Toyota Echo Replaces the Tercel

The Echo will replace the Tercel at the bottom of Tercel's lineup.   The Tercel which was axed in 1998, tended to be picked up by new-car buyers on a water-thin budget, regardless of age.  With the Echo, Toyota will reach out to a new generation of consumers: people under 30.  The Echo's target base price is $10,000.   A well-equipped version will sell for about $12,500.  Toyota hopes the Echo will undercut significantly the Honda Civic and Dodge Neon, which begin in the $11,000 range.  But Toyota also is taking on the Civic and Neon in the design category with a far more forward-looking package than the conservative Tercel it replaced.

Toyota is counting on an eye-catching interior, a spirited engine and a reasonable price to do the trick.

"Toyota's future success lies in its appeal to young buyers looking for something new, different and affordable," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division general manager.  "The problem in recent years is that the entry-level small car has not been able to keep pace with buyers' demands for roomier, safer, better-equipped vehicles at an affordable price."  This means that $10,000 will not mean a car that looks cheap.  Tilt-steering wheel, AM/FM radio, 14-inch wheels and colorkeyed bumpers and door handles will be standard at that estimated price.

An Echo in the $12,500 range is expected to include air conditioning, power steering, intermittent wipers, a sport body kit and an AM/FM/cassette/CD system with six speakers.

Toyota hopes the interior packaging -which has the identical interior volume as the more - expensive Corolla - will combine with a peppy, fuel-sipping powertrain to convince young buyers that Toyota is a good value.

The Echo goes on sale October 1st.

ECHO's Features: