The ABCs of Toyota: B is for Blade

The ABCs of Toyota is a series dedicated to looking at the models, concepts, and technology of the brand we all love. Going from A-Z we will look at some of the most important and interesting products from the Toyota brand.

There are many meaningful names for models in the long lineage of Toyota products. Still, none stand out like "Blade", and more specifically, the Blade Master G. For those unfamiliar with this short-lived sub-model, you'd be surprised to know that the basis for this particular vehicle comes from the first generation Auris, essentially a hatchback version of the 10th generation Corolla released in the United States and around the world. So, what makes the Blade (Master G) a special slice of forbidden fruit? The main ingredient is under the hood where in place of the standard, 2.4L 2AZ-FE, lies the 2GR-FE V6 from larger vehicles like the Camry and RAV4, all in an upscale package that serves up as much luxury as you can fit in the compact E150 chassis. Let's dive in and learn more about this short-lived model and why it might be a future collectible for those looking to import something different in the future.

Blade:

The standard Blade as mentioned above, was a sibling of the Toyota Auris and was released as a 2006 model, it was the better-equipped version of the Corolla we all love and know that was once the Allex and Sprinter before that in overseas markets. Marketed in Japan as a stylish, upscale hatchback for stylish adults, the drivetrain was updated from your standard E150 Corolla chassis by offering the 2.4L (167HP) 2AZ instead of the 1.5L 1NZ(110HP), a 7-speed Super CVT-i, and a double rear wishbone suspension borrowed from the Euro-spec Toyota Auris in both 2WD and AWD models. On the inside of the Blade were various upgrades to make this the best Toyota hatchback, a synthetic suede material covered the dash and seat inserts, side, curtain, and even a knee airbag for the driver, dual climate control, and one of those cool cabin filter systems that we didn't receive here in the states. The exterior of course was different than the Auris, the lighting up front was bigger and bolder with the clear lens look carrying over the rear taillights for that added Euro flair, it was perhaps the better-looking option to some shopping between the Toyota/Toyopet Store (Blade) and Toyota Corolla/NETZ Store (Auris) when looking for their next do-it-all hatchback.

Blade Master G:

The star of the show is the low-volume Toyota Blade Master G released in 2007, an extension of this chassis that produced less than 3,000 units. The special ingredients to what is essentially a hatchback 2000s Corolla included everything from your standard Blade and paired with a 2GR V6 making 280 HP and a six-speed automatic that could be controlled with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The Blade Master G wasn't a hot hatch by nature, it had more power and weighed just a little over 3,200 lbs, but it was tuned to smoothly deliver power to the front wheels so as to not upset the chassis or the sophisticated adult it was marketed to. Although fast enough in a straight line with a reported 6.2 to 60MPH and just over 14 seconds in the quarter mile, most reviewers complained of soft suspension dampening the confidence needed to turn corners quickly while maintaining grip on the larger 17-inch wheels.

Modified Examples:

The Toyota Blade Master G is seemingly a vehicle that has it all, packed to the gills with all of the best features a car could have at this price point in a compact footprint, but somehow it doesn't make for the best-modified car. Enthusiasts usually clamor for a manual transmission and unfortunately, the Blade Master G is auto-only but with the architecture in place to essentially say that a V6 fits in a Corolla, it is more purposeful for those stateside who can affordably build their own with a manual, albeit in a less cool looking variant of the E150. This car does do a good job of holding up to what is usually considered the most transformative mod you can do to your car, wheels, a listing for a 2007 Blade Master G features Motegi wheels on lowered shock and springs along with an MCM chopped sticker. Another 2008 Blade Master G was listed for sale on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) that has upgraded brakes and the entry-level go-to Enkei RPF1 wheels, but this 2009 Blade Master G takes the cake with SSR wheels, coilovers, a TRD front spoiler, black hood, and aftermarket front grille. Aside from putting wheels and coilovers on these Blades, one person decided to go all in on swapping his own Blade Master G with a manual while trying to retain all of the usability Toyota intended from the factory, for more info please visit: Toyota Blade Master Manual Gearbox Swap. The most hardcore variant that has been built was actually a project from Technocraft in Japan for Toyota, the Blade Master TRD Concept R. This gutted, full-on track weapon utilized paddle shifters, an engine tuned up to 320 HP using a Motec ECU, an FIA certified roll cage, a Recaro racing seat, coilovers, lightweight wheels, slick racing tires, and custom carbon bodywork for added aerodynamics.

Conclusion:

The Toyota Blade Master G is perhaps a vehicle with a name that is cooler than the final product once you get behind the wheel. Toyota had aimed directly at those selective buyers who were perhaps stuck between buying a small get-around vehicle and an entry-level luxury car, this certainly bridged the gap and provided a level of uniqueness back when Toyota's dealerships competed with each other by selling different variants of the same chassis. Aside from the 3,000 or so V6-equipped models sold, the numbers didn't tell the full story on what may be a rare and desirable car in the next decade, because behind the wheel most were left asking for more. Toyota did not have a manual transmission for the 2GR V6 in a FWD configuration but it would've made sense to include it here, Aisin made a unit for Lotus as this powerplant has been featured in every vehicle after the Elise. Driving dynamics also lean in favor of comfort over performance with many reviewers citing a lack of feel or excitement when driving, it is usually the carefree acceleration and smooth, albeit slow-shifting automatic which are the center of attention. Predicting prices for a Blade Master G specifically may be difficult for future importers, as it is already legal for the Canadian market with examples going for less than $7,000 when they do show up, but a low-volume selling car that is unknown to most, these prices could stay stagnant except for adjusting for inflation over the next 10 years or so, otherwise it may be a hidden gem that stays under the radar, hopefully, most examples remain unmodified. Overall, the Toyota Blade Master G is a great-looking variant of the E150 chassis, it's upscale and has the powerful 2GR propelling it forward, it may lack the driving dynamics of a true hot hatch but as a used vehicle, it is priced to be the perfect platform to pick up where Toyota left off in the early 2000s.

Extra Viewing Material:

For those looking to purchase or just want some more information, please take a look at some interesting videos of the Blade Master G...enjoy!