How Old is this generation?

[BensVitz]

This is my first post, so be easy. I just got back from the dealer today after test driving a Yaris Liftback 5sp here in Atlanta. What a great little car. The 60/40 split is NOT available in the conv package here. Other than that, I really like the car, but have worries about buying "first year" cars

Is this really the first year that this car has been out, or is it just the first year it's been in the US? Has this design been around for at least a year in any other country? I just want to make sure any bugs are worked out before I take the plunge on a blazing blue LB.

Thanx,
Ben

[echo_hrs]

Succession:

JDM Vitz Gen 1 = No North American Equivalent

JDM Vitz Gen 1 Facelift = Canada Echo HB,

JDM Vitz Gen 2 (Released in Japan February 2005) = Current North American Yaris HB (Fall 2005 Canada/Spring 2006 USA)

JDM Gen 1 Platz = North American Echo Sedan/Coupe

JDM Gen 1 Belta = North American Yaris Sedan

Cheers

[echo_hrs]

The 1NZ-FE engine in the Yaris has been around in various packaging since 1999, in the Echo/Vitz/Yaris, Scion xA/xB; even the Prius uses a modified version of this engine...

[BensVitz]

I'm glad to know that this car has been around for at least a year.

I knew that the engine was used in the previous echos, but I'm talking more about structural issues, electrical routing and glitches, cooling system, etc. I think I'm going to order one this summer.

Ben

[Sp33dY]

Have you owned a Toyota before? Toyotas are renowned for reliability and 'getting it right the first time around'. If a update model is released, im almost sure it'll be near identical mechanically, most changes will only be cosmetic. (going on different generations of the Echo).