Echo Hatch Available in 3-Door and 5-Door Variants
News of an inexpensive new car is always well received by Canadians. But when that car is Japanese and the price is closer to cars made in Korea it could start a stampede to dealerships.
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| A perky Japanese hatchback at a value price, the Echo Hatchback will be welcomed by Canadian dealers and drivers alike. (Photo: Toyota Canada Inc.) |
Such a result would be welcomed by Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI), responsible for bringing the hot little Echo Hatchback to market this fall. Based on the Yaris world car, the perky little hatchback shares its underpinnings with the popular Echo sedan and coupe - both of which will remain in the 2004 Toyota lineup.
Base priced at $12,995, the 3-door Echo Hatchback CE undercuts its trunk equipped sibling by $695, making it more attainable for first time buyers. While the base car gets a 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment the 5-door Hatchback LE is equipped with an automatic, at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,600. The sporty RS model carries an MSRP of $17,300. TCI anticipates that these 'phat' but small rides will be a hit when they go on sale in late July.
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| Dubbed "fun, funky, and functional" by the Toyota team, the Echo Hatchback will offer reliable quality for Canadians of all ages. (Photo: Toyota Canada Inc.) |
The new Echo Hatchback, dubbed "fun, funky, and functional" by the Toyota team, has been designed especially for the young and young in spirit, seeking a little fun but still wanting a high quality, reliable compact car.
Tony Wearing, Group Vice President of TCI said, "The new Echo Hatchback combines exciting styling with the confidence of total Toyota quality at an extremely competitive price. It's the ideal, real-life car for anyone who needs something practical, wants something new, and likes to have fun on a budget. That describes a lot of Canadians of all ages."