Toyota Canada unveils new Echo Hatchback: Fun, funky, functional - just for Canadians(Sorta-Kinda)

TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2003; Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) today revealed a new model created specifically for Canadian customers - the 2004 Echo Hatchback. Joining Toyota's best-selling lineup of compact sedans, a prototype of the Echo Hatchback was unveiled at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto by TCI President, Ken Tomikawa.

The new Echo Hatchback's innovative design, which Toyota describes as "fun, funky and functional" is based on the Yaris, one of Toyota's best- selling vehicles in Europe and Japan. Like the Yaris, it has a fluid, almost futuristic appearance, sleek and compact on the outside but with plenty of room for four passengers inside. The Echo Hatchback, which will be sold in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, will go on sale this summer, but only in Canada.

"Canadians have been clamouring for a Toyota hatchback and I'm delighted that we've found a way to bring it to them in such great style," said Tomikawa. "The fact that the Yaris is built on the Echo platform allowed us to draw on all the best features of both cars. The new Echo Hatchback has a European design flair that's like nothing else on Canadian roads, combined with the Toyota quality, safety and value that have made Echo sedans so popular with Canadians. It's a fantastic package."

The Ideal Blend of Fun and Functionality

The Echo Hatchback takes its eye-catching style from Europe, but under the funky sheet metal is a car that combines a fun-to-drive attitude with the value and practicality that's essential for success in this automotive segment.

Both performance and dependability are provided by the 1.5-litre engine developed specifically for Echo. The 4-cylinder, DOHC powerplant uses an aluminum alloy cylinder block and produces 108 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 105 lb/ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Light, compact and equipped with Toyota's advanced Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the engine's combination of power, exceptional fuel economy and emissions which meet National Resources Canada's standards for certification as a low-emission vehicle (LEV).

The engine is linked to a standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.

Like Echo sedans, the Echo Hatchback's suspension uses MacPherson struts with offset coil springs in the front. The rear suspension, which uses a torsion beam with low-mounted coil springs, was reconfigured to suit the hatchback design.

Roomy, Comfortable and Safe Inside

It may look compact on the outside, but inside, the Echo Hatchback makes superb use of its cab-forward design to create a passenger compartment that's surprisingly roomy. The front bucket seats are both comfortable and supportive, and the 60/40 split folding rear bench has an integrated storage console in the centre that includes a cup holder.

Like the Echo sedan, the gauge cluster is located in the centre of the dash, making it easy for the driver to see without looking away from the road. An electric rear window defroster and dual manual remote side mirrors further enhance visibility.

All passengers are protected by three-point seatbelts and the front belts are equipped with pre-tensioners and force limiters for additional safety. De- powered airbags are provided for the driver and front passenger as standard equipment. There are rear seat anchors for child restraint seats.

"We're not prepared to talk specifically about price for the Echo Hatchback just yet, but I can tell you we're sharpening our pencils," said Tomikawa. "We want to attract buyers we're not reaching right now - singles, young families, people who may be buying their first new car. The young and the young-at-heart who appreciate great style as well as great value. That's a very big group of Canadians, and they deserve a car that's great to look at, fun to drive, and made with uncompromising Toyota quality in every detail."

Echo Hatchback is equipped with Toyota's standard no deductible, no transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for 3 years/60,000 kilometres. Powertrain components are covered for 5 years/100,000 kilometres, major emission control components for 8 years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for 5 years with unlimited distance. Optional Extra Care Protection (ECP) at four levels is available for up to 6 years/200,000 kilometres.