Eat Your Heart Out U.S.A.

It's back-to-school time, and its wrath is felt all over. The streets are busy, the traffic is bad, there are line-ups galore, and the mall is packed. It feels like Christmas, but it's only September.

The sporty new Toyota Echo Hatchback is tiny and makes parking in the city a breeze. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

So I'm at the mall and it's super busy, but I spy an open parking stall. Yes, I think to myself, but wait, the two SUVs that I want to sandwich between have parked way too close to the stall lines, argh. I hate that. Normally, this situation would cause me great angst but not in the new Echo Hatchback. I just moseyed on into the spot, parked and went on my way as other driver's stood baffled. Yes, this tiny Toyota fits into many places regular cars can't go, astounding passers by.

Although compact, the Hatchback is peppy, equipped with a 108-hp 1.5-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Although compact, the Hatchback's features are not compromised. My temporary tester came with a 1.5-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine, with 108-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. This particular Echo had a 5-speed manual transmission, which I particularly appreciated since the car has relatively low horsepower. The clutch was also very easy to use, and shifting was smooth. No complaints there. A 4-speed automatic is also available, and its acceleration should be decent considering the car's overall light weight.I also found its 5-doors to be quite handy; a 3-door hatch comes standard. Life is easier when a door can be opened instead of folding forward a front seat and squeezing friends into the rear. In addition, the version at my disposal featured power door locks, letting me access all doors with two turns of the key to the right.

The interior of the Hatchback is definitely not lacking in room, and the 5-doors make utilizing it a dream. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

The Hatchback's interior is roomy, yes roomy. Headroom? There's a lot. My 6'4" boyfriend - yes he's a good one so I'm keeping him around - had no comfort issues. Also, visual range is excellent. The windshield is large and on angled for an excellent forward view. When checking my blind spots, nothing obstructed my vision. However, the C-pillars in the back are a little thick, making it hard to see some objects while backing up. But the feeling of having a sturdy roof over my head overcompensated for any real problems.

Similar to the Echo sedan and coupe, the hatchback version has a center-mounted gauge cluster. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

On the topic of vision, the gauge cluster is center-mounted. This is the same setup as the Echo sedan/coupe and new Saturn Ion. I still can't say that I'm a whole-hearted fan of the setup yet, but it definitely does open up the field of vision directly in front of the driver. Hey, maybe I'm warming up to it.

Comfort is another strong point. It's a great car to just sit back and relax in, while paying attention to the road! The 3-Spoke steering wheel was a treat for my fingers and hands. The grooves located at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions were exceptionally well positioned, and it looks good too. The front seats are bucket style and oh-so-cozy. They have good lumbar support and are chiropractic and comfortable at the same time. The upholstered cloth, while nice looking, is also very cushy for the tushy.Below the instrument package an AM/FM/CD changer interface connects to four speakers. The sound quality is quite good, making it enjoyable to listen to my eclectic collection of music. In addition to the quality sound is a digital clock plus front cupholders, very handy during the hot summer months.

The Hatchback's power assisted front discs and rear drums offer ample braking power, especially considering they're only stopping 948 kg (2,090 lbs) of curb weight. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

The Echo Hatchback has sturdy P175/65R14 all season tires complete with a compact size spare. Its power assisted front discs and rear drums offer ample braking power, especially considering they're only stopping 948 kg (2,090 lbs) of curb weight, plus passengers and cargo. Of course my tester included and anti-lock system (ABS), optional, which no doubt shortens stopping distances.

The Hatckback's 6.7 L/100 km city and 5.2 L/100 km highway gas milage definitely gives you something to smile about. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

While I liked almost everything about Toyota's new subcompact I have a couple of personal beefs. Like I mentioned, I dislike the centre-mounted gauge cluster, and it doesn't include a tachometer. You can take that as a positive or a negative, depending on preferences. In one way it forces the driver to listen to the engine rather than watch the revs, but a tach can be useful when teaching someone how to drive - something this car will probably spend a lot of time doing. I also found the full wheel covers, or hubcaps, to be a little tacky.

On the positive the Echo Hatch sips fuel like a tea granny. Its 6.7 L/100 km city and 5.2 L/100 km highway rating (42 / 54 mpg) gave me no need to hit the gas station until just before I returned it at the end of the week. With the price of tuition, books and just life, that was a welcomed change compared to some of the fuel hungry cars I've had over the summer.Speaking of saving money, the car's base price starts at a modest $12,995, well within the range of most low income budgets - that is if it's paid for by monthly installments. The 5-door is a little pricier at $14,600, but includes additional standard features.

Starting at $12,995, the Echo Hatchback is well within the range of most low income budgets . (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

A sporty RS package is available for an additional $1,700, featuring body-color side skirts, a rear body-color spoiler, alloy wheels, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, plus the 'RS' logo fixed to the exterior as well as inscribed onto the door sills. It's a sporty looking tike.

Whether driven by a beginner, intermediate, or advanced driver, the Echo Hatch is a great ride, and created only for Canadians. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

An air conditioning package can also be purchased for $1,200, and includes a rear bumper protector. Or alternatively you can order the Hatch with a $1,650 air conditioning package that adds keyless entry, or keyless entry and cruise control for $2,060. Those last two packages cost $1,735 and $2,170 on the RS model, and all include that rear bumper protector. The final option is a $1,000 automatic transmission that ends the tally at $19,410, plus appropriate taxes and Toyota's rather steep $960 transport and pre-delivery inspection (PDI) charge.

All in all, Toyota Canada's 2004 Echo Hatchback is a head turner. This car impresses many who look at it, even a UBC professor who gave me thumbs up for having a "cool car." What more can I ask for? It looks good, has decent power and can fit into a meager parking space. Whether driven by a beginner, intermediate, or advanced driver, the Echo Hatch is a great ride, and created only for Canadians. Eat your heart out U.S.A.Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $12,995 - $19,410
• Body Type: 3-door or 5-door hatchback
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 108 hp, 105 lb-ft of torque, 1.5-L 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (opt 4-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (opt ABS)
• Curb Weight: 948 kg (2,090 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Cargo Volume: 205 L (7.2 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 6.7 / 5.2 L/100 km (42 / 54 mpg)
• Warranty: 3 Year, 60,000 km
• Direct Competitors: Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, VW Golf
• Web site: www.toyota.ca