I was wanting to replace my '03 Matrix with the new xD, but I think it's just going to be too small for my needs, hauling drums, etc. I went to the dealer and looked at some '08 xB's and I'm sold. I love the new looks and interior. If I'm happy with the test-drive, which I'm confident I will, I'm buying.

 

Having seen the new xB and xD together, I will tell you the xD is tiny.

 

Yeah my Matrix is about as small as I can go. The xD's dimensions are not much different from the xA's which is considerably smaller than the Matrix. The dealer I went to had a Matrix parked right next to the new xB and they were very comparable in size. The only reason I was considering the xD was because I liked the looks of it more than the '08 xB but that changed when I actually saw one in person. Like many people have said, the new xB is much better looking in person than in pictures.

 

Have you considered waiting for the new redesigned Matrix?

 

Actually, yes that's the only thing keeping me from buying the xB right now. I'm going to wait until the end of the year when I get to see the new Matrix. The Matrix will have to be drastically improved for me to like it more than the new xB, which I like far more than the current Matrix.

 

Is the new Matrix due out at the end of the year? I've heard different things and I'm trying to get a better idea of when it will actually be coming out.

I agree that the new xB is way better than the current Matrix and that the new Matrix will have to be drastically improved - and even if it is, I still may not like it as much as the new xB!

But I've heard that the new Matrix will use the same Auris platform and 2.4 engine as the new xB. So I'm definitely curious.

 

I'm just assuming it will debut this fall when all the new car models start rolling out. Worst case, I'm guessing we'll at least get to see what it looks like by the end of the year and it should be for sale early next year, but I could be wrong. I read that it won't be called the Matrix anymore but will be called Blade since it will be basically the same car as the new Japanese market Blade seen here...
The final product will have to have very different sheet metal from that for me to like it more than the new xB.

 

OK. Thanks for the info. I found this from Autoblog from February:

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/n...ing-spring-08/

The URL says it all. If it's true.

I saw some more pics/videos of the Auris/Blade on the web and from the looks of it I don't think I'm going to like it better than the new xB.