THE Sportivo hatches and Echo sedan are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 80kW at 6000rpm and 142Nm at 4200rpm. Both it and the 63kW 1.3-litre engine powering the base hatches are high-tech all-alloy units that feature four valves per cylinder, DOHC and variable valve timing. The capacity increase from 1299cc to 1497cc is achieved by increasing the stroke from 73 to 84.7mm. Unique features of the 1.5-litre engine include its variable back-pressure muffler and slightly longer exhaust valve opening duration. The 1.5-litre engine meets the stringent US low-emissions vehicle (LEV) status. Claimed fuel economy figures for the 1.5 point to a frugal 6.3L/100km in the city and 4.6L/100km on the highway.