Chicago Show 2011 Highlights: 2011 Toyota Matrix

Toyota is giving its 2011 Toyota Matrix five-door hatchback a blink-and-you'll-miss-it refresh. Look closely and you'll see new wheel designs and mild changes to the interior of the Matrix, which is set to hit the stage at the 2011 Chicago show.

The 2011 Matrix retains the same 132-horsepower 1.8-liter and 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines as before. All-wheel drive remains an option with the 2.4-liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. Other trims are available with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The only fuel economy change is with the smaller engine and a four-speed automatic: the highway rating improves one mpg to 32. The 16-inch steel wheels have newly designed covers and there are new 17-inch five-spoke wheels on the Matrix S. The only other exterior change is a color addition: Spruce Mica.

Toyota appears to have paid the most attention to the 2011 Matrix's interior. A number of trim changes were made in an effort to freshen the cabin. There are new seating fabrics, the audio unit has a new flush surface this year and there's a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel. A Smart Stop Technology brake-override system is also standard.

The base model Matrix will retail for $19,305, an increase of $1845 over the outgoing model. The 2011 Matrix will reach dealerships in the spring.

Thanks to: Motor Trend