Toyota believes it has higher iQ
click the Toyota iQ for high res gallery
With the rather healthy sales numbers currently being posted by the smart fortwo in the U.S., Toyota seems very excited about the prospect of offering its iQ here. Still, the tiny car will be launched first in Japan, followed by Europe at the beginning of next year. High gas prices seem likely to sway Toyota to consider the diminutive machine for America, though. According to chief engineer Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota's iQ could be a bit higher than smart's, as the Japanese model will feature two extra seats and should post better fuel economy numbers. Like the smart, though, it will be priced more in line with the current crop of small cars and is not meant to undercut them in price. Instead, the iQ is to offer a premium driving experience.
In Europe, the iQ will be offered with a 1.4 liter diesel engine. If the model ever makes it over here, count on either the 1.0 or 1.3 liter gasoline engine underhood. If that does indeed happen, will we ever get tired of making ridiculous puns about the iQ and smart names? Nah.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
phil easler 4:56PM (6/18/2008)
Make it a electric, bring it to USA, no brainer.
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Throwback 5:17PM (6/18/2008)
If they don't sell this as the Scion IQ they are crazy. This appears to be a "premium" small car. As such I think they could sell this here with a 17K sticker with the usual Scion dealer options. My guess is it will have the 3 cyl engine from the Toyota Aygo. If that is the case the mpg should exceed the Smart. I think it will do well here with 2 caveats; it must use regular gas, and get over 50 mpg on the highway. The 50 mpg number in particular would be a huge marketing coup.
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bulgarian solicitors 2:38AM (6/19/2008)
Why are there so many diesel models offered in Europe and not in America?
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Michael 5:30AM (6/19/2008)
If they sell this as a Scion I will never buy it. If they sell it as a Toyota, which they should, it will shoot to the top of my list. I'm sorry, I just hate Scion.
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Throwback 8:00AM (6/19/2008)
So a Toyota IQ is more appealing than a Scion IQ sitting on the same showroom floor?
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hodad66 8:32AM (6/19/2008)
Too funny..... Scion no / Toyota si
some car......
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Michael 10:25AM (6/19/2008)
Throwback: Yes.
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