Speaking of nippy weather, during my test week, the West Coast received its
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| The Echo's performance in the snow was brilliant, thanks in part to the optional set of winter tires. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
annual three-day dump of snow, and just like every other year, the city of Vancouver shut down. Okay, I am exaggerating, but many schools, businesses and roads closed. Nevertheless, a few drops of white fluffy stuff didn't stop me, or the many SUVs, from plowing through the city streets. The Echo's performance in the snow was brilliant. Luckily, it had an optional set of winter tires to grip me through the week, which were the same size and dimension as the standard all-season P175/65R14 ones. Full wheel covers completed the look, and the spare was one of those little compact ones.
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| While small enough to fit into those tight parking spots, the Echo offers plenty of space for myself, my gear and a couple of friends. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Also helping me through the snow-filled streets was a set of front disc and rear drum brakes with ABS. I was surprised at how little they locked up when I pressed them firmly on the slushy roads. In dry conditions, they are even better.
I find little to nit pick with the Echo Hatchback. It is incredible on gas with an estimated
fuel consumption of 6.7 L/100 km in the city and 5.2 L/100 km on the highway. During my test week I drove about 700 km, filled up the tank a couple of times at an average cost of 80 cents per litre, and it only cost me $40.00 total.
Furthermore, visibility was great from all angles of the driver's seat, there was sufficient space for myself, my gear and a couple of friends, and the Echo was small enough to fit into those tight parking spots.
