider it a styling alternative. A tip - GM's warranty is longer than Toyota's if you're on the fence about the two. A casual trip to both Toyota and Pontiac's Web site finds the OnStar equipped Vibe less expensive. Certainly there are those who won't stand buying what they consider a lesser American brand, opting for the well deserved Toyota reputation badge. 

The Matrix S AWD I'm driving is the mid-level model. Starting out at $16,850 is the base Matrix, which sadly gets no letter designation at all. The high-end XRS begins at $22,480. In today's market the Matrix should thrive unless buyers suddenly decide they want screaming deals on Suburbans, Armadas and Sequoias. Unlikely. However Toyota chooses to market this wagon/hatch/cute ute, Matrix is a useful hatchback that appears sportier than it drives.