The Toyota Ist, known as the Toyota Echo in North America, was a subcompact car produced by Toyota from 2002 to 2007. This model represented Toyota’s entry into the increasingly popular supermini segment, offering a practical and fuel-efficient option for urban drivers. While not directly sold as the “Ist” in the United States, the Echo shared its platform and many components, catering to a similar demographic seeking affordability and reliability. The Ist, particularly the 1.5i 4WD Automatic variant, was primarily marketed in Japan and Europe, offering a unique blend of compact size, interior space, and available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in varied conditions.
Toyota Ist 1.5i: A Detailed Overview
The Toyota Ist 1.5i (105 Hp) 4WD Automatic is a five-door hatchback designed to maximize interior space within a small footprint. It was positioned as a versatile vehicle suitable for both city commuting and occasional longer journeys. The availability of a four-wheel-drive system distinguished it from many competitors in its class, providing improved stability and handling, especially in inclement weather. The Ist aimed to provide a comfortable and practical driving experience, prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of use.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Toyota Ist 1.5i is the 1NZ-FE 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 105 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 127 Nm (93.67 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,200 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it delivers adequate power for everyday driving. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 9.5 kg/Hp (105 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 7.9 kg/Nm (127 Nm/tonne) contribute to a responsive, if not exhilarating, driving experience. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain for efficient combustion and power delivery. Coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system, the Ist offers confident traction and smooth gear changes. The engine has a displacement of 1497 cm3 (91.35 cu. in.) with a bore of 74 mm (2.91 in.) and a stroke of 87 mm (3.43 in.). The compression ratio is set at 9.4:1. Routine maintenance requires 3.7 liters (3.91 US qt | 3.26 UK qt) of engine oil and 4.3 liters (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Toyota Ist features a distinctive hatchback body style, maximizing interior space while maintaining a relatively compact exterior. The five-door configuration provides easy access for both passengers and cargo. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating for five occupants. The Ist’s interior prioritizes functionality over luxury, with durable materials and a straightforward layout. Key features include an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety, and a trunk (boot) space of 435 liters (15.36 cu. ft.). The vehicle’s dimensions are 3855 mm (151.77 in.) in length, 1695 mm (66.73 in.) in width, and 1530 mm (60.24 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2370 mm (93.31 in.). The front and rear track widths are 1455 mm (57.28 in.) and 1435 mm (56.5 in.) respectively. The Ist rides on 15-inch wheel rims, fitted with 185/65 R15 tires. The Ist’s design, while not groundbreaking, was considered modern and appealing for its time, focusing on maximizing usability and interior volume.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Ist |
| Generation | Ist |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5i (105 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 3200 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 93.67 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 1NZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1497 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 91.35 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 2.91 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 87 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.43 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 3.91 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 3.26 UK qt |
| Coolant | 4.3 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 4.54 US qt |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 3.78 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1000 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 2204.62 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 435 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum (cu. ft.) | 15.36 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 11.89 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 9.9 UK gal |
| Length | 3855 mm |
| Length (in.) | 151.77 in. |
| Width | 1695 mm |
| Width (in.) | 66.73 in. |
| Height | 1530 mm |
| Height (in.) | 60.24 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2370 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 93.31 in. |
| Front track | 1455 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 57.28 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1435 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 56.5 in. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
