Everything was manual, including wind-up windows, the seats, a 5-speed
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| The energetic 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine produces 108 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
manual transmission, the climate control and the door locks; no fancy keyless remote entry or power doors, seats and windows which I am usually spoiled with. But it didn't seem to phase me. It's winter and if the heating and stereo system work, and the doors aren't frozen shut when I leave in the morning, I am a happy commuter. And I was.Enhancing the driving experience is the combination of engine and suspension. Its energetic 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection and variable valve timing (VVT-i) produces 108 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm.
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| The suspension of the Echo is surprisingly firm, yet is still driver and passenger friendly. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I found the torque and power to be adequate for city and highway driving. Because the Echo weighs so little, only 960 kgs (2,116 lbs), it flies up and down hills with little or no sweat. Even with three people in the car, the Echo holds its own.
The front MacPherson gas struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar coupled with the rear torsion beam and coil spring suspension make for a great ride. The suspension is surprisingly firm, yet is still driver and passenger friendly. I had forgotten how well the Echo was pieced together, starting at only $12,995.
As mentioned, my test Echo was the base CE model. It did, however, come with the A/C Package, boosting its price up by an additional $1,290. Included in the package besides the air conditioning were rear bumper protectors, and front and rear splash guards. I can't say that I really had any need for air conditioning in the nippy weather, but it was there if I needed it!
