The Toyota Ist, known as the Toyota Echo in North America, was a subcompact car produced by Toyota from 2002 to 2007. Designed as an affordable and practical vehicle, the Ist primarily targeted young urban drivers. While not officially sold as the “Ist” in the United States and Canada, the Echo offered a similar, economical transportation solution. The Ist occupied a crucial segment in Toyota’s global lineup, providing a smaller, more accessible alternative to the Corolla and other larger models, particularly in markets like Japan and Europe where smaller cars are highly favored. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the 1.5i variant with an automatic transmission, a common configuration during its production run.
Toyota Ist 1.5i: An Overview
The Toyota Ist 1.5i represents a significant entry in the subcompact hatchback category. Introduced in 2002, it quickly gained popularity for its fuel efficiency, compact size, and surprisingly spacious interior for its class. The Ist was designed with a focus on maximizing interior space within a small footprint, making it ideal for navigating crowded city streets and parking in tight spaces. The 1.5i designation refers to the engine displacement, a 1.5-liter inline-four engine, and the ‘i’ denotes fuel injection. The availability of an automatic transmission broadened its appeal to a wider range of drivers seeking convenience alongside affordability.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Toyota Ist 1.5i is the 1NZ-FE 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 143 Nm (105.47 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4200 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving situations. The power-to-weight ratio of 9.1 kg/Hp (110 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 7 kg/Nm contribute to a reasonably responsive driving experience. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, optimizing fuel delivery and engine efficiency. Coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Ist delivers smooth gear changes and ease of operation. The front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration is standard, contributing to its predictable handling and fuel economy.
Design & Features
The Toyota Ist is a five-door hatchback, offering practical access to the interior and a versatile cargo area. Its compact dimensions – 3855 mm (151.77 in.) in length, 1695 mm (66.73 in.) in width, and 1530 mm (60.24 in.) in height – make it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The Ist’s interior is designed to maximize space, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. The trunk provides a minimum of 435 liters (15.36 cu. ft.) of cargo space, sufficient for everyday needs. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment, enhancing braking performance and stability. The Ist’s design prioritized functionality and practicality over extravagant styling, resulting in a clean and understated aesthetic. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels with tire size 185/65 R15.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Ist |
| Generation | Ist |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5i (110 Hp) 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 | 9.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 143 Nm @ 4200 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 105.47 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 1NZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1496 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 91.29 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 2.95 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 84.7 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.33 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| 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. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, 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 |
The Toyota Ist 1.5i, while a relatively simple vehicle, offered a compelling package of affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. Its compact size and easy-to-use automatic transmission made it a popular choice for urban commuters and first-time car buyers. Though production ceased in 2007, the Ist remains a testament to Toyota’s commitment to providing reliable and accessible transportation solutions.
