Toyota Echo and Toyota Platz are the same car, which was offered at one time for different markets. The car is based on the Toyota Yaris and is a sedan with four doors. A compact model that was successful in its time. It is worth saying that in Russia there are both Toyota Echo and Toyota Platz. The main difference is that the Platz is a domestic model (right-hand drive), while the Echo was sold in the US (left-hand drive).
2003 Toyota Echo
Naturally, on the Russian secondary market, right-hand drive cars are somewhat cheaper than their left-hand drive counterparts. But people say that this is a matter of habit, and there is also an opinion that Japanese right-hand drive cars are of exceptional quality. It is worth taking a closer look at the Echo and Platz to learn about all the nuances of these cars.
In general, the cars look very budget-friendly, they exist. These are classic “workhorses” for city residents. Moderately comfortable, reliable and compact. At the same time, servicing these cars does not hurt their owner’s pockets. With such a car you won’t attract glances from others, but you will always get where you need to go. These are the cars that people simply drive about their business without any pathos.
Naming options
The Echo and Yaris names are variants of the export version of the Japanese market Toyota Vitz Hatchback, from which the Platz is derived. In Japan, the car was available for sale to car enthusiasts only in Toyopet Stores. Reviews of Toyota Platz will help interested users understand the features of the model.
The Platz was sold in Japan as a four-door sedan. The car has four engines. The car was tested in North America, which it successfully completed.
History of creation
The Toyota Platz, reviews of which are discussed below, was introduced in 1999 as a sedan sold internationally. The car is built with a coupe version, exclusive to North America, for the 2000 model year. “Platz” is very similar to the “Vitz” hatchback with such elements as:
- entrance doors;
- general interior;
- mechanical components.
The chassis is similar to the Toyota BB, which are sold in the United States as the Scion XA and XB, respectively. The same platform is the basis for the Japanese cars Probox and Succeed.
Toyota Echo 1st generation
The car began to be produced in 1999. He opened a new segment for Toyota with compact cars. The model quickly found its buyers, most of whom lived in the city and were looking for just such a car, which was both compact and spacious. The car was produced both with all-wheel drive and with front-wheel drive.
Toyota Echo 1st generation
- The only engine for this model is the 1NZ-FE with a displacement of 1.5 liters, which could develop power up to 108 horsepower. This is a gasoline power unit with four cylinders and sixteen valves. The engine runs on AI-92/AI-95 gasoline. Fuel consumption is about 5.5-6.0 liters per 100 kilometers. The manufacturer installed this engine in its other car models:
- bB;
- Belta;
- Corolla;
- funcargo;
- Ist;
- Platz;
- Porte;
- Probox;
- Vitz;
- WiLL Cypha;
- WiLL Vi.
The car was produced for three years and was discontinued in 2002. It is worth mentioning about the two-door version of this sedan; it existed in parallel with the classic modification. We can always misunderstand the world's car market, since the two-door sedan sold well in the world, I think that in Russia it would not have reached the masses. So here, if you want a compact car, you buy a hatchback with three doors, and if you want something spacious, you buy a sedan (with four doors), but that’s a completely different story.
Sales success
In the United States, almost 50,000 units were sold in the first year after the introduction of the new model of this passenger car, and in 2003 sales volumes were half that. Thus, attempts to attract young buyers to the Japanese brand in the United States were not crowned with the expected success during that period.
Owner reviews of the Toyota Platz indicate that the model sells in large volumes in Canada, where Toyota also offered three- and five-door versions of the Toyota Vitz hatchback, badged Echo, beginning with the 2004 model year to replace the Toyota Echo coupe (which was changed after 2003).
Design changes
The coupe remained in models through 2005 along with the sedan, while hatchback variants were never offered. It was the predecessor to the current Toyota Yaris. They shared many of the same features, such as placing the center of the speedometer and gauges away from the front of the steering wheel.
The power options on the Echo are a rare find. After all, most models come equipped with manual locks, air conditioning and a six-speaker audio system with a CD and/or cassette player.
Model description
Reviews of the Toyota Platz allow us to find out that this is one of 117 Toyota models available on the automobile market. It consists of one generation and only six modifications. The model has been produced since 2000. Toyota Platz comes in sedan coupe types and can be used with petrol engines. Technical specifications, transmission characteristics, body dimensions and tire sizes of each brand can be found separately. Visual characteristics of all generations can be viewed in the available photo galleries.
Reviews
Owners of both of these car models describe them as trouble-free and reliable cars. They don’t have any “childhood ailments”. It is noteworthy that the right-hand drive Platz has noticeably higher quality metal than the Echo, which was once supplied to the North American market. But at the same time, it is worth saying that the metal of the Echo model is also quite good, but it is in comparison with Platz that it loses.
All repairs of these machines usually require compliance with the manufacturer’s regulations. This is evidenced by reviews and this once again confirms the high quality of Japanese cars.
Information from reviews
Reviews of the Toyota Platz (1 liter) indicate that in some parts of Southeast Asia (not including East Asian countries such as South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan), a modified version of the Platz with different body panels is sold under the name Toyota Vios .
In China, the Toyota Platz was sold as the Xiali 2000 Vitz 3-Box from December 2000 to March 2004, then as the Xiali Vela from March 2004 to 2012. It is equipped with a 1.3, 1.5 or 1.6 liter engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
The 2010 Monash University Safety Rating (UCSR) found the XP10 to provide an inadequate (two out of five stars) level of occupant safety in the event of a crash. This unflattering information caused the manufacturer’s quite natural desire to take measures to improve the level of protection.
It was clear that not only the Vitz chassis, but also internal parts such as the dashboard, exterior panels, front doors were reused for the Platz. Just as the Vitz replaced the Toyota Starlet, the Platz replaced the Toyota Terzel/Toyota Corsa as the successor model.
Vitz elements have been incorporated into the exterior design, such as the headlight and sloping pillar. The design has been changed. As for the rear, its upper part was controlled as a spoiler, and with the design of the taillights, an impression of breadth was achieved. The case size has been made compact to maximize usability, measuring length, width and height at 4145mm, 1,660mm and 1,500mm respectively. The model is highly maneuverable.
Compared to the Vitz, the length of the Platz has been increased by 535 mm, allowing for a large luggage compartment that can be loaded with 495 liters. The body type is a 4-door sedan for all models, and the capacity is 5 people.
To improve safety, front seat airbags and ABS have been installed. The engine range consisted of 70 horsepower, 88 or 110 horsepower - the latter not available on the Vitz. These were ordinary gasoline engines. For transmission, a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic became available.
Reviews of the 2000 Toyota Platz indicate that in early models the FF drive system was standardized, but for the 4th class only 4WD was available, which was equipped with a 1,298 cc engine. with a power of 88 horsepower.
In August 2000, the model achieved a 25% reduction in gas emissions and fuel consumption was measured as follows:
- 1.0 FF Series - 19.6-21.5 km/l.
- 1.3 Series 4WD - 16.6-18.2 km/l.
- 1.5 FF Series - 17.6-20.0 km/l.
Review of the Toyota Platz car
Toyota Platz is a 4-door sedan car, which is developed on the basis of the Toyota Vitz hatchback. Its release marked a new trend in the compact car segment from the Japanese company.
Distinctive features
Toyota Platz is one of the most popular projects of the Japanese automaker. Its main features are compact dimensions, 2- or 4-seater body layout, stylish design typical of the Toyota brand, and reliable assembly. In addition, the model was equipped with small-displacement engines that consume a small amount of fuel both in the city cycle and on the highway.
The car was widely used in the local market, but was also actively sold in Russia.
History of the model
The presentation of the compact car took place in August 1999, 7 months later than the Vitz hatchback. In 2001, the first restyling was implemented, due to which the shape of the hood, radiator grille and front optics changed in the car. During the next update in 2003, Platz underwent a global change in the exterior, modernization of the chassis and range of power units.
In the US market, the sedan was sold under the name Echo, and in some countries in Southeast Asia - as Vios with a redesigned exterior.
Toyota Platz is a spacious vehicle.
Despite its small dimensions, the Platz is a fairly spacious vehicle with a luggage compartment of 465 liters.
A 4-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.0 liters and a power of 70 hp was installed on board. s., as well as a 1.5-liter unit with a capacity of 109-110 hp. With. With such power plants, the car was only front-wheel drive. The version with a 1.3-liter (87-88 hp) unit had all-wheel drive. The gearboxes used were a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Advantages
Toyota Platz is loved by a wide range of car enthusiasts due to the following advantages:
- Low fuel consumption. With a 1-liter engine, the car consumes 5-6 l/100 km of combined cycle operation. This is a good indicator that allows the model to compete with other small cars.
- Reliable and high-quality assembly, produced at a Japanese plant using traditional technologies.
- Interior ergonomics. Despite its small dimensions, the cabin looks ergonomic and roomy. Inside the sedan, 4 adults can comfortably fit.
- A proven and durable gearbox that can be used for 150-200 thousand kilometers without any major breakdowns.
- Dynamism. The five-speed manual transmission provides good dynamics when driving in the city and on the highway.
- Spacious luggage compartment and carrying capacity. The cargo compartment is quite spacious. Owners mention carrying luggage weighing 400 kg without much discomfort.
- Engine durability. Over 100-200 thousand kilometers, the power unit does not break down and does not require major repairs.
- Low maintenance. The car only needs routine maintenance of the suspension and replacement of consumables. In addition, all components for Toyota Platz are inexpensive.
New century models
In December 2000, improvements were made to ABS to improve safety and it became ABS with EBD.
In August 2001, wireless remote-controlled door locks were installed on all vehicles, demonstrating efforts to enrich the installed equipment.
In December of the same year, the gas condensate cleaning performance of the class equipped with a 997cc 70 horsepower engine was improved, allowing it to receive certification as a super low emission device (SULEV).
In reviews of the 2001 Toyota Platz, drivers indicate that the car has become much more functional. In August 2002, minor changes were made to improve the interior and exterior. The design changes to the outer side located on the front grille, which has recently had a more refined appearance.
Additionally, not only the 70 horsepower 997cc engine, but all vehicles were also able to achieve ultra-low gas emissions certification.
In August 2003, to improve usability, illuminated cup holders and luggage storage areas were introduced as additional features for certain grades.
Owner reviews
Alexander, 49 years old, Kirovsk:
“I bought the Platz as my first family car.
I drove more than 250,000 km without any complaints. During operation, I changed the clutch disc every 150,000 and the generator.”
Victor, 44 years old, Barnaul:
“I bought a 2001 Platz over 10 years ago. We recently arranged a family trip from Barnaul to Helsinki (Finland). The car handled this distance well and drove without a single breakdown. For me, Platz is a “Japanese Zhiguli”. Reliability, durability and build quality are the main features of the compact sedan. If you are just starting to get acquainted with the cars of the Japanese automobile industry, be sure to pay attention to this model.”
Model range 2000-2005
The following characteristics of cars are typical for this period:
- Assembled in Japan - Toyota, Aichi.
- China - Tianjin (Tianjin FAW).
- Designer: Yoshiharu Nakajima.
- Body and chassis.
- Class - subcompact.
- Body - 2-door coupe.
- 4-door sedan.
- Layout - front engine, front wheel drive.
- Platform - Toyota NBC.
- Similarities in Toyota Vitz (XP10), Toyota Vios (XP40).
- Power unit.
Engine:
- 1SZ-FE I4 l.
- 1.3 L 8A-FE I4 (China).
- 1.3 L 2NZ-FE I4.
- 1.5 l 1NZ-FE I4.
- 1.5 L 5A-FE I4 (China).
- 1.6 L CA4GB2 I4 (China).
Also characteristics of the Toyota Platz are a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
Overall dimensions with a wheelbase of 2370 mm (93.3 inches) are as follows:
- length 1999-2002 - 4145 mm (163.2 inches);
- 2002-2005 - 4180 mm (164.6 inches);
- width - 1660 mm (65.4 inches);
- height - 1510 mm (59.4 inches);
- Coupe curb weight 2,035 lb (923 kg);
- sedan - 2,055 pounds (932 kg).
Car modifications: restyling and updates
Toyota Platz was available in both 2- and 4-door body styles. After restyling in 2003, the sedan received a reshaped hood, headlights and radiator grille.
Toyota Platz has a 1-liter petrol engine.
The following Toyota Platz modifications were offered for sale:
- With a 1-liter petrol engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission.
- With a 1.3-liter petrol unit and 4-speed automatic transmission. This engine had 2 options: 87- and 88-horsepower.
- With a 1.5-horsepower gasoline engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.
What the owners say
Owner reviews of the 2001 Toyota Platz (or Echo) are not always rosy. It is indicated that the Toyota Platz of the year usually comes with a 1-liter 2NZ-FE engine. But if you replace it with the 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE engine before importing the vehicle, there could be problems.
Owners who used this car for a long period of time in the first days encountered a problem such as a small radiator. Therefore, it was replaced with a Toyota G Corolla radiator. Later, the electrical circuit turned out to be faulty and the radiator overheated. The mechanism becomes inoperative at speeds above 60 km/h, ABS is not activated. Many car enthusiasts point out this drawback in their reviews of the Toyota Platz 1.5 liter.
However, in most cases, owners note the decent quality of operation of this passenger vehicle. The car copes well with city highway conditions and is suitable for commuting to work and for family vacations.
Thanks to the presence of air conditioning, city traffic jams do not frighten drivers. You can always provide a decent level of comfort in the cabin.
The vehicle consumes fuel quite economically. Thanks to its compact size, the car can be easily parked.
Car appearance
The Platz sedan has a laconic design that embodies the corporate style of the concern. The interior design looks ergonomic, stylish and practical.
Interior
The interior of the Toyota Platz is dominated by inexpensive but high-quality finishing materials. The driver and front passenger seats have several position adjustments and lateral support. For rear row passengers there is a comfortable sofa with good ergonomics.
The interior is made of quality materials.
Even in the initial configuration, the sedan has 2 airbags (for the driver and front passenger), an anti-lock braking system and brake force distribution technology. The interior has 3-point seat belts and child car seat anchors.
Exterior
Toyota Platz is a classic 4-door sedan with a low front end, short rear end and a smooth profile. At the front there is a massive plastic body kit and a narrow radiator grille frame, above which is the brand logo. The windshield is quite large in size and smoothly sloped, which provides the driver with good visibility.
From the side, the sedan can be identified by its laconic profile lines and 14-inch wheels.
