Toyota iQ passes the Edmunds road test
click the Toyota iQ for high res gallery
Ever since seeing the concept Toyota iQ last year and then the prototype version earlier this summer, we've been wondering how the asymmetrical configuration of the 3+1 seating arrangement and the iQ's overall small size would work for an average driver. We still don't know exactly how practical this tiny car (it's 9.8ft-long and has a 78.8in wheelbase) is, but the folks over at Edmunds say that the iQ is nothing if not spacious and solid to drive. Edmunds heard from Toyota that the European-spec iQ will be available with either a one-liter, five-speed manual or a turbocharged 1.4L diesel with a six speed manual (yes, please). Later, a 1.3L with variable valve timing version will be available with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.
We're getting more and more jealous that this mini-car is destined to be available in Japan and Europe but might take a pass on the U.S. There's been no official word from Toyota on U.S. sales, but we're willing to vote "aye" if we're ever asked if we want one.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ
[Source: Edmunds]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Isellbeachhomes 6:33PM (8/28/2008)
The turbo 1.4L diesel with a 6 speed could be LOADS of fun while getting 70 mpg. Of course the US will probably never see it, what a shame.
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GoodCheer 6:43PM (8/28/2008)
Dude, this thing is 2.6" SHORTER than the original Mini, almost 2' shorter than the new Mini!
What a hoot. And I trust Toyota to make a solid, reliable product. I do wish they'd send them state-side.
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Smith 10:50PM (8/28/2008)
I've never been one who was big on interiors, but that is the nicest looking one I've ever seen. I total dig those colors, textures, shapes; all of it.
If this car was available in an electric model, I'd buy one in a millisecond.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2009-toyota-iq-1/
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radler63 4:19AM (8/29/2008)
well electric version- I would like having a range extender then - even if this to be attached to the rear for example as rack on the towing plate...
GoodCheer 10:29AM (8/29/2008)
Wait, I'm confused....
Those shots look like a totally normal 2+2 seating configuration. I thought the driver was going to sit in the middle?
tekdemon 9:07AM (9/01/2008)
@Goodcheer
Yeah the 3+1 description threw me a little too but the seat behind the driver only has enough legroom for a kid, so it just means 3 adults plus 1 kid. The passenger seat is mounted further forward since there isn't a steering wheel in the way, so an adult can fit behind the passenger seat.
radler63 4:17AM (8/29/2008)
Take that: The Hyundai i10 blue CNG uses a 0.8 liter three-cylinder turbo running on CNG to produce 98PS and the lowest CO2 emissions of the group (65g/km).
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Gary 11:33AM (8/29/2008)
I can't believe how the styling is a rif-off of another well-known tiny vehicle. What's worse, is the name is a rip-off as well. How creative of Toyota.
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tekdemon 9:13AM (9/01/2008)
I actually think the name is funny as opposed to ripped off, since it cleverly follows a rather normal seeming 2 letter naming scheme (very Scion like with the capitalized 2nd letter), while simultaneously being a play on the Smart brand.
Think of all the silly puns they can come up with now. Instead of having different models like LE/XLE/SE/CE/S they can have a "Hi iQ" for an upscale edition. The bad IQ puns are limitless really.
Seth 1:20PM (8/29/2008)
Hmmmmm.... I wonder if this would be expensive to import this from Europe? It's one of the coolest little cars I've ever seen, and hopefully cheaper than a Smart.
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Calguy 11:31AM (9/02/2008)
Given the rabid success of the smart ( I have one) there is certainly room in the market either for this as a competitor to the smart (stealing sales from those seeking higher quality than the fortwo offers) or as the car to grow the mini- car market in the US.
Toyota needs this car more than it needs that insipid Solara, Venza, the antique 4runner or the stale Lexus GS. Any of them could be cut and traffic on the sales floor would escalate with the iQ
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