Toyota introduced the first Matrix five-door in late 2002, during the best-forgotten height of carmakers’ “create a new segment” shootout, and promptly dubbed it a CUV–crossover utility vehicle, aimed at attracting coveted young, cool buyers.
Despite decent sales, the Matrix did not quite hit the mark–and not solely because of its take-it-or-hate-it styling and questionable sporting pretensions.
“[It] was seen far too often as a small, conventional, practical wagon,” said chief engineer David Terai.
Not to mention that Toyota’s Scion division came along and really targeted the fabled trendsetters companies covet.
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