Chapter 3 All About the TOYOTA BLADE | A Car Concentrating 'Quality'

Chapter 1
TOYOTA BLADE in Full

A Car Condensed with "Quality" (3)

The Toyota Blade, which condenses the essential requirements of a premium car—a powerful engine and a high-quality interior—into a short body. This article introduces the appeal of this car, which carves out a new genre called "short premium."</p>

Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Yoshifumi Ogawa

A Sense of "Wearing" It

Although the Blade is a car, its tight construction and direct driving feel make me want to use the word "wear" rather than "drive." It fits the driver perfectly, allowing for exhilarating runs together. Such cars are rare. In the world of automotive journalism, there's a term called "on the rails," used to praise cars with precise handling that run along the driver's intended line as if on a set track.

If we're talking about something you wear, perhaps it's like the feel of sports shoes. Another similar item from a different genre that comes to mind is a precision watch. While a mobile phone can tell time, a precision watch is characterized by its intricate craftsmanship, its fit against the skin, the quality of its metal or leather strap, and its beautiful design—all born from the dedication of its artisans. The appeal of something that can be enjoyed with all five senses, condensed from only the truly "good things," is unique. This is where I feel a closeness to the Blade.

Its appearance is subtly compact, yet its mechanics are intricate and high-quality. Above all, its presence perfectly matches the user's lifestyle... As I list the merits of the Blade, I find myself feeling as though I'm writing about a high-end precision watch. With a car like this, one could lead a fulfilling life. Therefore, in Chapter 2 and beyond, I would like to explore the life with a Blade and its charms through the perspectives of creators active in various fields.

TOYOTA BLADE “S Package” (photo)
Body | Overall Length 4,260 x Width 1,760 x Height 1,505mm
Wheelbase | 2,600mm
Engine | 2.4L Inline 4-Cylinder DOHC
Maximum Output | 123kW [167ps] / 6,000rpm
Maximum Torque 224Nm [22.8kgm] / 4,000rpm
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission: Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Price | ¥2.49 million (HDD Navigation & Blade Live Sound System and ETC unit are manufacturer options)