...I purcashed the RS package.Fine little car that loves to rev. Very quick for an entry vehicle! I can't get people to stop asking, "What kind of car is that,it's so cute!" Will definately be getting the next generation that is already in Europe under another name. I love this thing!
Why has Toyota had so much trouble selling this thing if so many people think it is "so cute"?
Actually, the ECHO is kind of stupid looking, especially the two door version, and having the instrument panel in the center of the dash (Toyota trying to save money by using the same dash for both LHD and RHD markets) did not help.
The Saturn ION has a center-instrument panel too. And the ION is considered a sportier car.
The reason for the Centre Instrument panel is so the driver does not have to take their eyes completely off the road to check their speed, they just have to change the direction they are looking. It is for Safety purposes, and is much easier to read then a traditional Instrument panel.
The Echo sedan/coupe is an ugly car. The hatchback version is actually a much nicer looking vehicle (similar to the Scion XA). Also sold in Europe as the Yaris and Japan as the Vitz. The central speedometer is about cost savings (not safety) It's an economy car, so every cent they save on making it, makes it that much cheaper for you. It may in fact be safer, but that isn't Toyota's primary reason for doing so.
I tend to agree the hatch is only slightly better looking the coupe and sedan with their bloated shape to put it bluntly are ugly. The new Yaris looks interesting.
Agree.
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