The Echo's camshaft drive is by chain, rather than toothed belt

Echo engines use all-aluminium construction

Variable valve timing system works on inlet valves and assists engine efficiency at high and low rpm

The 1.5-litre engine produces 80kW at 6000rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4200rpm

Echo sedan's rear seat backs can be folded forward without need to remove headrests. However, unlike hatchbacks, seat cushion is fixed

Front suspension is by MacPherson struts. Rear suspension uses torsion beam design

Echo is available with five-speed manual of four-speed automatic transmission

Toyota says the Echo was designed to meet the world's toughest safety standards, including a 40 per cent deformable offset barrier test at 64km/h

Echo is shorter than the Starlet model it replaces in Australia

Centrally located instrument pod uses a digital instrument display