Toyota's Identity Crisis: The Blade Master G is an Auris with a Secret...

[@PaulBaker85]

"Blade Master G" sounds like a rapper from the early 90s. That was my first thought and now I can't get it out of my head.

[@Medge2sc]

JayEmm… the KZbinr who never stops

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

Dudes got 3 Ferraris to pay for. Lol

[@Medge2sc]

@@AWMJoeyjoejoe true… I have two ageing M cars and that’s enough

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It's true they are needy things

[@daduzadude1547]

@@JayEmmOnCarshave you ever tested a MkV Golf GTX?

[@Nord_Mann]

@@JayEmmOnCars don’t you get tired of slaving around to pay for their upkeep? I got rid of my classic Porsche a couple of months ago and have listed my 2018 Cayenne V6. If it sells I’m probably getting an EV Hyundai or Tesla or maybe a Toyota Hybrid Corolla/RAV4/Camry.

[@jeremijakrstic1968]

This car was meant to exist in silence. So far, it's been a great sleeper. I just don't want hatch-boys to ruin another stealthy legend.

[@numbereightyseven]

Exactly

[@junit7590]

I don't think this is a genuine G model. The G spec comes with leather and suede front and rear seats, front electric seats, dual zone climate control, 10 airbags and radar cruise control. It's a GT hatchback that does fast highway/open road driving great, has a leather/suede and Alcantara interior, is insanely reliable never breaks down. I can't imagine what serious performance modding you can really do, adjustable coilovers, bigger sway bars, performance brake pads & fluid, intake, exhaust and a remap gets about 330hp any more than that you have to supercharge them trd brought a kit out for the Aus spec Camrys

[@deloreandmc1283]

@@junit7590 that Master is a complete base model.

[@ReneBlade2GR]

Pretty spot on review. Being plain is why I love it, and drivers giving you stares when you take off from the lights. Air intake and some exhaust mods and this is a fun, understated sleeper. And comfortable while you are at it.

[@alexjaybrady]

I think these are so cool! Invisible, reliable toyotas with surprising power are a great genre (I have an is300 sc)

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Exactly my thoughts in my comment above needs intake and exhaust and it’s awesome! Although I’m sure if I did have one I’d have to figure out how to manual swap it. Given lotus used the Auris diesel box I can see how it could be done.

[@junit7590]

​@@thedetailingdoctor5746guy in New Zealand already did, used the manual box from the diesel corolla/auris

[@IamC.M]

Toyota should have continued with these,I love mine especially in sport mode

[@rookiespecter5607]

If these were still made,it would give the corolla GR competition,0-60mph in about 6 seconds

[@pictlandpickers1171]

It's a Japanese 147 gta

[@DC3Refom]

they should have made these for the UK market too , I wanted a t sport but due my motor skills and dyspraxia and autism i can only drive an automatic , automatic only licence

[@evanlaw3596]

@@rookiespecter5607this one does 1-100 km/hr in 6.0 seconds

[@evanlaw3596]

It had literally no target audience, that’s why it was discontinued. It’s a front wheel drive and has no manual models. Odd as hell. The Toyota boss ordered it’s birth out of a rage over European competition of hot hatch. It was never meant to sell well. Just Mr Toyoda’s unleashing of his pissoffness.

[@rickran1647]

What makes this car so interesting is the 2GR-FE engine (probably one the best engines they ever made) available in the Blade Master G.. This is probably the Corrola GR before the GR brand came in Toyota’s models..

[@DiscoFang]

A guy here in New Zealand swapped the manual gearbox from a diesel Auris. It was up for sale a while back. He said the hardest part was coding the ecu software.

[@Banom7a]

i remembered he had to do that so he can have the traction control working for inspection (WOF)

[@Iamtherealchow]

@@Banom7aI got one for sale right now haha on tm

[@laureus31]

Besides CT200h, Lexus did register trademarks for CT300h & CT400h. After inspecting the engine mounts of 1.8L 2ZR from a CT200h & E15/E18 Auris, 2.4L 2AZ and 3.5L 2GR from Blade/Blade Master, I'm pretty confident that CT300h is for the 2.4L 2AZ and CT400h is for 3.5L 2GR.

[@eVerProductions1]

Good to know! Keeping this in mind for future projects

[@Goodman-4525]

Japan's unique taste for cars is honestly something of a heritage that humanity needs to keep around. This car is probably the car you buy in Japan if you wanted the smoothness and refinement of an Alphard or Mark X (Both available with this exact powertrain) but you live in a much lower tax bracket thanks to Japan taxing for size as well as displacement (something the UK should probably do with our tiny narrow roads). It is amazing how that power train manages to squeeze into a space that small given toyota's usual home for the 2GR is stuff a class or 2 above the Auris platform. Now that I think of it what would happen if you stuff this setup into a XP210 Corolla? Hmmmmm

[@GoldenCroc]

Exactly, its a mini-GT for those that want or need it.

[@DiscoFang]

This isn't a G, it's just a Blade Master. The giveaway is the lack of partial or full leather seats. All G models came with leather as standard.

[@ianab]

Also no cruise control.

[@ianab]

Also , cruise control. The G was the higher spec version of the Master

[@dkerr200]

Interesting car. Its funny how tastes differ. I’d be far more interested personally in a series where this gets modded than I would be on any supercar video.

[@domsdriveway1282]

The issue with western media is that they always ignore the original target audience of the vehicle, and focus on the buyers of used cars. It's supposed to fill the market gap for a luxury hatchback/tourer, not a sports car. It has sloppy, soft suspension, an open diff, alcantara/leather seats like a Camry/Crown.

[@baronvonjo1929]

Wow...luxury hatch? Well it definitely fell short

[@Toyota4Life]

Suspension is easily fixed with some coilovers. All this car needed was a 6 speed manual and it would be a weapon

[@GoldenCroc]

@@baronvonjo1929 I am not sure it did... this is JDM at its core and for that market, I am pretty sure this is exactly what "luxury" is.

[@domsdriveway1282]

@@baronvonjo1929 my sister has the Blade 2.4 L Package. It has big perforated leather seats as well as the suede contrast-stitching along most interior panels, and the extendo ceiling lamp that runs from the front-ceiling to the rear passenger compartment. My ZRE154 Corolla doesn't even have stitching on the dash nor the doors, and no climate control nor navigation.

[@domsdriveway1282]

@@Toyota4Life from what I remember of briefly driving one, it didn't really feel like 280hp (and many owners say the same), but better suspension, tyres, and gearbox would have made a big difference. The KYB New SR Special struts for my E150 Corolla would probably fit right into a Blade without being harsh like coilovers although I assume the bigger engine would upset the fronts.

[@scarrollnz]

Your one isn't a G trim. That has full Alcantara seats, full length roof led light and standard radar cruise control. Mine was a non G Master with TRD exhaust. A brilliant GT car. Creamy smooth with performance!

[@DiscoFang]

Not exactly and it depends on the years. For non-G models cruise control and radar were optional from 2008 (October). All G models from 2007 had leather seats (partial or full, depending on year), power adjustable seats and radar cruise ("distance control") as standard. For 2008+ they also added a "Master G Version L" model which had heated front seats (and changes to the media unit and a few other tweaks) which then became standard on the 2009 G model.

[@numbereightyseven]

​@@DiscoFang Towards the end, some had an electric hand brake. (one of those toggle switches)

[@worldhello1234]

@2:13 Toyota Blade is basically JDM Toyota Auris. @9:43 It is a compact GT for those who don't fancy forced induction and fake engine noises.

[@TheCubicnz]

That is not a G trim, that’s a base trim vehicle. Doesn’t have the half (mock) leather seats or the other goodies, like radar cruise control, that come with the G trim.

[@blacknapalm2131]

*Been my daily driver down here in New Zealand for 4 years and it puts a smile on my face EVERY day I drive it* It's not a 'hot hatch' in my opinion its a 'grand tourer hatch' The power and torque are unmatched in this sized package. You can literally put 5 rugby players in this and fill the boot with luggage and still effortlessly overtake logging trucks on windy uphill mountains. The radar cruise control is a neat feature too. It will do 0-100 in about 6 seconds, but even more crazy 0-180 in about 17 seconds. *Personally I de-badged mine for.....reasons!*

[@junit7590]

preach! Me too in the bop bro

[@xj12c97]

I've been driving this shape of Auris since 2012 (an '09 diesel) and I just can't part with it. It's extremely reliable, confortable (especially at the back with loads of space), practical and it does feel airy, a bit mpv-like. Newer hatchbacks feel so dark and cramped inside compared to this... I know it's ugly, worthless and sounds like a tractor but I really do like this car. A 3.5L V6 version seems interesting though 🤓 Thanks for sharing, I had never heard of the Master V6

[@vindySL]

We had one for 5 years and feel the same! It's effortless relaxed driving. An extremely comfortable car! We loved ours.

[@alexjaybrady]

Theyre like mules, not glamorous but tough as nails and will get you through, which is a very winning quality that is hard to describe to a speed freak petrolhead sometimes. You trust them, I guess, and come to admire them. I do anyway 😅

[@bigasfeet]

I’ve had variations of this car since 2018. I would always recommend going for the g spec of this vehicle. If we’ll looked after or freshly imported it is a little reliable workhorse and the g spec gives it that little touch of luxury that lacks even in todays cars. The master g is an awesome car 🚗 Imand surprisingly fuel efficient given that you don’t have a heavy foot 😉

[@OhItzFuzion]

Another thing to note, the Blade Masters are actually quite rare, and only 2880 were ever produced between 2007-2012.

[@Calilasseia]

Two words. Sleeper Car. Kit this out with Bilstein shocks and a suspension upgrade, tune the steering a little, but leave the bodywork well alone, and you have the perfect stealth weapon. When Mr Boy Racer shows up in his lurid purple Fiesta ST, you can have fun showing him that this car has some unexpected performance chops. :) Plus, the fact that it's not a shouty car, means it'll attract less attention from the boys in blue. Sleeper cars have a LOT to recommend them, and this would be ideal for that role.

[@numbereightyseven]

You wouldn't be able to achieve all that. The chassis is already at - or past - its limit.

[@junit7590]

​@@numbereightysevennonsense, the chassis is strengthened for the v6 and suspension and brake upgrades this has over an auris. Good shocks and lowering springs wit front and rear seat bar upgrades and links is fin with front strut brace, and a couple under body braces. Intake exhaust and a remap have you 340bhp and 400nm with a very flat power and torque curve.

[@UniversityOfTurmoil]

Glad you spotted that the manual mode on the gearbox isn't what it seems. The clue is the 'S' on the shifter, meaning 'speed range', Toyota's with a proper manual mode (eg. GT86) say 'M' instead. The speed range just lets you select the highest gear the box will use - so useful for engine braking down a hill for example.

[@Quattro_Joe]

Someone was on the Sake the day they made this in Toyota. Best formula for a hatch. Small car/big engine is always a win.

[@allareasindex7984]

Corolla badge never changed in America. Never heard of Auris or Blade or Master. I love seeing things we never got here.

[@rjbiker66]

Was always the corolla in australia as well.

[@Barbarapape]

This is what the Auris should have been, why they changed the Corolla to Auris never made any sense to me. Would i have bought one of these, yes the 1.6 engine in the Auris was meh at best. The Japanese have a habit of keeping the intersting models to themselves, this is also true of a lot of other items including consumer electronics. Time to start having a look at the car auctions in Japan to try and find a good one.

[@davidmwood560]

How extraordinary! I've just been offered one of these, like you, I knew nothing about them, so I did some research. Quite a car! Very popular on the Japanese custom circuit and there's a lot of odds and sods out there to make them look as outrageous as you like. There are custom exhaust kits but diabolically expensive! My local firm can build one for a lot less. Chrome custom wheels are available too, and of course the ubiquitous sport air intake upgrades. I'm off to see the car tomorrow. Wish me luck...

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Luck... How did it go?

[@maarten332]

Yeah, tell us

[@NathansKiwiCars]

It’s a great car I won’t let mine go until it dies haha very practical I’ve installed a tow bar and I’ve helped many friends move with it 😁

[@XantoS771]

I'm starting a new campaign, Bring back V6 hatchbacks 2024 (this, r32, alfa 147 gta, clio v6)

[@numbereightyseven]

Petrol prices doubling, in about 2008, put an end to all that.

[@junit7590]

Funny thing is these are a lot more capable than all of the ones you listed bar maybe r32 in the wet, more power than all of them.

[@midgetspinner7007]

See these fairly frequently in NZ. They most commonly come in the non-Master spec with a 2.4L I4. The Masters are still fairly rare, even here

[@Sam-go3mb]

But here in NZ we also get the Runx right? and Auris, and possibly some jdm ones that were just still called Corolla? Which all 4 of these are the same car 😂NZ is such a weird Japanese auto smorgasbord lmao; not complaining.

[@Mark-jz5ye]

It also has a multi link rear suspension over the Corolla/Auris torsion rear. That's why it drives and rides better.

[@junit7590]

Na it's the same, but uprated shocks, springs, 225/45r17s and uprated brakes but still torsion beam rear end. Uprated bushes too

[@HumbleHonkingEnthusiast]

My favorite thing about this channel is the variety between hypercars and shitbox, and ALL OF IT is good, well presented articulate content

[@Wiwerest]

I've read somewhere that those weren't supposed to be sporty. Main idea for them was to make more luxurious and premium hatchback with engine character appropriate for a limo.

[@numbereightyseven]

Of COURSE they're not supposed to be sporty. This comments section is full of people who don't understand cars!

[@simon8089]

This is one of those cars I’d like to see reverse engineered style wise back into an auris or whatever it is, making it a complete sleeper.

[@RichieRouge206]

This is like the modern version of the old Mazda 323F V6 of the 90s! I have seen one of these on Australian channels

[@GoldenCroc]

Even more apt, the Golf mk3 VR6.

[@damilolaakanni]

The 2GR-FE engine was never used in the Corolla. In fact, apart from this car, no other Corolla used a V6.

[@ca9968]

Strange that the re branding thing didn`t work in the UK, Toyota South Africa re branded the Corolla hatch as the "Conquest" and that sold millions of units until they then switched names again and called it the RunX, that then also sold in the 100`s of 1000`s... The Conquest RSi of the mid 90`s was a particular peach of a car, a high revving , screamer that could keep up with cars with much bigger engines than it`s 1.6 power plant...

[@damilolaakanni]

Toyota even sold the Auris in North America as the Scion iM until 2016, and the Corolla iM for 2017 and 2018, before the Corolla sedan was redesigned in 2019 and the hatchback switched to that new platform.

[@ronz91]

Yeah auris was sold here but I never ever heard of this. Imagine a V6 in a Toyota hatch

[@heiner71]

Never heard of this one. Here in the US we never had an Auris. We had the Yaris which was its own lower priced brand, until Toyota rolled it back into the folds of the mothership. I like this Blade Master G. Seems to be a great sleeper car.

[@gravemind6536]

The Yaris remained in the UK alongside the Auris the issue is the Yaris was well established and Yaris and Auris sounded too similiar tell your mate you have an Auris and they thought you meant a Yaris until they saw it in person.

[@thomassmith3817]

The mighty 2GR….great engine

[@klasseact6663]

Yeah I've never ever heard of any of this but James comes through as always👍👍 This is like a factory "big block" engine swap, could've been SO MUCH MORE🤔❗️

[@GoldenCroc]

Well they wanted to sell a few units as well, and this is what the ones those people wanted, not "so much more"....

[@GoldenCroc]

@richardharrold9736 No, it isnt, but compared for example zero, its more.

[@GoldenCroc]

@richardharrold9736 They did the job they set out to do, so that would qualify as "properly". Lots of cars have been slow sellers even though there was nothing technically wrong with them. I am a bit baffled by you making lots of posts about this car, you must at this point be aware of what it was meant to do? Never heard of an Anti-fanboy of a car such as this, but you seem to be one? Did someone you dislike own one of them or what?

[@Nord_Mann]

I’ve been driving the 2023 Corolla Hybrid wagon as a rental over the holidays. It’s a good car and very frugal at 5,5L/100km. I like it! Never thought I’d say that about a Toyota. Looking at Camrys in the classifieds.

[@mikadavies660]

Strange car... considering that it will be an import with a horrible insurance premium. But it certainly would go unnoticed and would be too invisible to steal.

[@damilolaakanni]

I wish the Corolla wagon was more globally available, I haven't seen a current generation Corolla wagon in person. The closest most of us got was the North America-only Matrix and its mechanical twin, the Pontiac Vibe.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

I had one as a rental car in Lapland and I fell in love with it. Wonderful car, and you know it will never ever let you down. After spending £3000 on repairs on my Volvo V70 over the past 12 months I am sorely tempted to flog it off and get a Corolla.

[@Nord_Mann]

@@AWMJoeyjoejoe yeah me too rally considering a Toyota hybrid now. Have been driving Porsche Taycan and now Cayenne as a daily for the last 3 yrs and the price of the upkeep is kind of exhausting. We’re keeping the Corolla Hybrid Wagon until January 1st, and we’ll take it for a long overnight drive on the 29th. Just wish it was a 4x4 as I’m not too confident in making uphill stops on our snow covered winter roads. Tech is superior to my Cayenne actually, except ACP takes some time to start up sometimes.

[@Nord_Mann]

@@mikadavies660 ? All cars to Norway are imports. I bet this Corolla Hybrid Wagon is a lot cheaper than my current Cayenne V6 and probably on par with my wife’s MINI Countryman All4 Cooper D

[@mattpointon8093]

I saw these all the time living in Tokyo. Had no idea they had a V6! Thanks James.

[@overnightpartsfromjapan01]

90% of the Blade production run had a 2.4 4cyl with a CVT. You can tell them by the chrome grille and 16" wheels.

[@TheCubicnz]

@@overnightpartsfromjapan01and the 4 spoke steering wheel and smaller exhaust diameter, if you’re really sharp-eyed 😉

[@mattpointon8093]

Ahh nice. Thank you

[@dafister]

It's a car that offers great mechanical luxury, in a compact form. Something that went out of fashion a long time ago. Only similar cars that come to mind are Golf mk IV v6 204PS and Audi A3 3.2 generation 8p. Completely bland on the outside but great mechanical luxury. Downsizing and ever increasing sportiness killed off the concept. But those in the know understand that 200 or 280PS can never be the same from a 2 liter 4 pot turbo engine than a 2.8 or 3.5 liter v6 NA engine. I imagine a captain of the industry accustomed to his LS460 but wanting a smaller package for city duties.

[@miguelsarmiento761]

Thanks for doing a video about this car.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

here in the US they sold the Rav4 with a V6, and with AWD, it was quicker to 60 than the same year GTi they kinda repeated that feat with the rav4 prime too

[@lilPOPjim]

Thats not a G version. The G has radar cruise control, as well as fully electric seats which that one does not. I'm also not sure what those pedals are because I haven't seen any Blades with those before.. The Master is based of the European SR180, which has independent rear suspension, lowered from factory and had other options, and of course all spruced up interior. Its essentilly a mix of Lexus and Toyota. Not quite Toyota, but not fully a Lexus. I have a Facelifted master which has a much different and redesign centre console, with foot opperated hand brake, better steering wheel amongst improved and nicer external trim around the fog lights, window trim, door trim and better tail lights as well. The facelifted version also has a much improved gearbox controller. Putting it into sports mode, it will punch the gears in fairly hard compared to normal mode l; very quick changing vs normal. It will rev match when you down change quickly, as well hold the gears so you can bounce it off the rev limiter. I love the car. Its great as a daily driver and honestly wouldnt want to change it as it will straight up ruin it. I get about 30mpg out of if averaged over a tank. 35 on a run, mid 20s around town. Prodrive alloys, and modellista exhaust to liven it up a bit.

[@andrewsustek1685]

This gen aurises are a great used car. Plenty of space inside, the V6 is special. Drove a 2.2 mapped diesel and it was shifting and overtaking with a surprising pace. Soft and quick hatch

[@Kacpa2]

2GR-FE can sound great, its juat toyota's oem exhaust is setup to neuter the sound entirely in both Camrys and Tacomas and so in Blade. With custom exhaust setup it will come out and sound just like Evora.

[@lawrencehooper4341]

One very unusual car wrapped in an unassuming body. Merry Crimbo and happy new year Jayemm

[@vapor4den]

1. I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY PUT THE 3.5L 2GR-FE in this... 2. In North America we got the 1.8L 2ZR-FE and 2.4L all without Turbo in this Car and call it the "Matrix" ! Why they didn't Sell it Elsewhere, why ? WHY ? Weird.

[@zerocool5395]

Now I know I can put a V6 in my Matrix lol.

[@vapor4den]

@@zerocool5395 Back when I had one Matrix that's the motor I wanna put in to have a 4X4 300hp "stock" Matrix lol

[@zerocool5395]

@vapor4den Mine is AWD too, that would be pretty cool.

[@GoldenCroc]

Because they wouldnt sell all that many, is the true answer. This wouldnt have been popular at all with American customers.

[@AntoniusTyas]

I've heard of the Blade Master. Back then I thought 'Who the heck put a V6 in a Corolla?!' In my defense, back then I did not know Golf R32 and 130i exists and _ACTUALLY_ use 6-cylinder engines. A bit embarrassing, that.

[@pictlandpickers1171]

Alfa 147 Gta

[@pictlandpickers1171]

@richardharrold9736 forgot about mg

[@pollo.888]

I was a parking attendant/valet for years here in the states, and the most suprising vehicle I had ever driven was the rav4 with a v6. Basically this vehicle lifted with awd. Such a good engine. It was comically quick.

[@moethepaki]

I've been telling my friends that this car exists for years, but forgot the name, and couldn't find any details about it. My guy JayEmm coming through.

[@simmosideways]

This is not a blade master g. This is a blade master. Master g has electric seats, leather seats, radar cruise and a few others

[@rollercostars312]

JayEmm. If you turn the tcs off and put coilovers on them they're a totally different car. I'm also another uk owner.

[@sjones875]

How do you turn the Ecs off?

[@alistermccallum]

@@sjones875 pedal dance

[@120poundsound2]

They missed a trick with the Auris not carrying over the 189bhp 1.8 vvti had a 1.6 one briefly and it was naff.

[@seshelbow336]

Was a shit engine. The previous Caldina had the celica GT4 2.0 turbo engine which was actually a great motor.

[@120poundsound2]

@@seshelbow336 in the UK cars are pretty expensive to run so I'd consider them a good mix of power, reliability and running costs.

[@junit7590]

On no planet is the 2zzge a shit motor, no mechanic or engineer ever said that. 189hp from a 1.8 N/A. It's perhaps not as good as the B18c was but it's still better than any other N/A 1800cc of it's time or since. Ultra reliable, just changed first set of coils on my fielder z at 270,000 it still had the factory denso toyota ones in it.

[@snich63]

As New Zealand imports many used cars from Japan, there are quite a lot of them here. A quick check showed there are 57 for sale, but only two are the Master G with 3.6 litre engine. The rest of the ordinary Blades run a 2.4 litre engine.

[@numbereightyseven]

Three, not two. And they're 3.5 litre. Smh...

[@Toyota4Life]

This is a very unique car. 2gr V6 is a potent motor and not something you see in a small car. This can be a serious weapon

[@huzcer]

It's not that potent unless a supercharger is put on it. As the Evora found out. 6 seconds to 60 in this auris

[@junit7590]

​@@huzcerthat's stock standard with traction control on. Turn it off, good tyres on the front, manual mode its 5.8. Intake, exhaust, remap and stiffer rear springs it's 0-100 in 5.3 and 15 seconds to 180kph

[@jondonnelly3]

Blade Master G? Never heard of it and it's just the crazy shit i love and wish I owned.

[@bigasfeet]

She’s a fun little hatch ☺️

[@NathansKiwiCars]

I bought one as my 2nd car after a Mazda demio, have had it for two year I love it. I now have to replace the spark plugs 😅 can’t wait to start modifying it for track days 😁

[@davidarter9670]

Nice, interesting run around for those who want something more than a run of the mill Corolla.

[@djmandrick]

Name sounds like that of an early hip-hop/late-1970s MC! EDIT: i knew it sounded familiar. Master Gee of Sugar Hill Gang - Rappers Delight.

[@christianchilds8202]

These are pretty rare, even in Japan. I've never seen one on the roads, and there are currently only 2 Auris Masters, and one Master G currently listed in the whole of Japan, all less than ¥1000000 (i.e. < £5500). Of the ones listed, the only difference I can see between the Master and Master G is that the latter has leather seats (they all have the blueish alcantara). BTW, the more interesting driving roads around where I live (about an hour from central Tokyo) certainly can't be described as "notoriously good", I'd be inclined to describe the surface as diabolical, although admittedly all the highways are fantastic.

[@DiscoFang]

In NZ they are very common. Population of 5M and usually there are at least 5 or so for sale on the local Auction site. Only 2 at the moment. Quite a few differences in electrics and driver assists.

[@MandusahRamirez]

If you put it in sport mode and shift either down or up it won’t change gears automatically. But if you don’t it will just act as an automatic in sport mode.

[@bigasfeet]

How do I do that? It’s stuck in M 😮

[@danielwalker2613]

10/10 for the shirt ..... It's about time you went back to your snazzy unique trademark !! .... If think it might be an idea to drop the name of your tailor in the link box. .... Thanks Mr Martin, all the best for 2024.

[@waynestatic2778]

Owned one for few months. Everything like factory lip kits are quiet pricey to get them from Japan. Be looking at around £1000+ for. There is mainly two kits, Modellista and TRD. Aftermarket back boxes are also very expensive, be looking £600 -£1000 for branded used back box. Sold because it looked too bland without all them bits. Definitely needs, lip kit, back box and coilovers 😊

[@onecookieboy]

The Master G is quite popular in New Zealand (Used Japanese Imports) but is not universally loved. It is said to have poor handling due to the weight of the engine over the front wheels (high levels of understeer), bad torque steer out of corners, and brakes that are really not up to the job.

[@numbereightyseven]

You're misinformed. The handling is OK, especially on the open road, and no, they're known for surprisingly little torque steer. How many do you own? I own 2.

[@onecookieboy]

@@numbereightyseven My cousin has one and I have driven it from Auckland to Whangarei, my own experience was that it understeered quite noticeably and badly (compared to my 135i) and the chassis was not able to keep up with the power of the engine. They really can't be called a hot hatch IMHO, far to soft in all respects.

[@numbereightyseven]

​@@onecookieboyNobody's calling them a hot hatch. Ok, so you drove one once, but you miss the point.

[@onecookieboy]

@@numbereightyseven I don't think I missed the point, the problem is it isn't really one thing or another. It's not a hot hatch and it's not a particularly comfortable or roomy car so can't really be called a GT. At the end of the day it's a Corolla with a big engine, may as well just have a standard Corolla if it doesn't offer much more than a standard Corolla offers. The master g is not more comfortable than my similar vintage 135, has no more interior room and is way down on fun factor and power.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

I would love that engine in our Toyota Wish....to replace the 1800cc one... and since the Wish is a station wagon stretched Corolla chassis and a "7" seater.. the V6 would be in the right niche???@@onecookieboy

[@vibingwithvinyl]

It's a sleeper. I like it.

[@nabahmadi5012]

they inspired by vw golf R32's, but they are comfy with loads of ooompfh. those engines are solid and reliable.

[@hamishgay4735]

Good cars these got offered one real cheap as my first car. I believe they only made about 3 thousand of them with the v6. The rest are all 2.4 with a cvt gearbox

[@TimJoseph08031990]

That Toyota 3.5 Liter V6 engine is very familiar here in the U.S. also, found in many bigger Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the 2000s and the 2010s.

[@fastrace14]

Very interesting video Jayemm love your car reviews on unusual cars like this brilliant as always making me want one now.

[@RandallSlick]

Never heard of that. Perfect Q-car. Love it.

[@NathansKiwiCars]

The G means it has the radar cruise control 👍

[@RevLexus]

Great video, I never knew this existed!!

[@StevenGodfrey3956]

Jayemm did you eat your Christmas Dinner while editing ? Your some machine ! 😁📹👏

[@lexisyeah]

I love my Auris. The main thing I would want to change is a bit more straight-line poke. This seems to cover that straight away!

[@lordtherapeutics]

Anyone else sigh inwardly with disappointment when the auto-box hove into view? Thanks for a great Boxing Day morning video though!

[@tesznye6992]

I didn't know this car existed before watching, but I did know that past about 2000 Toyota didn't build anything with a manual and V6 besides I guess the IS250 and Tacoma, so the auto wasn't a surprise. The fact they even could fit a 3.5 into an Auris is though lol.

[@GoldenCroc]

Since its a JDM special, the auto was as good as a 100% given. Cant sell a car like this there without it.

[@DC3Refom]

no because I have mootrskill problems , dyspraxia and neuro disconnect with something , i could only pass an automatic test , cannot do gears without psychically looking at them , its a shane the T sport etc did not have an Auto , option , people that do not have handicaps , have thousands of cars to chose from , so stop moaning lol 😂

[@thenotanclan]

I’m bald and go to see the barber every week - he’s ’Blade Master G’ - not some bland Japanese shopping car

[@Patient_Lion_BS]

😂😂😂

[@Adamskiidu]

I'd buy it just to say that I drive a blade master G!

[@arabirb9941]

This car and the Toyota Caldina are interesting cars to look back on

[@joep4224]

We get a few here in Australia too (being RHD aswell). I loved the idea of a 6 cyl sleeper, and it was on my shortlist. But the Golf R32 came in manual and is just a bit more sporty whilst still flying largely under the radar as a super-granny hatch... not to mention actually being able to hear the V6. Still a very interesting car and i bet it's built to last.

[@jms211]

Blade Master G sounds like a hip hop artiste from the late 90's.

[@aaryeshg.6526]

This is like having a pint sized GT car. I like that very much, a car you can do endless miles very quickly and enjoy driving on almost any road... abusing the tyres that is lol. All that while being comfy. It's perfect that it even existed in the first place. Toyota even put this V6 in the RAV4 at that time. They don't do that now of course, the V6 power and torque was replaced by hybrid drivetrain.

[@DLNix]

Technically this could be converted to manual. There are AWD versions of Auris but not with 2GR. Need a bit of parts bin work but could swap in manual /AWD fairly cheaply. 2014 Rav4 had a 6spd manual option be ideal for parts. Transmission family is similar to Evora and GR Yaris/Corolla manuals. Quaife Evora IPS LSD should fit BMG if left fwd auto.

[@kimmikxgaming5010]

please do a follow up vid on the research you did for the aftermarket for this car please.

[@sumo_cars]

There's a couple of supercharged ones in the UK aswell

[@sjones875]

I own one of them 😎

[@burims3994]

Wow we really miss out here in the US market. Would love to have one of these things

[@chiwu01]

This is really rare car hard to get one I been trying for few months now. Drove one of my mate car oh I fell in love with it it’s like power with luxuries

[@zerocool5395]

Reminds me of a Toyota Matrix we got in the US, way fancier though. But the steering wheel, door handles and wheels are all the same.

[@hexgraphica]

This is the sort of odd regular Japanese car I'd only knew about if Genki released another Kaido Racer videogame in the 2010s

[@xXYellie12Xx]

Another thing to note is the 2GRFE is an incredibly reliable engine. In fact, statistically one of the most reliable petrol engines ever built.

[@benzinapaul7416]

Must admit I wasn't aware of these. Reminds me of a Japanese version of a Mk 3 Golf VR6 Auto or maybe an Audi A3 3.2 Auto. Bit of a mini GT car rather than a hot hatch.

[@GoldenCroc]

Spot on you are exatly right. Totally the same market segment, but for JDM of course.

[@Android-vk8yh]

Thanks for giving us this. Rare nugget never seen. would love it if you bought it and modified it

[@dtrain1634]

Very nice - the AURIS they should have made… instead of dull, dull and dull petrol models… just take this engine and the SR180 chassis job done. ULEZ is killing diesels off. We had an Auris SR 1.6 petrol the 138bhp one. It was VERY nice except for the missing 50 horses it needed :( I own a celica vvti 1.8 mark vii. Which is great except for the missing fifty horses 🐎 Cmon Toyota get with the programme 😮 VW -178bhp in the 1.4 tfsi… VW gti 200 plus since erm.. 2005… It took until the GRMN Yaris for Toyota to realise cars need power…

[@ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣΧΑΤΖΗΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ]

I like the idea of big engine non sporty hatchbacks, it's a small club but still interesting (golf iv 2.8,a3 3.2 and this) they are like an e500 or 550i bmw, you don't want the sporty version or to upgrade to a bigger car, an estate or a sedan from the hatches, 7 series s class from the others, just a small car with big power reserves that doesn't act like it until you press the throttle, that being said awd with such high torque would be nice.

[@GoldenCroc]

Exatly right, but the golf mk3 vr6 pioneered it and shouldnt be forgotten. A3 3.2 is a very good comparison for what it sets out to do.

[@ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣΧΑΤΖΗΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ]

@@GoldenCroc True, a bit shoutier than the rest with big wheels and vr6 badges front and rear but still quite understated for a range topping car. The a3 3.2 is a lovely thing, truly a miniature executive sedan with a very charismatic engine.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣΧΑΤΖΗΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ Right you are, but I have to ask did you mean the A3 or Golf mk3 had large wheels and VR6 badge? Wasnt there A3s without it, just the "3.2"?

[@ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣΧΑΤΖΗΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ]

@@GoldenCroc the mk3 golf had the vr6 and the wheels, the 3.2 had the displacement badge on the rear and quattro on the grill, the rear and on the glove box handle like any other awd a3

[@GoldenCroc]

@@ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣΧΑΤΖΗΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ Yeah, thats what made me a bit confused on which one you meant, since I dont think VR6 had big wheels except when compared to the base 1.4 Golf or so, which had 14"s. 15" wheels like the VR6 had wasnt anything very special even back in the early-mid 90s in my opinion. Many other brands cars of the same size including the GTI had it as well.

[@T_Perkins]

I have two questions/gestures... G for gazoo before gazoo? I noticed a shift lock button on the transmission - would that have told it to not shift outside of pressing paddles on s-wheel?

[@resnonverba137]

Why would a road be described as ´notoriously good´? 'Notoriously bad' maybe, or 'famously good' would be correct.

[@jamesengland7461]

Let the man have a few liberties with the lingo

[@resnonverba137]

@@jamesengland7461 Why?

[@GoldenCroc]

@@resnonverba137 "if you are aware of the rules, you are allowed to break them" to paraphrase a famous fashion industry statement. Wrongful usage of words and strange pronounciation is a field of humor in itself.

[@resnonverba137]

@@GoldenCroc 'If' being the operative word. There was no reason why using the word in this case was humourous.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@resnonverba137 Perhaps he did have the intention that it would be humourus, are you sure you can tell? And if so, how do you know?

[@madmatt2024]

That's a really an interesting car. It probably could have competed with the Mazdaspeed 3 if Toyota gave it a sportier look and a manual transmission, power levels are similar. We had something similar in the states called the Toyota Matrix and it's odd GM stablemate, the Pontiac Vibe. There was no V6 available but you could get the engine and 6 speed manual from the Celica GT.

[@phinds1]

This is a curious combo of my Wife’s old 2009 Matrix, her current 2012 Yaris and my 2003 Matrix,,, minus the V6. We live in Canada and obviously never got this car.

[@prophecyking3448]

God damn it Toyota! You have this amazing engine, the 2GR. No significant weak points, great power and good economy despite the large size. And for whatever reason Europe didn't got this engine almost at all, you can get it either in a Lexus hybrids (450h's), the Lotus cars or in some JP/US/AU import, all except for Lotus will have an automatic/CVT box. A Toyota did us all dirty here

[@reece5238]

We have two of these! They are weapons especially with some small mods. Have raced plenty of cars and gives mostly everything a decent go. Had ours dynod at 303hp.

[@bigasfeet]

😮 303?! Omg! 😵 is this tuning or chip? How do I increase my horsies as I have gone back to the 2.4

[@Patient_Lion_BS]

I think just like the lexus ct, people mistakened it for a sporty hatchback, when it was really just a compact tourer. Lexus pushed it with a sporty pretense in order to compete with the 1 series and A3. So the media took thst pretense and ran with it, not knowing the car's true purpose, just like this G

[@GoldenCroc]

Exactly right. Mini GT for those that need it, no sporting pretensions at all.

[@EndeavorsDnB]

I was lucky enough to experience this V6 in a 19’ Avalon and it had pretty good power for THT application. I also had a 09’ Matrix at 1 point (the U.S. version of this?). To imagine tht Avalon’s engine in tht Matrix 😅😅 it seems like heaven. My Matrix would actually lose speed going up the hills around Southern California, this engine would’ve been perfect for me back then!