The first generation Vitz was known as the Echo Hatchback in Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and in the United States. In its second generation, the Vitz and Belta are marketed in US/Canada as the Yaris Hatchback and Yaris, respectively.
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The Toyota Yaris went on sale in Europe and Israel early in 1999. After the launch of the European Yaris hatchback in May 1999, a slightly modified version went on sale in Canada for the 2004 model year as the Echo hatchback, but not in the United States, where the Toyota Echo sedan and coupe were the lone models. The Toyota Yaris was voted European Car of the Year in 2000, defeating the innovative Fiat Multipla and Opel/Vauxhall Zafira by a narrow and large margin.
The Japanese Vitz RS (European Yaris T-Sport) was introduced in 2001 and was powered by a 1.5 L (108 hp) engine, shared with the Echo, Vios, as well as the Scion xA. The 1.5 L T Sport was more fun to drive than the base models because of a sportier suspension and extra power compared to the 1.3 L (90 hp) and 1.0 L (67 hp) models. Later, the Vitz RS was modified by TRD (Toyota Racing Developments), and was fitted with a turbo-charger. A limited run was produced with a power output of around 120 kW (163 PS; 161 bhp) and a 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of just 7 seconds. Note that there is also a 1.3L JDM Vitz RS with the 2NZ-FE engine 7–10 km/litre in city 12–13 km/litre which shares brakes, body kit, headlights, suspension and interior with the 1.5 L Vitz RS 5.5-9.5 km/litre in city 10-12.8 km/litre on highway.
The Echo was also very popular in Australia. First introduced in late 1999 to replace the aging Starlet, the Echo was available as a 3 or 5-door hatchback, fitted only with the 1.3l VVT-i engine. An Echo Sportivo variant, fitted with the 1.5l VVT-i engine, was made available for a limited time in Australia. The Sportivo was very similar to the European Yaris T-Sport.
