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2003 Toyota Matrix
(Yat Ming)
by
Eugene Birman
Staff Reviewer
Exterior Features, Quality:
Based on the popular Corolla compact sedan, the Matrix is designed to carry more stuff and allow for more space, while retaining small exterior dimensions. A twin of the more aggressively-styled Pontiac Vibe, the Matrix also injects some excitement and sportiness into the mix. Because of this unique combination of space, style, and sport, the Matrix has been somewhat of a hit for Toyota.
The selection of the Matrix (and the Vibe as well) for a 1/18 scale model is unique as well. Kudos to Yat Ming for trying something new. It's a neat subject for a 1/18-scale model and it really works. This awesome color (Cosmic Blue Metallic) is complemented by a stellar paint job, which looks rich and high-quality; the metallic quality of the paint is perfect, not overdone but noticeable enough. The Matrix is not a large car but it is tall; while it dwarfs models like the Renault Sport Spider, it is still on scale. Shutlines are decent, but way behind modelmakers like Gate and the Beanstalk Group.
The front lights have large and unattractive attachment posts that obscure their look; still, the lights are moderately well detailed in every sense. However, the use of attachment posts has now become pretty much inexcusable, as, for the same price, modelmakers like Maisto and Mattel have completely banished them from their models, without increasing prices. The front grille is not perforated but is textured. The texture, however, is a bit cheesy and cheap-looking, although the Toyota logo that sits in the center of the grille is surprisingly well done. The fog lights also have attachment posts that are even more present than in the headlights. The air intakes directly under the headlights are neither textured nor perforated, making for a very cheap and unfinished look.
Unfortunately, the tires have no sidewall markings either. Nevertheless, the tread pattern is well done and looks realistic. Furthermore, wheel detail is commendable, with Toyota's complex design well replicated by Yat Ming. Both brake discs and calipers are present, but the discs are incorrectly chromed. The rear lights are, however, really impressive. Yat Ming did a great job replicating the complex shape and depth of the Matrix's unique taillights. Badging on the rear of the model is done with the help of tampos, and the use of stickers does go over the line a bit: for example, the whole license plate, including the bracket, is replicated as one large sticker. The exhaust pipe is incorrectly chromed, and Yat Ming did not replicate the exhaust pipe as hollow. Even with those shortcomings, the Matrix model looks pretty decent in real life - however, when really looking closely, its shortcomings are evident.
20/25
Interior Features, Quality:
The Matrix's interior is a mix of good and bad details. For example, dash detail is fantastic, with all parts represented in very sharp detail, and even the navigation system screen having a realistic look to it. Seats are realistically shaped but hard plastic. Also, the floor is hard plastic as well. However, they do recline to and fro which is a nice feature, as unnecessary as it is. The only really offensive thing in the interior is the unfinished ceiling, where panels and screws remain uncovered. Once again, similarly priced models from Beanstalk and Maisto do not have these problems but it seems to be a fairly common thing with Yat Ming. There's absolutely no reason why it should remain like this. Like the exterior, the interior certainly doesn't look bad, thanks mostly to the really well-detailed dash. However, Yat Ming's cost-cutting moves really ruin an otherwise decent space.
20/25
Features:
The Matrix features an opening hood, front doors, and hatch. Unfortunately, no effort has been made to allow the rear doors to open, even though this has been done in other budget-priced models. The hood opens up to reveal a pretty poor engine compartment. There is detail here but it is covered up by a swath of black plastic, with only a little bit of silver to contrast the black. While the real Matrix's engine isn't much to look at, Yat Ming could have done much better with their replica. The attachments for the front grille are uncovered on the underside of the hood and they're not pretty. Yet another cost-cutting move, Yat Ming should have done better than this. The front doors open on dog-leg hinges, which is strange for a model that is a rather recent release. There aren't any major problems with dogleg hinges other than they look unrealistic when the door is opened. While it would have been better if Yat Ming used the newer style hinges, dogleg hinges don't look out of place in a model such as this (not a huge compliment). The hatch opens up to reveal a rather detailed compartment, but one that is still uncarpeted. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the detail offered here.
19/25
Value:
I doubt that any Yat Mings will ever become rare, but I've been proven wrong in the past. For example, Yat Ming Lexus LS400 models are quite desirable today, their terrible quality notwithstanding. Still, the Matrix models have proven quite popular and their desirability has not fallen since their release earlier this year. At the same price as a Maisto model, the Matrix certainly pales in comparison. While Maisto has hidden their cost-cutting moves from outright view in their models, it is still obvious where Yat Ming saved money. However, Yat Ming is the only modelmaker to replicate the Matrix in 1/18 scale, and if you're a fan of this unique wagon/SUV crossover, Yat Ming is your only bet. Other than Cosmic Blue Metallic, Radiant Red is the only color available. Still, these are two superb colors for a really cute car.
23/25
Overall:
Sure, the detail here can't match most Maisto models. In fact, as the latest Yat Ming model, I was a little disappointed, considering that Yat Ming models have steadily improved over time to achieve a level almost rivaling some Maisto models. There are a lot of problems here, like the easily noticeable cost-cutting moves, such as the unfinished ceiling in the interior, non-opening rear doors, unrealistic lights, and plasticky interior. Still, there's a lot to like too, and the Matrix is a wholly unique proposition in a 1/18-scale world filled with supercars and SUVs. It's an above average model, but it certainly looks a lot better than it is.
82/100
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Toyota Matrix (Yat Ming)
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Total diecast model cars in Toyota Matrix (Yat Ming): 0
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