History
The Toyota Blade is the “high end” version of the hatchback that we know as the Auris in Europe; this car is sold exclusively in Japan (with possible exceptions in Asia), and is equipped with the superb V6 engine of the Lexus IS350. With this engine, the Blade Master becomes one of the, (or the), most powerful front wheel drive car Toyota has ever sold, with 280 ponies under your right foot.
Major Specifications:
- 5 doors hatchback, compact sedan
- Front engined front wheel drive , V6 (3.5 L VVT-I 280 HP)
Toyota Blade Master V6, HDTV
(WMV9HD 720p Direct Download "Right click, Save as…")
Design
As the big brother of the Auris, the Blade is fitted with a lot of similarities proportions-wise; the main differences in the style come from the front (and rear) lights, grille and a couple other things... but you can clearly see that the basis is the same. Both cars became a reality after being designed in a European Toyota Center based in France, the lines are smooth and dynamic; I have to admit that I appreciate this new style and it is delightful to see Toyotas which look quite different from what the number 1 car manufacturer in the world got us used to.
Interior
Little differences here as well, the overall design of the interior is identical between the Blade and the Auris BUT, inside the Blade, the treatment and quality are way better. From the use of better materials (nice touching plastics, leather and alcantara on a big part of the dashboard) to the overall quality feel, you certainly would enjoy a ride in the Blade, and this matter of fact tends to make you “cruise” more than any desire to hammer the throttle. Designed in Europe and also destined to Europe (the Auris at least), the car provides a vast inside space, and can welcome four adults in perfect comfort.
On the road
We've just seen that the style of the Blade is really different from what we had been used to over the last few years; now, what about the handling and feeling of the car on the road? This time, no surprise at all, this sure is a Toyota. Pretty much like most European cars in the category, the Blade is equipped with a good dynamic chassis and excellent drivability even at high speed.
As said earlier on, the bonnet hides an excellent engine, 6 cylinders in a V (also seen on the Lexus IS350), producing 280 HorsePower on the front wheels; yes, an All Wheel Drive layout would have been appreciated, but Toyota had other plans. With so much power, the Blade rolls past the Volkswagen R32, the Honda Civic Type-R, or the Mazda 3 Sport with ease, but it doesn't make it the most sporty of all. The Blade feels pretty heavy, and clearly is focused on comfort and luxury instead of performance; moreover, the car doesn't really like to be moved very rapidly, and every time you try to cross the “limits”, an endless list of active and passive safety equipment will remind you that this is no car to play the Schumacher. And while I'm at it, I'm still wondering why they installed the Flappy Paddle Gearbox.
Plus:
Comfort
Luxury feel
Drivability
Originality
Safety (active/passive)
Minus:
Aiming at the 50+ years old customers
Engine shows half of its potential
Conclusion:
The Blade Master by Toyota puts more luxury and comfort in a hatchback that I have ever been able to witness and it is always a pleasure to drive a V6 powered vehicle downtown or on highways/freeways but you have to keep in mind that this car was designed by Toyota to attract the 50+ years old customers instead of the young and active 30+ years old men. Once you have that in mind, you can enjoy the Toyota Blade Master for what it is.
Posted on 06/10/07 By G-A.G
