2009 Toyota Blade
#1
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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.
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#10
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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.
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#11
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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.
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.
#15