It could use more rubber in base trim, but I suppose the low rolling resistance and resultant
fuel economy benefits of the P175/65R15 tires were the ultimate goal - it achieves 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 5.1 L/100 km on the highway. Incidentally it's also low emissions (LEV) rated.
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| Even in automatic guise, I was floored by the Echo Hatch RS's acceleration. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Another surprise happened while out on a Lexus event. After enjoying a scenic drive through the Ontario countryside ending with a glorious view of a rainbow stretching across the mists of Niagara Falls, framing an azure blue sky, I noticed an impudent little Echo Hatch RS sitting in a corner facing the wall of the hotel. Having recently been converted by driving the base 5-speed 5-door I just mentioned (it comes in 3 and 5-door variations by the way) I immediately asked for the keys. Much to my initial dismay the RS was an automatic, but I felt for photo purposes at least it would be fine.
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| The RS upgrade is entirely cosmetic, but I think well worth the reasonably $1,700. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Well excuse me; I was floored by its acceleration. While hardly a Supra Turbo, the auto Echo was quite fun and through the corners the great looking alloy wheel and tire upgrade felt excellent. I was zigging and zagging all around the outskirts of Niagara on the Lake, thoroughly enjoying my time behind the wheel.
Except for the alloy wheels, the RS upgrade is entirely cosmetic, but I think well worth the reasonably $1,700. It includes body-color side skirts and rear spoiler, sport cloth seats, leather shift knob and steering wheel, plus the sporty "RS" logo integrated into the grille and added to the door sills.
