2005 Toyota Echo: First Look

By Feann Torr - 19/04/2005

The Toyota Echo has been one of the Asian car giant's most popular models since its inception in 1999, and with the new model just around the corner, the automaker is ebullient about the compact car's future.

Toyota released the new Vitz in Japan (Vitz is the domestic badging for the car), which will make its way throughout Europe, and even all the way to Australia, and though regional versions of the Japanese car may change somewhat, it nevertheless gives you a very good idea of what the next generation Echo will look like.

Japanese car kingpin Toyota promises all the usual guff for the new Echo, including "comprehensive improvements in ... driving and safety, as well as in riding comfort, functionality and quality," and it even features an automatic air-conditioner that will filter out pollens and whatnots for those with allergies.

Chief engineer on the compact car project Kousuke Shibahara communicates it best though: "We designed the new Vitz so that owners would be able to experience the outstanding quality the moment they grip the steering wheel and think contently to themselves 'I'm glad I bought a Vitz.'"

The Japanese Vitz has been on sale in Japan since February of this year and is offered with three engine variants: 1.0, 1.3 and 1.5-litre.

We can also expect at least one extra diesel engine for European markets, most likely a 1.4-litre.

Another interesting feature of the Echo is that Japanese models can be had with not just FWD, but an AWD setup as well. Will these powertrain changes make their way beyond the Nihon? Time will tell, but it's not likely.

Only three transmissions are offered - a manual stick shifter and a CVT model (continuously variable transmission), plus a standard automatic slusher for the AWD models.

The entry level 996cc (1.0-litre) inline 3-cylinder engine develops 52kW @ 6000rpm and 94 Newton metres @ 3600rpm, which when teamed with the chassis and bodyshell create a light kerb weight of 980kg.

Next in line is the 1.3-litre engine. It adds another cylinder and boosts power to 64kW @ 6000rpm and 116Nm of torque @ 4000rpm.

Finally, the big daddy of the group is the 1.5-litre engine, which like its other siblings makes use of double overhead camshafts and intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i) to increase top-end power output and reduce fuel emissions.

The 1496cc (1.5-litre) inline 4-cylinder engine is on par with new one-point-fives from the likes of Mazda and others, and should afford the 'biggest' Echo with good straight-line performance, outputting 81kW @ 6000 and a healthy 141Nm of torque @ 4400rpm.

In addition to the new engines, and the all new look - which is based on the "Vibrant Clarity" design theme, says Toyota, giving the car "a sense of solid strength and vigor" - the all-new Echo gets an electric power steering system and new suspension.

Up front the 2005 Echo gets MacPherson strutted-type coil springs, while at the rear a torsion beam with coil springs ensure that the rear diligently follows the front end, wherever it might go. This may not be as advanced as an independent rear suspension setup, but in such a small and light car, the torsion beam is more than adequate, and helps reduce costs to Toyota, bringing the retail price down.

The all-new Toyota Echo/Vitz/Yaris has a relaxed new look that doesn't try too hard to be different or 'cool' and in doing so stays true to its original concept of cheap, reliable transport. The new look can be accused of being cute, but it always has been a cute car, and this is no doubt one of its more appealing aspects to its target market.

In addition to the new look, the new engine and updated chassis, Toyota went to great lengths to ensure one of its smallest models was also one of its safest. The car's construction was based around the concept of damage not just to the Echo, but to other vehicles as well.

"The GOA construction has been further evolved by incorporating the concept of compatibility," says Toyota, "which considers the fate of both vehicles in situations where passenger vehicles of differing weights collide, as a means of promoting crash safety for both cars in a collision with a vehicle of up to the 2-ton range. Collision tests at 55km/h were conducted, the highest testing speed used for Toyota vehicles so far."

Inside, the Japanese-spec Echo plonks the speedometer and tachometer in the middle of the dash, sticking to its heritage, while the centre stack (stereo, heating/cooling control) is one of the boldest ever seen in a small car, with its ultra slim shape, day-glo backlights and simplified controls.

Interior space has also increased somewhat, as Toyota's Aygo super-mini (developed in conjunction with the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 super-minis) takes over the the reigns as the company's smallest car.

As it stands, the new-look Echo (or should I say Vitz) is a very appealing small car, though perhaps too close in appearance to the slightly larger Toyota Corolla when viewed from certain angles. Small changes will be made to the car's front and rear aprons for markets outside of Japan, but what you see will be pretty much what you get.

Despite the overall look of the Echo being one of its most important features for younger buyers, a new range of frugal engines, the possibility of AWD, a high quality interior and impressive safety features will help to ensure that Toyota's compact car stays on the best seller lists.

We'll have more info and local specs on the all-new Echo as it draws closer to release in Australia.