VIDEO: Toyota iQ gets tested by the other British car show
Toyota created its new iQ with the intention that it be smarter than a Smart ForTwo. Unlike the Daimler-made micro car, the iQ has room for more than two passengers. The crew at the British car show that doesn't feature Jeremy Clarkson sampled the iQ and found it quite impressive. With its 1.0L three cylinder engine, the iQ is rated at 54 mpg (U.S.) and 99 g/km of CO2. Toyota touts the iQ as a 3+1 seater thanks to its clever packaging. On the passenger side, Toyota claims a 5'10" passenger can sit in the back behind another similarly tall occupant if the seat is moved forward. The tester found this to be accurate, just. Not bad for a car barely over nine feet long. Of course, only a small child or amputee could sit behind the driver, but sacrifices must be made. See also: acceleration, which is leisurely at 14 seconds to 60 mph. Of course, that stomps the 19 second run we had for a diesel Smart so it's not all bad. Hopefully, Toyota will see fit to letting Americans try out the iQ, perhaps as a Scion. Check out the video after the jump.
[Source: YouTube]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
cwathne 2:03PM (2/10/2009)
I would love for this to be brought to the US at around 9-10 thousand; possible?
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Mirko 3:09AM (2/11/2009)
Not likely. It's the same price as a 3-cylinder Yaris in Europe. If you want a 10K Toyota, you're looking at an Aygo.
Tim 2:04PM (2/10/2009)
Sounds like a GREAT little 3+1/2 person car. With 54-mpg combined, I hope they bring it to the US too!
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MT 2:42PM (2/10/2009)
Pretty cool. Will be nice competition for the Smart.
Special-order request - start with fairly light 1900lb iQ, ditch engine and tranny and replace with electric motor, use the gas tank and nearly-useless +1 area behind the driver for battery storage, give it 65mph+ top speed and at least 40 mile range, preferably for under $20k (not counting tax breaks), and I'll buy one for 75%+ of our daily driving, commuting, and errands. One iQe for me, please.
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Chris M 8:01PM (2/10/2009)
Toyota showed something like that at the recent Detroit auto show, so it could happen.
EV-1 3:30PM (2/11/2009)
Exactly !
That's a truly intelligent prospect of refinement.
Also the Citroën/Peugeot twins would make excellent starting point for an EV.
And the Fiat 500. Oh , and the Mini...
( Patience, patience ... )
jharlan 3:05PM (2/10/2009)
Will our "protect us from ourselves, we know what's best for you government" allow us to have this option? Do they rerally want us to drive more fuel efficient cars, or do they want to cram us into the bus?\
That is a very cool little car (that should sell for $7995), but 9000 pounds in the UK = what? $13,500 US? How will it compete with the TATA NANO (just kidding!)
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Neil 4:33PM (2/10/2009)
Car prices in the UK don't translate exactly to USD based on currency conversion rates. I am all about tiny city cars for "everywhere" driving, but I cant say I would feel too safe in this car next to American Trucks and SUV's.
harlanx6 6:11PM (2/10/2009)
I would have to agree, but we still deserve that option.
Frank 3:52PM (2/10/2009)
Er... not to be flip, but aren't Americans too fat for a car this size?
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Jharlan 6:13PM (2/10/2009)
Some of us are.
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Benton 1:43PM (2/11/2009)
Finally! Someone explained the 3+1 configuration. It's had me wondering for quite some time.
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