- Economical 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE and 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engines
- Space-efficient packaging
- Generally comfortable ride and stable handling…
- … but short-travel suspension struggles with bigger bumps
- 1.3-litre engine lacks flexibility of bigger units
- Front seats lack lateral support
- Hard interior plastics easily marked and scratched
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- Power steering not standard for XP10.I Echo
Review: Toyota XP10.I Echo (1999-02)
Overview
Released in October 1999, the Toyota XP10 Series I (XP10.I) Echo was available as a three- or five-door hatchback or sedan. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Echo was initially available with 1.3-litre four-cylinder engines for the hatchbacks and 1.5-litre engines for the sedans. In March 2001, however, the 1.5-litre engine was made available in a Sportivo hatchback variant.
Engines: 2NZ-FE and 1NZ-FE
The 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE and 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE four-cylinder petrol engines both had alloy blocks and cylinder heads, sequential fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (Toyota’s ‘Variable Valve Timing – Intelligent’ or VVT-i) and compression ratios of 10.5:1.
While both the 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE and 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE four-cylinder engines were available with five-speed C154 manual transmissions, the automatic transmissions were the U441E and U340E units, respectively.
Dimensions
The three- and five-door hatchbacks had the same dimensions: 3615 mm long, 1660 mm wide, 1510 mm tall and with a 2370 mm long wheelbase; the sedans, however, were 530 mm longer (at 4145 mm), though the other measurements were the same.
Suspension
The Echo had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension.
| Body | Model | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr or 5dr hatch | Echo | 1.3-litre petrol I4 (2NZ-FE) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
63 kW at 6000 rpm | 122 Nm at 4400 rpm |
| Echo Sportivo | 1.5-litre petrol I4 (1NZ-FE) | 5sp man. | 80 kW at 6000 rpm | 145 Nm at 4200 rpm | |
| 4dr sedan | Echo | 1.5-litre petrol I4 (1NZ-FE) | 4sp auto, 5sp man |
80 kW at 6000 rpm | 142 Nm at 4200 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Echo included a driver’s airbag and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Echo had 235 mm ventilated front brake discs with single-piston calipers and 180 mm rear drum brakes.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a five-door XP10.I Yaris hatchback – sold in Australia as the Echo – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 28.53 when equipped with dual front airbags. In the frontal offset impact test, protection of the front occupants’ upper legs was marginal, with chest and lower leg protection for the driver rated as adequate. In the side impact test, however, maximum points were awarded.
Features: Echo and Echo Sportivo
Standard features for the three-door Echo hatchback included a two speaker sound system, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser; hatchback models were also fitted with a 60/40 split and folding rear seat.
The Echo sedan was further equipped with a four speaker sound system, while the five-door hatchback was also fitted with a CD player and power steering.
The Echo Sportivo was distinguished by its 14-inch alloy wheels, contoured sports seats, velour upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors, front power windows and sports body kit.
Related links
- Press Kit: Toyota XP10.I Echo (September 1999)
- Press Kit: Toyota E110.II Corolla Sportivo and XP10.I Echo Sportivo (March 2001)
Review: Toyota XP10.II Echo (2002-05)
Overview
The XP10 Series II (XP10.II) Echo sedan was released in October 2002, with the hatchback following in March 2003. The XP10.II Echo introduced improved equipment, multi-reflector headlights and power steering as standard. While the hatchback models could be identified by their teardrop-style headlights, the sedans were fitted with new front and rear bumpers, a new radiator grille, tail-lights and boot lid.
| Body | Model | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr or 5dr hatch | Echo, Echo Rush (2005) |
1.3-litre petrol I4 (2NZ-FE) | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
63 kW at 6000 rpm | 122 Nm at 4400 rpm |
| Echo Sportivo | 1.5-litre petrol I4 (1NZ-FE) | 5sp man. | 80 kW at 6000 rpm | 145 Nm at 4200 rpm | |
| 4dr sedan | Echo, Echo Rush (2005) |
1.5-litre petrol I4 (1NZ-FE) | 4sp auto, 5sp man |
80 kW at 6000 rpm | 142 Nm at 4200 rpm |
Safety equipment
Passive occupant protection for hatchbacks was improved with structural reinforcements, a tibia pad and a lap-sash seatbelt for the centre rear seat.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , a three-door XP10.II Echo hatchback – equipped with a single driver’s airbag – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 23.64. In the frontal offset impact, protection from serious chest injury was marginal for the front occupants and protection of the driver’s lower legs was poor.
Features
Standard features for the XP10.II Echo sedan were extended to include a CD player, remote central locking and a 60/40 split and folding rear seat.
Standard features for the Echo hatchbacks were extended to include air conditioning, a four speaker sound system with CD player, remote central locking and a height adjustable driver’s seat.
2005 Echo Rush
In June 2005, limited-run Rush variant hatchbacks were released. Compared to the standard Echo hatchbacks, the Rush variants were distinguished by their 14-inch alloy wheels, front power windows and front fog lamps.
Related links
- Press Release: Toyota XP10.II Echo sedan (October 2002)
- Press Release: Toyota XP10.II Echo hatch (March 2003)
- Press Release: Toyota XP10.II Echo Rush (June 2005)
- Wikipedia.org: Toyota XP10 Vitz/Echo
