2009 Toyota Blade
February 16th, 2007
The rumor that is bouncing around is that when Toyota is ready to replace the aging, five-door Matrix hatchback in the spring of 2008, the Corolla-based vehicle will take on its Japan-market name, which they dubbed the Blade.
The Blade, which is currently sold in Japan is powered by a 158-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder, same as 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.