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Canada Gets Toyota Echo Hatchback But U.S. Doesnt

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Echo Hatch Only Available in Canada - Pity!

On a rare occasion Canada, not always the recipient of the variety of new vehicle models and brands available to Americans due to their smaller population (about 30 million), is getting a new car specific to its jurisdiction. The fact that the car in question is Japanese and the price is closer to cars made in Korea could start a stampede to dealerships.

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 which are available to U.S. consumers. The sedan and coupe will both remain in

A perky Japanese hatchback at a value price, the Echo Hatchback is not coming to the U.S. (Photo: Toyota Canada Inc.)
the 2004 Toyota Canada lineup.

Base priced at CAD$12,995 (USD$9,725), the 3-door Echo Hatchback CE undercuts its trunk equipped sibling by CAD$695 (USD$520), 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 Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,600 (USD$11,675). The sporty RS model carries an MSRP of $17,300 (USD$12,950). TCI anticipates that these phat but small rides will be a hit when they go on sale in late July.

The new Echo Hatchback, dubbed "fun,
Dubbed "fun, funky, and functional" by the TCI team, the Echo Hatchback should offer the Japanese brands usual reliability and general quality. (Photo: Toyota Canada Inc.)
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. Its 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."

Of course, that describles a lot of Americans too. So far there are no plans to sell the new hatchback in the U.S. even though some analysts think it makes sense for Toyota to focus on the lower end of the market. Of course, Toyota is targeting the youth market through its new Scion division, a brand that wont be going north of the 49th parallel.





 
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