http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/...ota-blade.html

2009 Toyota Blade - Car News

The Matrix replacement should get more power and a sharper name.
BY DAVE VANDERWERP, February 2007

Rumor has it that when Toyota replaces the aging five-door Matrix hatchback in the spring of 2008, the Corolla-based vehicle will take on its Japanese-market name, the Blade.

The Blade currently sold in Japan is powered by a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the same power source as in numerous Toyota products, including the Camry. That would be a useful improvement over the Matrix’s current 126-hp, 1.8-liter four. All-wheel drive is optional, as it was on the Matrix until 2007, when it was dropped along with the more-powerful, high-revving 164-hp, 1.8-liter engine choice.

However, the Blade will get unique sheetmetal for the U.S. that will be substantially different from the Japanese-market Blade shown here. The Matrix never sold all that well in the U.S., and insiders say Toyota will be targeting the popular Mazda 3 with the Matrix’s replacement.

 

hmmm


i've slowly become attracted to hatchbacks and this might be a promising new hatch.

 

they need to make it look like this

 

Agreed! Love the Caldina.

 

Looks like a g35 to me...

 

I agree! forget about blade. bring us CALDINA.

 

finally, toyota decides to bring another JDM car to the US.

 

Caldina FTMFW, but this looks very good too. It's a shame we will get something so different (so says the article)

 

i can see future "JDM conversions" happening. looks like a g35 wagon.

 

It's good to see the AWD version come back to the U.S. market. Dropping the AWD version this year was a big mistake on Toyota's part .....that was the only AWD vehicle Toyota sold here that could compete directly with entry-level Subaru AWDs. The AWD RAV4 and Highlander are both too tall and SUV-ish to compete directly with Subaru Imprezas and Outbacks.

 

I don't think that the Matrix ever sold well down here either. We only got 1.8 lt engine with no AWD or any high hp models. I think Toyota eventually had to lower the price if I remember correctly.

MR_F1 is right, they should bring the Caldina. I have some friends in Latin America who have told me this little vehicle has been a good workhorse. Looks like a car, but can run like small truck, very durable.

 

I really want the Caldina especially the 265Hp turbo AWD model. Sadly the closest well get will be the caldina wheels on the Matrix M Theory.

 

The Caldina is more Camry sized though, correct?

 

The only JDM toyotas they really need to bring is the Crown and Wish!!!!
They are so attractive... drop in the new 4.7 from the LS460 to the crown... ohhh... I will buy it in a heartbeat!!

 

Caldina GT-4 ftmfw