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 Toyota Echo Hatchback
by Peter Bleakney
What a difference a trunk makes. Or more specifically, a lack thereof. By lopping off the derriere of the Echo sedan, Toyota has transformed its dork-of-the-byways into a very stylish runabout with a pretty high hip quotient.
Granted, there's a bit more to it than just the trunk-ectomy, but in essence, the 2004 Echo Hatchback (based on Japan's Vitz/ Europe's Yaris) gives the old "less is more" adage some serious credence.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this car is that it's not available in the US. What's up with that?
As it turns out, we Canadians are a thrifty lot. Compared to our friends Stateside, we have less disposable income, our gas is more expensive, and we're not afraid of the sensible hatchback. As a result, Canadians buy a much higher percentage of entry level cars. Twenty-five percent of our new car market to be exact, which is twice that of the same segment in the US.
Luck for us Toyota made the effort to bring this car to the Great White North.
The Echo Hatchback is powered by a 1.5 litre aluminum block, 16-valve four cylinder engine with variable valve timing that puts out 108 hp at 6000 rpm and 105 lb/ft of torque at 4200 rpm. Canada's Energuide rates this car the most frugal of 2004 economy hatchbacks with a combined fuel economy of 6.0 litres/100 km.
ABS is standard in the Echo Hatchback - a bonus in this class of vehicle.
 The base price for the three door hatchback is $12,995 - the five door will set you back an additional $1605.
My loaded five door tester rang the cash register at $19,851. Contributing to this bottom line was a 4-speed automatic transmission ($1000), the $1700 RS package (14" alloys, sport seats, rear spoiler, side skirts, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and RS scuff plates), the $1250 APX package (AC and bumper protection), upgraded stereo ($190), B-Pillar black accent ($151) and freight and delivery charge of $960.
Certainly not the most frugal way to buy an Echo Hatchback, but a very nice car as a result. Just about everyone I encountered loved the RS look with the cool little alloy wheels.
What's most impressive about this diminutive hatch is it's refinement and dynamics out on the open road. It is quiet and stable on the highway, the engine pulls with enthusiasm, and there is good feedback and a solid feel from all major controls. Granted, the limits are quite low, but the fun factor is high. It drives with a cheeky irreverence that matches it looks.
You sit up high with a great view down the road, and there's enough headroom to accommodate the tallest of hats. While some have carped about the Echo's centrally mounted instrument pod atop the dash, I soon got used to it. You never have to worry about the steering wheel obscuring the view of the gauges - which there aren't many of. Just a speedo, fuel gauge and a cluster of warning lights. No tach I can understand - but no clock? And while I'm nitpicking, there's no courtesy light when you open the door at night.
Yes, this is an economy car, but how much can a switch in the door jam cost?
 On the plus side, the optional leather steering wheel is lovely, and there is a surprising amount of room for both front and rear seat passengers. Tons of clever storage cubbies in the cabin help compensate for the rather limited space behind the back seats. This is a very short car, remember, so only a few grocery bags will squeeze back there. Fold the rear seat-back down, however, and the little hatch will swallow a significant amount of cargo.
Overall, interior fit and finish is quite good. It is a bit plasticky, but the design is contemporary and funky, which helps alot here.
The optional four-speed automatic works well with the little four banger, making forward progress smooth and seamless. The structure feels very solid, and although the short wheelbase makes for a choppy ride on some surfaces, the suspension (MacPherson struts up front, twist beam in the rear) absorbs impacts very well. In fact, after a while behind the wheel of the Echo Hatchback, you could be forgiven if you forgot this was an entry level car.
Okay, you still have to crank the windows by hand.
With the 2004 Echo Hatchback, Toyota has proven that shoppers in this snack bracket are not resigned to driving rolling penalty boxes. This cars wins with its looks, dynamics and environmental friendliness.
Good job Toyota. And thanks, eh...
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