“Trend-setting, urban Montreal is the perfect place for the Scion iQ to make its Canadian auto show debut,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. “Québec has always been a market for smaller, fuel efficient vehicles – but also a market that demands style, quality, and innovative features. The Scion iQ celebrates good design, form that follows function, and the principle that big ideas often come in small packages.”

As the world’s smallest four-seater, the Scion iQ defines a new, premium micro-subcompact segment for Canada:

• A large door opening and long-slide front seats make it easy to get into the back seat, while a slim-back seat design offers more rear legroom.
• A premium interior fusing modern style and textures.
• Impressive safety systems, including class-leading 10 airbags, the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag, and active safety technologies including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
• The iQ’s 1.3-litre engine is combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver class-leading 90 horsepower, smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency.
• The iQ will be rated as Tier 2 Bin 5 for emissions, and it is expected to achieve estimated fuel consumption of just over 5 litres per 100 km comparable to similar vehicles that feature less passenger and cargo capacity.
• Class-leading turning radius at just 3.9 metres.

“The Scion iQ is the boldest example to date of the Scion brand philosophy,” Mr. Hutchinson continued. “It’s the ultimate small, urban-friendly, fuel efficient vehicle that’s big on style, features and safety, and offers the functionality and comfort that drivers expect from a vehicle twice its size.”

The Scion iQ arrives in Canada later this year.

For the second year, Scion will also sponsor Montréal’s popular Igloofest, which brings together some of the electronic scene’s best artists in a unique outdoor music setting. In addition to the music, there will also be Scion giveaways and vehicles on display. Test drive a Scion at any Montréal Scion dealership between January 6 to January 29, and get a free Igloofest ticket*, CD Sampler, and the chance to play Scion’s “Take on the Machine” contest where you could drive away with a brand new Scion tC. Igloofest takes place at the Jacques-Cartier Quay in Old-Port, Montréal, beginning at 6:30pm on January 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29.

*While supplies last

There’s a 2011 Matrix for every Canadian driver, with three models featuring a choice of front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, two engine sizes, manual or automatic transmissions, enhanced safety, new convenience features and updated options packages for 2011.

“Every Canadian seeking a driving experience that slips seamlessly from daily commute to night in the city will find the style, comfort and performance they need and want in the Toyota Matrix,” said Warren Orton, Director at Toyota Canada Inc. “For 2011, Toyota enhances the extreme crossover with even more driving fun, remarkable efficiency and built-in-Canada quality – complete with the Toyota Star Safety System as standard and fresh options packages for even greater versatility.”

Highlights for 2011

• All models are standard equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Antilock Braking System with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist enhancements, plus Toyota’s Smart Stop Technology
• Redesigned wheel covers, standard steering wheel audio controls and new sporty flat bottom steering wheel design adopted for all Matrix models
• Matrix XRS features a fresh look with redesigned front fascia, plus an updated audio system now featuring a USB audio input jack
• A new “S” package for the Matrix and Matrix AWD adds fog lamps, a power moon roof, exterior styling accents, an upgraded audio system and more
• Cruise control is now standard on all Matrix AWD models

Power and performance

Two engine sizes let Canadian drivers pick the performance they want and the efficiency they need.
The front-wheel-drive 2011 Toyota Matrix is fitted with a powerful yet efficient 1.8L four-cylinder engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) that delivers 132 peak horsepower and up to 128 lb-ft of torque.

The front-wheel-drive Matrix XRS and all-wheel-drive Matrix sport a 2.4L four-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that generates up to 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Toyota engineers have enhanced both engines for performance and efficiency with systems such as sequential multiport fuel injection.

Three transmissions are offered, depending on model. A five-speed manual close-ratio transmission features overdrive, a four-speed automatic and five-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) sport overdrive, lockup torque converter and transmission cooler. Available transmission by model, with fuel efficiency (city/highway combined), are listed below:

• Matrix :: 1.8 L 4-cyl :: 5-speed manual :: 7.0 L / 100 KM
• Matrix :: 1.8 L 4-cyl :: 4-speed auto ECT :: 7.3 L / 100 KM
• Matrix XRS :: 2.4 L 4-cyl :: 5-speed manual :: 8.4 L / 100 KM
• Matrix XRS :: 2.4 L 4-cyl :: 5-speed auto ECT :: 8.5 L / 100 KM
• Matrix AWD :: 2.4 L 4-cyl :: 4-speed auto ECT :: 9.1 L / 100 KM

All Matrix models achieve a Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions rating.

Handling and control

Performance relies on handling and control. That’s why every Matrix is fitted with highly responsive electric power steering and suspensions engineered to match each engine’s output.

All models sport an independent front suspension with Macpherson struts, while the Matrix XRS front suspension is enhanced with a sport strut tower brace. At the rear, the Matrix rides on a torsion beam type suspension, while the Matrix XRS and Matrix AWD feature an independent double-wishbone suspension. All models feature stabilizer bars front and back for added handling confidence.

All models feature Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control as standard, while the Matrix AWD also sports Toyota’s Active Torque Control System.

Safety

Every Matrix is generously equipped with a suite of active and passive safety systems:

• As a 2011 model, all Matrix models are standard equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System™
• Disc brakes all around feature ventilated discs up front to shed heat effectively in performance braking situations
• Every Matrix features a six-airbag system (dual stage driver and front passenger air bags, front seat mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags)
• All-position three-point lap and shoulder belts with adjustable B-pillar shoulder belt anchors, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, plus active front headrests with whiplash protection, anchor points for child protector seats and child-protector rear door locks
• Reflector-style halogen headlamps, intermittent wipers and more

Generous comfort and convenience features, a choice of options packages

Every 2011 Matrix is well equipped with comfort, convenience and style amenities.

All models feature: audio systems with a CD player with MP3/WMA capability, auxiliary audio input jack and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a cabin air filter and rear seat heater ducts, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, an instrument panel featuring dual trip odometer, outside temperature gauge and digital clock, tilting/telescoping steering column, dual vanity mirrors, a cargo area lamp and map lamps, front and rear cup holders, a driver’s coin case compartment, a 12-volt accessory power outlet, cargo area tie-down rings, door map pockets, colour-keyed bumpers, foldable, power adjustable and heated mirrors and more.

2011 Toyota Matrix

The 2011 Toyota Matrix features a four-speaker audio system, reclining front passenger seat, a front centre console box with lid, integrated bottle holders in the front and rear doors, 16” steel wheels and more.

• The Matrix may be ordered with the Convenience Package, which adds: air conditioning, power windows with driver’s side auto down function, power door locks, a rear bumper protector, keyless entry, a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control and more
• The “S” Package, new for 2011, builds on the Convenience Package with: 17” aluminum alloy wheels with wheel locks, a roof-mounted spoiler, scuff plates, fog lamps, power moon roof, an upgraded audio system with six-speakers, USB audio input and Bluetooth capability, an exterior enhanced with a sport grille, front and rear sport fascias and a chrome exhaust tip, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and more

2011 Toyota Matrix XRS

The 2011 Toyota Matrix XRS makes a statement with a full-suite of standard amenities. These include: a six-speaker audio system with USB input and Bluetooth capability, sport fabric seat coverings, a reclining front passenger’s seat with fold-down seatback, air conditioning, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with integrated compass, power door locks with keyless entry, windows with driver’s side auto down function, a leather wrapped steering wheel, a front centre console box with lid, overhead sunglass storage, seatback pocket in the driver’s seat, integrated bottle holders in the front and rear doors, special XRS scuff plates, cruise control, a 115 volt accessory power outlet, a tire pressure monitoring system, 18” aluminum alloy wheels with locks, a rear bumper protector, front and rear splash guards, a power moon roof, a chrome exhaust tip, front and rear sport fascias and roof mounted spoiler, fog lamps, a rear window intermittent wiper with washer and more.

2011 Toyota Matrix AWD

The Toyota Matrix AWD delivers added driving confidence with all-wheel-drive and a generous suite of standard features. These include: a four-speaker audio system, a reclining front passenger’s seat with fold-down seatback, air conditioning, power door locks with keyless entry, power windows with driver’s side auto down function, a front centre console box with lid, seatback pocket in the driver’s seat, integrated bottle holders in the front and rear doors, cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, 16” steel wheels, roof rails with crossbars, a rear window intermittent wiper with washer and more.

• The “S” Package, new for 2011, adds several style, comfort and performance amenities, including: 17” aluminum alloy wheels with locks, fog lamps, a sport grille, front and rear sport fascias, a moon roof, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, scuff plates, a 115 volt accessory power outlet, an upgraded audio system with six speakers, USB audio input and Bluetooth capability, a chrome exhaust tip and more

Pricing and availability:

The 2011 Toyota Matrix is now on sale at Toyota Dealers across Canada, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $16,715 for the front wheel drive Toyota Matrix with 1.8L engine, $24,075 for the front wheel drive Matrix XRS with 2.4L engine and $24,070 for the Matrix AWD.

“The CT 200h luxury compact hybrid is designed to appeal to an emerging type of luxury driver. It is an all-new, fun-to-drive model with a sporty style that doesn’t compromise on versatility and innovation,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. “Starting at just $30,950, the Lexus CT 200h is the gateway into the Lexus lineup.”

The 2011 CT 200h is the fifth hybrid to join the Lexus line-up and first and only dedicated hybrid luxury vehicle in the premium compact segment. With unique attitude, style and personality, the Lexus CT 200h will appeal to a new group of luxury buyers – those who love compacts for their urban agility and are seeking to reward themselves with an environmentally minded luxury motoring experience.  For this group of drivers nothing less than a hybrid will do.

Delivering a fun-to-drive experience, thanks to a sport-tuned suspension, the CT 200h delivers the best combined fuel economy in the luxury segment, at just 4.6L/00 km.

Key features of the CT 200h include:

• A 134 net horsepower Lexus Hybrid Drive built around a 1.8L 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine and high torque electric motor and continuously variable transmission
• Four driver-selectable running modes (Normal, EV, ECO and Sport); a full suite of vehicle handling and control technologies, including Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control
• The CT 200h features a sporty, wide-grip steering wheel and drivers sit in a low, 8-way power seat with a long seat cushion, lumbar support, and aggressive side bolsters
• Smart Key system with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles
• A six-speaker audio system with steering wheel audio controls, MP3/WMA capability, CD player, and Bluetooth® for phone and music streaming capabilities, Aux/USB/iPod® connectivity and integrated XM satellite radio receiver
• 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels
• Heated front seats and dual zone automatic climate control
• Improving its environmental performance, several CT 200h components are fabricated from a bioplastic material containing 30 per cent plant-based resin

2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

Also debuting at the Montreal International Auto Show is the 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD luxury sport sedan, a new addition to the popular IS series.

“The IS 350 AWD expands our very popular line of luxury sport sedans in response to our guests’ requests for a higher horsepower all-wheel-drive model,” said Mr. Hutchinson. “Lexus guests no longer have to choose between power and the confidence of all-wheel-drive performance.”

The IS 350 AWD introduces fresh styling to the IS series, with updated fog lamps, grille, back-up lamps, turn signals, exhaust pipe tip, and more.

Key features of the IS 350 AWD include:

• A 306 HP 3.5L V6 engine
• Highly responsive electric power steering
• LED daytime running lamps
• Sport-tuned Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management

Available options include a power moon roof, hard drive-based voice-activated navigation system with integrated back-up camera, 14-speaker Mark Levinson Audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and more.

The IS 350 AWD is currently on sale at Canadian Lexus Dealerships, while the CT 200h will be available in early March.

“Young Canadians have been telling us they want SCION, and now their desire is within reach. SCION is an authentic brand, created to mesh with youthful tastes and sensibilities, and we’re excited to expand our presence in Canada with new vehicles that offer a unique blend of flexibility, personalization, affordability and fuel efficiency,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Toyota Canada Inc. “The time is right to bring SCION culture to Canada.”

SCION attracted new customers to the Toyota family when the brand was launched in the United States in 2003. SCION changed the purchase experience by allowing visitors to browse, investigate, research or just discover SCION entirely at their own pace through grassroots events and a highly-interactive and constantly evolving web site. What visitors discover is a unique lineup of vehicles that are high in personal expression - lifestyle products on wheels, offered as well-equipped models with huge opportunities for personalization through aftermarket-style original equipment accessories.

“SCION is a unique brand, yet still a member of the Toyota family so it benefits from the same high standards as our Toyota and Lexus lines,” Mr. Hutchinson continued, noting that in the United States, about 70 per cent of SCION buyers are new to Toyota, and over fifty percent of SCION owners migrate to a Toyota vehicle as their needs and wants evolve. “As such, SCION will be an important avenue through which we reach new drivers – those who represent the greatest future growth of the market – and give them the opportunity to experience, first-hand, Toyota’s reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, safety and value.”

SCION will come to Canada with three vehicles:

• The SCION tC compact sport coupe combines style and fun in a five-seater hatchback, topped with a remarkable panorama moon roof;

• The SCION xD blends personality in a subcompact five-door hatchback;

• The SCION xB compact five-door hatchback delivers astounding spaciousness wrapped in a  cubic cladding that’s game for urban adventure.

All SCION models are well equipped with a full range of features, from air conditioning and cruise control to serious audio systems with SCION Sound Processing.

Upgrades and accessories can be added to any SCION a la carte, and range from unique wheels, shift knobs and sport pedals to satellite radio systems and a broad selection of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance enhancements. Every SCION’s safety system currently includes front dual-stage airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, three-point lap and shoulder belts for all occupants.

SCION will be established at select Toyota Dealer locations, using a “store within a store” model, and will be rolled out in phases.  Watch for launches in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver in 2010. These will be followed by other Canadian urban centres. For more information on SCION, Canadians can visit www.scionnation.ca.