The Toyota Smart plant has released this tiny vehicle which has a well designed interior cabin with the capacity to carry three adult passengers and a child, safely and securely.
A miracle: 3 +1 seats in less than 3m length
The IQ, measuring only 3 metres in length can accommodate well thanks to innovative design solutions, such as a compact air conditioning system, thin seat backs, a low level fuel tank, clever location of the differential, the compact steering column & asymmetrical dashboard. However, the capacity is maybe too low (32 litres), but can be increased up to 242 litre by sacrificing booth space.
Whilst developing the IQ, Toyota's philosophy was Vibrant Clarity, a term the egghead designers clock together. The architectural design is meant to be attractive six to seven years from now, so if you don't like it now just wait and it will grow on you.
The Toyota IQ is really easy to maneuver in the city and we haven't been disappointed by the city driving fuel consumption levels either.
Safe despite its size
It's an urban car with a small turning radius of just 7.8 metres between curbs, this ensures great maneuverability and Toyota says it will be perfect for the busy streets of the future. In fact all versions of this small vehicle come with standard stability control. Additional features include front airbags, side curtain bags, knee airbags, and a nifty airbag behind the headrest which activates when the passengers suffer a blow from behind, bye bye whiplash. As you would figure, we expect five-star crash ratings from Toyota IQ.Two engines to choose from
- A petrol version three-cylinder 1.0 VVT-i 68-hp gearbox with manual or automatic 5-speed, This vesion shows emissions of just 99 g / km
- A 1.33 Dual VVT-i 99 CV Six-speed that will be available late December.
There is also talks about making a turbo diesel available. Engine specs for it would be 1.4litre D-4D; 90 HP with a manual six-speed transmission... and don't discard the possibility of an electric version.
As for the price, it should costs as much as a Toyota Yaris. The manufacturer claims that the IQ will be directed more to customers who are interested in practicality and design, and less about the price tag.
