Super Saver Strike Force

In a world where bigger often is deemed better, life has become particularly challenging for "economy" sedans. Despite their attractive prices and a modern can-do spirit, these under appreciated four-door stalwarts have to fight the public's general consensus that "low-cost" equals "boring."

Well this year things have changed for the better. Edgier styling, a wider range of options, and improved performance have added a major fun factor to the low-price segment. For this test, we subjected four of the newest mini-gladiators to a battery of driving maneuvers. Each reported for duty fitted with a manual transmission and the best available engine to optimize its fun factor-plus a typical selection of upgrade items aimed at maximizing its appeal as a daily driver. With that said, it's time to fire the opening salvo in this wheel-to-wheel combat exercise of economical four-door fun.

Toyota EchoEntry Level Gets An AttitudeEverybody has to start somewhere when it comes to that first new car. For 2000, Toyota hopes its distinctive Echo will strike a particularly responsive chord with the younger, more budget-bound buyer. Smartly designed to maximize interior space this trendy urbo-module does have a good deal going for it on several levels.

Based on a front-drive platform already being sold in Europe and Japan, the Echo combines a strong-yet-light structure (the base coupe weighs just 2020 pounds, an autoshifted sedan tallies a mere 2080) with sufficient interior space to handle four adults with relative ease or two full-sizers and a trio of kidlets. In fact, its subcompact exterior dimensions belie a true compact within-and one that fairly bristles with handy storage bins.

Arguably the Echo's most distinctive interior design touch is its centrally positioned instrument cluster, composed of speedometer, gas gauge, and grouped warning lights. Toyota claims this is not just a styling gimmick, citing that less eye movement is needed to scan this highly legible, driver-oriented array than would be required by a conventionally located grouping. Most of our younger staffers agreed wit this belief, while our 40-something drivers mostly found it difficult to adjust to, and yes, gimmicky.

Powering the Echo is an all-new 1.5-liter DOHC four crowned with a version of Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing system. Paired with the standard five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic, it develops a respectable 108 horses and 105 pound-feet of torque. With the five-speed, our tester hit 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds and toured the quarter mile in 16.5 ticks at 84.5 mph. That's darn quick (speedier than a Lexus RX 300) especially, given that this Echo variant also gets 34/41 city/highway EPA mpg.

Underneath, the Echo's MacPherson strut/torsion-beam suspension is tuned to deliver a pleasantly compliant ride and decent handling feel. The standard 175/65SR14 all-season tires are none to beefy, but still guided the Echo to a 62.9-mph slalom best and pulled 0.79 g on the skidpad. Bolstered by optional ABS on its vented disc/drum binders, it also dipped 60-0 mph in 129 feet with minimal drama.

Other attributes notwithstanding, for many, the Echo's major attraction lies in Toyota's proven ability to crank out low-maintenance/ultra-reliable vehicles like clockwork. The price/value issue, on the other hand, is a bit less clear. Although a base coupe starts at $9995, our fairly well-appointed four-door commanded $14,264-and that without things like power windows or mirrors, which are not available-or an $800 automatic transmission, which is. Even so, brisk initial sales indicate the Echo may end up enjoying cult status among both the young and the young at heart.-Bob Nagy