Hi AshenGrey:

___As AZCivic posted, the Euro based Urban/Extra Urban and Japanese 10/15 cycles are not the same tests as the EPA’s FTP75/HWFET (City/highway) test. With that, the European and Japanese tests are even more lenient as the overseas ratings show vs. the EPA’s if you can believe that!

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes

 

Hey,what's not to like.$11000-$12000,2000 lbs 35-45 mpg and not bad looking.These could sell.Gasoline isn't going under $2/gallon. A lot of folks would buy the Echo now-check their used prices-they go for more than a better equipped Corolla.The Echo is a bit heavier,a little ugly with a cruder motor than this car.I think the 1 lt version could sell, but you are probably right that the 1.3 is a lot more"USA" than a 1 lt.If this winter is colder than expected,or if there is a oil disruption we will have $3 gas again, and $70 oil.
Many folks can't afford $25000-$28000 for a "second car" "city' car,but they can afford $12000 or so.We-USA- want a "big" highway-road trip car,but plenty of folks have a smaller,cheaper-frequently used- more fuel efficient car that they drive for all the "junk" city miles.We do-a Chevy Prizm. I wouild dump the Prizm for this-a trade in would probably cost just $7000.A trade in for a HCH or Prius would be $20000.
The only downside for city driving is that it is less crashworthy than a bigger vehicle(a little less comfortable also-but city trips are short hectic trips anyway,so who cares).Send it.Charlie

 

Give me a Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris anyday.

It is sedan fugly however, if your preferences are towards that end.

 

It would also make a great "disposable car". Say, for instance, you have to drive 30-40k miles per year for work, you could take your mileage reimbursement and use it to buy a brand new Toyota Belta every year.

 

If it's anything like the Echo, for that price you literally get nothing with the car, not even A/C.... From what I know, by the time you equip an Echo to be a livable car it is much more expensive, and there are better alternatives.