Toyota Platz

This article is about the Echo/Yaris sedan. For the Echo/Yaris hatchback, see Toyota Vitz.

Toyota Platz

Manufacturer	Toyota
Also called	Toyota Echo Toyota Yaris FAW Xiali 2000 FAW Vitz
Production	1999–2005
Assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi China: Tianjin (FAW)
Predecessor	Toyota Tercel Toyota Paseo
Successor	Toyota Belta Toyota Yaris 3-door (for Toyota Echo coupe)
Class	Subcompact
Body style	2-door coupé 4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Engine	1.5 L 1NZ-FE I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,370 mm (93.3 in)
Length	1999–2002: 4,145 mm (163.2 in) 2002–2005: 4,180 mm (164.6 in)
Width	1,660 mm (65.4 in)
Height	1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb weight	Coupe: 2,035 lb (923 kg) Sedan: 2,055 lb (932 kg)
Related	Toyota Vitz (XP10) Toyota Vios (XP40)

The Toyota Platz is a subcompact automobile that was manufactured in Japan by Toyota from 1999 through to 2005, when replaced by the Toyota Belta. Designated by Toyota as the XP10 series, the Platz was sold in export markets as either the Toyota Echo or Toyota Yaris. The "Echo" and "Yaris" names were also given to the export version of the related Japanese market Toyota Vitz hatchback, from which the Platz derives. In Japan, it is only available at Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyopet Store.

"Platz" is German for "square" (as in a town square). Only inline-four engines were fitted to the Platz, which was sold in Japan as a four-door sedan only. A coupe was also available in North America where the car was badged "Echo".

History

Pre-facelift: Toyota Platz sedan (Japan)

Facelift: Toyota Echo sedan (Australia)

The Echo was introduced in North America in 1999 as for the 2000 model year in coupé and sedan guises. The Echo's running gear is shared with the ist and Toyota bB, sold in the United States as the Scion xA and xB respectively, and the Japan-only Toyota Will Vi. The same platform is the base for the Japanese-only Probox and Succeed wagons.

In the United States, the Echo sold 50,000 examples, with just half that many in 2003^{[citation needed]}. The Echo was an element of Toyota Project Genesis, a failed effort to bring younger buyers to the marque in the United States. The Echo sold in high volumes in Canada, where smaller cars are more popular than in the US^{[citation needed]}. In Canada, Toyota also offered 3- and 5-door versions of the Echo, which was identical to the European-market Toyota Vitz, although they went on sale as 2004 models to replace the Toyota Echo coupe (last sold in Canada after the 2002 model year). As a response for Toyota bringing Echo hatchbacks to Canada, the Toyota Echo coupe was last sold in Canada as a 2002 model, but remained on sale in the United States until ending production as a 2005 model, along with the sedan. It was the predecessor to the current North American Toyota Yaris, sharing many identical features, such as the odd (and somewhat controversial) center placement of the speedometer and gauges, as opposed to in front of the steering wheel. Power options on the Echo are a rare find. Most are just equipped with manual windows and locks, A/C, and a six speaker audio system with a CD and/or a cassette player.

The Echo is known for its quite outstanding fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 41 mpg Hwy and 34 mpg City.

In some parts of Southeast Asia (not including Hong Kong and Japan), a modified version of the Platz with different body panels is sold under the name Toyota Vios.

The 2010 edition of Monash University's Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR), found that the XP10 provides a "poor" (two out of five stars) level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident.

US sales

• 2000 – 48,876
• 2001 – 42,464
• 2002 – 30,859
• 2003 – 26,167
• 2004 – 3,899
• 2005 – 1,544