March 2000 Volume 81 Number 3 "serving the protectors"
Left in Echo’s wake
By Jim Barnett

oyota’s smallest car, Echo, can leave more powerful vehicles in its wake on steep hills and country roads, provided its engine is kept on the boil. It travels casually at 110km/h, corners very well and is above all fun to drive.

On the road, this car is a real surprise. It’s smooth, quiet, agile and very fuel efficient, using around 7.6litres/100km. Around town it’s nippy and easy to park, thanks to its short wheelbase and small turning circle.

It shares much in common with the radical Mercedes A Class but is well over $20,000 cheaper. Echo comes in three models: a three-door and a five-door hatch with a 1.3-litre engine; a four-door sedan powered by a 1.5-litre engine.

Both Echo engines feature double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and intelligent variable valve timing. This VVTi improves torque, power and fuel economy and has the added advantage of reducing emissions. The 1.5-litre engine produces a healthy 80kW at 6,000 rpm while the 1.3 pumps out 63kW at 6,000rpm.

The Police Journal tested the five-door hatch, which was spacious and comfortable. Head and shoulder room abounds, and Toyota claims it will seat four, 190cm tall passengers in comfort. The adjustable steering column and small diameter, thick steering wheel ensures a good driving position and sporty feel.

Visibility is generally very good, however, the small rear window and large headrests somewhat restrict rear visibility. The dash layout features digital instruments in a fluorescent character display tube centrally located and angled toward the driver.

The cabin features an abundance of storage areas, with up to seven separate ones in the dashboard alone. Large front door bins, rear map pockets and drink holders also feature. The rear seat squab in the test hatch has a 60/40 split/fold design. In addition, the rear seat will slide 150mm back and forward to provide greater luggage space or enhanced leg room. The seat can also be folded forward against the front seats to reveal a large cargo area.

Starting at $14,990, Echo is a great little package at a small-change price, which includes a driver’s airbag.

Awesome Celica - a true sports car

Celica is simply stunning. This seventh-generation model is smaller, lighter and has 40 per cent more power than the previous model. It has been transformed from a sporty looking 2-door coupe to a true hard-top sports car that is absolutely awesome to drive.

Celica drives every bit as good as it looks. Its exterior styling is accentuated by its low-wedge shape, wide stance and futuristic headlight assembly. Even when stationary, Celica looks as if it’s speeding.

The two models - SX and ZR - feature a race-bread 1.8-litre, twin-cam, 16-valve engine developed with Yamaha. Delivering 140kW at 7,600rpm and 180Nm torque at 6,800rpm, the engine also features variable-valve timing and variable-valve lift.

Drive is to the front wheels via a delightful six-speed manual transmission or an optionally available four-speed, direct-drive automatic transmission with Formula One-type shift buttons on the steering wheel.Revised suspension features McPherson struts at the front and independent double wishbones at the rear.

The driver and front seat passenger each score a very comfortable sports-style seat positioned almost at floor level. The driving position is truly sports-car style, with a superb three-spoke leather steering wheel and leather-bound, short-throw gear-shift lever. The dash layout is excellent and features large motor cycle-style gauges.

The Police Journal tested a gleaming blue/black SX, which was simply stunning to drive. This car will rev all the way to 8,000 rpm and has one of the nicest gearboxes around. Handling is incredibly precise; and at $39,950 it’s difficult to think of a better sports coupe for the price.

Standard features include:

• Dual airbags
• CD player with six speakers
• Alloy wheels
• Cruise control
• Power windows and door locks.

The ZR sells for $46,900 and features such extras as:

• ABS
• Side airbags
• Six-disc CD
• Electric moonroof.

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