Toyota Blade Aimed at Japanese Baby Boomers

TOKYO — Toyota has unveiled an upmarket hatchback, the Blade, aimed at Japanese Baby Boomers and priced from under $20,000.

At the car's introduction here, President Katsuaki Watanabe declined to say whether the Blade will also be marketed in the U.S., but suggested it may be reserved exclusively for the home market.

The sporty compact features a sloping nose and trapezoidal headlamps, with massive air intakes on either side of the grille. The face is more distinctive than the ones on such Toyota family cars as the Camry, and has some cues reminiscent of recent Volkswagen designs.

The Blade is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Well-equipped versions will sell in Japan for around $24,000.

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