November 3, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Toyota iQ -- miniaturisation brings big car features to a tiny vehicle
By Neil Winton

LONDON, November 3, Graphic News:  At first glance the new Toyota iQ appears to be a little Mercedes Smart city car lookalike. But when you get up close it is bigger and chunkier. Look inside and you will find the biggest difference -- it has four seats.

Toyota of Japan says that despite the car's small size, it is not just a city car; it will provide comfort and safety at motorway speeds.

Despite its size, (it is less than 3 metres long), Toyota says there is room for four, as long as one is a child. The child's spot can double as luggage space, which is just as well because the boot is tiny. Don't think about putting the golf clubs in there; you might be able to fit in a putter, or perhaps two thin briefcases.

Toyota says the iQ may be small but it would protect its passengers well. It features nine airbags, including the world's first rear-window curtain shield airbag. The body is engineered to maximise strength. Various computerised aids to driving safety including ABS and Traction Control are standard. Toyota expects it to qualify for the Euro NCAP maximum five-star rating for occupant protection.

Toyota says the iQ has introduced a breakthrough in the design of small cars by miniaturising key features which allow big-car qualities to be included in a tiny space. There are six key innovations: 

1. Steering gear has been redesigned to take up less room.
2. The flattened fuel tank is under the floor, not the rear seats.
3. Seats are slimmer allowing more leg room.
4. Heater-air conditioner is 20 percent smaller.
5. Dashboard design opens up space in the cabin area.
6. The engine is more compact, freeing up space.

At launch, the iQ will be powered by a 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine attaining 65.7mpg-4.3 l/km and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 99g/km, exempting it from road tax in many European countries including Britain. This version has a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Multidrive Constantly Variable Automatic option produces slightly worse fuel economy of 60.1mpg-4.7 l/km and 110g/km of CO2.

The manual gearbox version has a shift indicator showing the driver how to maximise economy, which can add between 0.5 percent and three percent to fuel efficiency. A 1.33 litre petrol engine with Stop Start technology will be available later in 2009. (This automatically cuts out the engine when the car stops in traffic and fires it up again when needed). A 1.4 litre diesel will be offered initially in most European markets, but not Britain.

European sales of the iQ begin in January, with prices starting at 9,495 UK pounds (12,300 euros).

Small cars like the Smart have had limited success because only trend setters didn't mind paying a high price for cars with only limited utility. The iQ, with its four-seats, all-round practicality and big-car features, offers much more value for money. As economies stumble, that is fast becoming the number one priority.
/ENDS

Toyota iQ factfile

Engine -- 1.0 litre 3-cylinder petrol
Power -- 68bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque -- 91 Nm @ 4,800
Drive -- front-wheels
Gearbox -- five-speed manual
Acceleration -- 0-62mph-100km/h in 14.7 seconds
Top Speed -- 93mph-150km/h
Fuel consumption -- combined -- 65.7mpg-4.3 litres per 100 kms
C02 -- 99g/km 
Suspension -- MacPherson/torsion beam
Length -- 2,985mm
Width -- 1,680mm
Height -- 1,500mm
Wheel-base -- 2,000mm
Weight -- 1,200kg
Boot capacity -- 32 litres/168 (one seat folded) 242 (two folded)
Price 9,495 pounds / 12,300 euros