Toyota Blade 2006-2012 used car review

The Toyota Blade adds more power and a premium interior to the already excellent Corolla.

Richard Edwards
Richard Edwards
Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group

The Toyota Blade adds more power and a premium interior to the already excellent Corolla.

Exterior , 3.5 out of 5 Drive , 4 out of 5 Value , 3.5 out of 5 Interior , 4 out of 5

Overall score , 3.8 out of 5

The good
  • Extra power makes for good performance
  • Strong Corolla build quality, boosted by premium materials
  • High level of standard safety equipment
The not-so-good
  • Thirsty for a small car
  • Oil consumption needs to be monitored

The Toyota Blade is a variant of the ever-popular Corolla. It combines the small hatchback with premium interior finishes, additional safety equipment and the engines normally found in the larger Camry. That means extra performance and comfort - although it comes at higher initial purchase cost and with additional fuel use. It is available only as a used import from Japan.

Inside and out

The Blade lacks a Toyota badge on its nose - it gets the large emblem of the specialist dealers it was sold through instead. The car has a very solid, rounded look. A prominent grille is flanked by swept-back headlights and large ridges that come out of the bonnet. 

Alloy wheels are standard and body kits that make the car look low to the ground are common. The rear lights differ from the Corolla’s as they are clear with horizontal structures through them.

Although it’s based on the standard Corolla, the Blade's interior is a step above, thanks to the use of a suede-like material on the doors and dash top. The steering wheel features stereo controls and a button to control the trip computer displays set in the middle of the instrument pod’s round, back-lit dials. 

The CD player stereo, which will require a band expander to receive local stations, and climate control air-conditioning and transmission are all set high on the centre console to make them easy to reach. Storage space is plentiful - it includes two large glove boxes and an additional cubby in a triangular area under the centre console. Cupholders pop out from the far side of the dash.

The front seats are firm and supportive, thanks to large side bolsters. They are finished in a two-tone colour scheme. The rear seat space is average for a car this size - it is only wide enough for two adults and a child. A raised section in the centre position might annoy passengers seated here.

The boot is not the biggest in the class at 283 litres and two medium and two small cases are likely to fit. The rear seat can split 60/40 and fold forward to provide more space. Loads need to be lifted up and over the high lip which is a hassle with heavy items.

On the road

Two engines are available in the Blade. Standard models like our review car are powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and “Master” versions get a high-powered 3.5-litre six-cylinder more common in large vehicles and SUVs. The 2.4-litre produces over 20% more power than a standard Corolla at 123kW and 224Nm - it's paired with a CVT automatic transmission. 

That’s plenty of power and its performance is excellent, even with the CVT automatic which can make the engine rev a little higher than you would expect. Engine and road noise is hushed.

The Blade rides a little firmer than normal models although it's still comfortable. The car corners well with little body roll and plenty of grip. The steering lacks the feel of some sports hatches but its lightness will appeal when driving in the city. The upgraded brakes are very good.

Visibility is okay even though it has dark tints and window shades which can restrict your view. Some drivers might wish to add a reversing camera, which is not standard (although extremely common on all except base model cars). You can find a camera to fit yourself from $50 or have a professional do the job from $200.

We could not find a local tow rating for the Blade and, with its CVT transmission, it is hard to suggest it is the same as the local model, which has a more durable traditional automatic. The “Master” model has a five-speed automatic and might be more suited to towing.

Safety

No local safety rating applies to the Blade which has the same safety features as the five-star rated New Zealand-new Corolla. They include front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control. Toyota's version of this technology is called Vehicle Dynamic Control, or VDC, and cannot be switched off.

The rear seat features full shoulder-type belts in all three positions, which offer more protection than the lap-only type. ISOFIX child seat mounts are found in the rear window seats with three tether points behind.

Reliability

Like all Corolla-based vehicles, the Blade is considered very solid and reliable. The 2.4-litre engine uses a timing chain which will not require regular replacement.

This engine is known to develop an issue which causes it to burn oil.

The only repair is a full rebuild. It's probably better just to live with it unless the consumption is excessive. However, that would mean it is crucial to check, and top up, the oil regularly.

Both models offer more power and are heavier than the norm for this size of car so front tyre wear can be higher than expected. Make sure you check the tyres on cars you consider and add the cost of more frequent replacements to your budget.

Cost of ownership

Toyota recommends servicing the Blade every year or 15,000km whichever comes first. A dealer quoted us $280 for this service. Expect a larger service every 90,000km for the CVT transmission.

RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Blade will cost $2,350 a year to fuel. The 60-litre fuel tank will cost $120 to fill and should take you 650km before the fuel light comes on.

A vehicle licence for the Blade costs $76.92 a year, with the car in the second cheapest ACC levy group.

Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Blade valued at $11,160 will cost $45.88* per month, around the same as a standard model.

Buyers’ guide

The Blade is available on Trade Me priced from $5,000 to as high as $18,000. Master models and low-mileage 2.4-litre models reach the higher values.

Variants

  • Base - Features alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, Keyes entry and start, climate control air-conditioning and fog lights.
  • S - Adds body kit and sports seats.
  • G - Adds part leather interior and electric driver's seat.
  • Master - As per base model with six-cylinder engine.
  • Master G - As per G model with six-cylinder engine.

Timeline

  • 2006 Launched in New Zealand
  • 2008 Diesel models added
  • 2010 Receives a minor facelift and additional safety equipment
  • 2012 Replaced by new model

Details

Review vehicle

2010 Toyota Blade

Price

$7,200 to $16,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km

Engine

2.4-litre four-cylinder, 123kW and 224NM

Transmission

CVT automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety rating

Unrated

Servicing

15,000km or twelve months

Spare wheel

Space saver

Fuel economy

8.4-litres per 100km (claimed)

Fuel type

Regular

Lenth

4220mm

Width

1515mm

Height

1760mm

Towing capacity

Unrated

Turning circle

10.4m

This review covers the Toyota Blade for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.

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