Early next year the 2009 Toyota Matrix and Corolla will appear in showrooms as all-new cars. What hasn't changed is the practical, economical approach that's made the Corolla one of the best-selling cars in history. And while it doesn't share any sheetmetal with the Corolla, it is fair to assess the Matrix as the replacement for the Corolla wagon: it's officially known as the Toyota Corolla Matrix.

The Matrix will be offered in three flavors—basic, S and the back-from-hiatus XRS, with the S model also available with all-wheel drive. All of them come with air, a 60/40 split rear seat, sound system compatible with audio files and XM satellite radio, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, six airbags, power mirrors, soft, stowable cargo cover and five-speed manual gearbox. The basic model employs the Corolla's 1.8-liter 132-hp four-cylinder, and engine you'll have to work with the Matrix fully loaded and it doesn't mind; in fact it encourages it as it's a bit smoother and free-revving than the 2.4 used in other Matrices and easier on gas by roughly 5 mpg. Options for the base model include cruise, alloy wheels, moonroof, power locks/windows, stability control, and a four-speed automatic.

Mid-level S models get a big bump in torque from the 158-hp 2.4-liter engine proven in the Camry. An S gets more standard features and bigger rear brakes, and options include many of those above, a five-speed automatic, JBL sound system, or "entry-level" navigation system with real-time traffic data if you subscribe to XM. The navigation system does not use voice-recognition or Bluetooth to keep costs down, but the 7-inch display and intuitive operation are easily up to Toyota/Lexus standards; unfortunately you can not have navigation and the fancy sound system.

All-wheel drive S models use the same engine but mated only with a four-speed automatic transmission (essentially a RAV4 electronic-control drive system minus a differential lock), plus larger again rear brakes and independent rear suspension from the XRS. If you spend a lot of time in mountain climes this may be your choice while those who venture to the slopes only a few times a year would do as well financially getting an S (or XRS) with the five-speed automatic and a set of good winter tires.

Top of the heap XRS models add better fabrics, 45-series tires on 18-inch wheels, three-spoke leather steering wheel, rear spoiler that makes a partial sunshade for rear riders, more aggressive body trim, fog lamps, front strut brace and stability control as standard. Options are limited to the radio upgrade or navigation, moonroof, cruise control, lighter, all-weather package and a five-speed automatic.

The 2009 Matrix looks sleeker than its predecessor with more curve in the line that includes a bend in the front door window sill, a sloped, creased hood that fairs right into the windshield pillars, a wider rear end highlighted by a thick pillar and tiny glass windows stacked against the hatch, black surrounds for the fog lamp housings, and its an inch lower than before and seven inches shorter than a 2009 Corolla (mostly larger interior dimensions, smaller trunk and headroom). A family resemblance to the Camry is seen in the lights, and the added lower body panels give that sporting look; they look much better on dark paint cars because you don't see the black rubber lined along the edges. The scalloped window allows a good view to the front quarters and the rear-view mirrors, and there's no big center headrest blocking the rear window, but those big side pillars block the rear quarter view and little of the hood or front fenders is seen from the driving position.

Inside, everything is contemporary and functional, with an asymmetric gauge layout and metal-look surfaces flanking the electroluminescent instruments — round for RPM and speed with an oblong cutout for fuel, trip data, and so on. Big round omnidirectional vents peer out of the dash like animal eyes, and the navigation above and three-ring climate controls below are both models of simplicity. Fabric covers the seats and some door panels and where there is hard plastic it doesn't detract from the look or feel; storage areas are varied and most have a rubber mat to keep coin rattle and sliding to a minimum.

Manually adjusted front buckets are well-placed for tall driver hat clearance and short driver visibility, with plenty of support for a tank of gas. The wheel tilts and telescopes but the latter's travel is limited and, with the clutch pedal much closer than the brake pedal, may require some stick drivers minor adaptation. The rear bench seat is a 60/40 split with the narrow part behind the driver where it should be, and easily folds unless a front seat is far rearward; the lower roof hasn't hurt room here, best for two adults or three kids, and the nearly flat floor will be appreciated by center riders and car wash vacuum crews.

With Camry-like weight to cart about the 2.4-liter's extra 34 lb-ft of torque is appreciated as mid-range grunt, and enough that you needn't wind it up a lot because that just adds noise. Clutch and shifter effort are relaxed, the latter giving the gear chosen if not as precise as class leaders, and the automatics all behave nicely. Regardless of drive system or engine the Matrix comes across quite polished for an economy car, the only negative is a tendency to twitch and grab on bumpy roads and surface transitions under acceleration.

The independent rear suspension on the XRS delivers finer control of suspension travel, and perhaps more of it, maintaining rear tire contact better and allowing the 18-inch tires to take full advantage of the firmer suspension calibrations. An XRS won't beat you up on the highway nor will it threaten lap records anywhere, although it's worth noting that the high-performance tires actually seem quieter than the all-season treads, and the fat tires take away some maneuverability as the XRS needs as much space as some big SUVs to make a U-turn. If there's one aspect not up to the others it's the electric power steering that seems relatively dull and doesn't return to center in a typical progression.

You'll tell Santa about the Matrix if you want more cargo flexibility and style than a Corolla without sacrificing things like fuel economy and Corolla's implied reputation for reliability. Prices will be announced near the Matrix' arrival in showrooms next February.

(Whale, a longtime Ventura County resident, has been breaking parts for 29 years and writing about it for 21.)

2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix XRS

Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC I-4, 158 bhp

Length/width/height (in.): 173.0/69.5/61.4

Weight: 3,140 lbs.

MPG city/hwy/observed: 21/28/22.6

Base warranty: 3 yrs/36,000 miles

Price as tested: est. $24,950

Alternatives: Dodge Caliber, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Scion xD, Suzuki SX4, VW Tiguan