As car testers, it's not often that we develop genuine affection for a car, but our relationship with the Echo seems to have all the makings of a long-term love affair. 

Starting off with this car's irresistible looks.  The Echo looks unlike any other car on the road right now, and mixes the best elements of minivan, wagon and sports sedan.  Like a van, front overhang (the body beyond the wheels) is minimal, with no rear overhang.  Sports sedan-like sharp creases define the sides of the car, and 2-tone taillights and a curved hatch give its rear a muscular look.  The side view of the Echo is the most striking.  Most people can't help staring at it because it's so short for such a tall vehicle.  It's 610 mm shorter than a City, while being noticeable taller (55 mm) than a Honda Accord! 

Remember Sesame Street's Twiddlebugs and their "family car"?  If there's any car around that suits them, it's the Echo.  The Echo looks like a bug itself, with its enormous headlamps, grille with large holes, and central roof-mounted antenna.  We admit it: we're developing a soft spot for what looks like an underdog. 

Other drivers seem to have no soft spots at all for the Echo, thinking it's a seriously underpowered pushover.  FX and truck drivers in particular seem to have a desire to cut the Echo's nose right off. Though our right foot wanted to floor it and show them just what this baby and its VVTi engine are capable of, our left brain cautioned "Break in! Break in!"  So we gritted our teeth and restricted ourselves to half-throttle and 85 km/h. 

Even with half-throttle, though, the Echo accelerates briskly.  Be at the front row of a traffic light Grand Prix, and you can easily pull away from the rest. (Unless a Civic VTi or SiR is intent on getting ahead.)  If you're not at the front row, the Echo's responsive drivetrain, quick steering, and incredibly small dimensions make slicing through traffic a piece of cake, and you'll soon find yourself near the front again.