AZE156 2.4 G

STORY

Toyota's top hatchback for Japan went on sale on 21 December 2006 through Toyota Store and Toyopet Store outlets, using the Auris of 23 October 2006 as its base but setting itself apart with its own front and rear sheet metal, a suede-like dashboard covering and the double wishbone rear suspension of the European Auris in place of the domestic car's torsion beam. Where the Auris ran 1.5 and 1.8-litre engines, the Blade started at 2,362 cc with the 2AZ-FE at 123 kW (167 PS) and a seven-speed Super CVT-i. August 2007 added the Blade Master with the 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 and a six-speed automatic. Kanto Auto Works built it at Iwate, and Japanese sales ran to 2012, after which the second-generation Auris covered the segment.