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Toyota's Low, Small iQ Gets Geneva Debut

Toyota's Low, Small iQ Gets Geneva Debut

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty PadgettMarty Padgett February 13th, 2008

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It’s been a "will they, won’t they" debate in the motoring media for weeks, but Toyota has finally come clean. Next month’s Geneva Motor Show will see the world debut of the production version of the innovative iQ concept.

There will be very little detail until the Swiss expo, but it seems the white two-door vehicle seen here will be the first of a family. The company statement that accompanies the image states: “Toyota is thinking big by creating a new generation of small cars designed to address the demands of modern motoring and the preferences of today’s drivers.”

First shown as a concept at last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, production of the iQ will start towards the end of this year in Japan. Although measuring less than three meters in length, it can carry three people in comfort, with room to spare for a child or luggage. There’s no official word on powertrain but it’s likely to be a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gas engine. Fuel economy will be in the region of 60-70mpg.

“iQ is rich in Japanese design elements and signals a radical shift away from the belief that small cars, although kinder to the environment, are inherently basic and less safe,” added the statement.

The iQ concept was created at ED2, Toyota's advanced European design studio in the south of France, working under the Toyota design philosophy of Vibrant Clarity. It means a design that is forward-looking, intelligent and energetic while retaining clarity of purpose and function.--Richard Yarrow Enlarge Photo It’s been a "will they, won’t they" debate in the motoring media for weeks, but Toyota has finally come clean. Next month’s Geneva Motor Show will see the world debut of the production version of the innovative iQ concept. There will be very little detail until the Swiss expo, but it seems the white two-door vehicle seen here will be the first of a family. The company statement that accompanies the image states: “Toyota is thinking big by creating a new generation of small cars designed to address the demands of modern motoring and the preferences of today’s drivers.” First shown as a concept at last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, production of the iQ will start towards the end of this year in Japan. Although measuring less than three meters in length, it can carry three people in comfort, with room to spare for a child or luggage. There’s no official word on powertrain but it’s likely to be a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gas engine. Fuel economy will be in the region of 60-70mpg. “iQ is rich in Japanese design elements and signals a radical shift away from the belief that small cars, although kinder to the environment, are inherently basic and less safe,” added the statement. The iQ concept was created at ED2, Toyota's advanced European design studio in the south of France, working under the Toyota design philosophy of Vibrant Clarity. It means a design that is forward-looking, intelligent and energetic while retaining clarity of purpose and function.--Richard Yarrow

Tags: Geneva Motor Show, Shoppers

Posted in: 2008, Toyota



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Responses (9 total)

  1. By  Wayne K #1, Posted: 2/13/2008

    Ya know, it's actually not a bad looking little car. Around the size of a smart if I'm not mistaken, but has room for 3, and the economy is higher. Nice.

  2. By brian #2, Posted: 2/13/2008

    The iQ is highly unlikely to have a 1 liter engine, as appears to be smaller than JDM Kei cars. To meet the rules for that category, it would have to be limited to a 660cc powerplant.

    If Toyota did indeed produce this with a 1L engine, it won't sell in Japan as there are many other choices with smaller engines (and more passenger space) resulting in a lower road-tax bracket.

  3. By Matt #3, Posted: 2/14/2008

    Since the Smart is here, will we get a choice now? It would be cool to have a high mileage commuter put out by a mainline company in the States.

  4. By anh #4, Posted: 2/17/2008

    looks a lot better than the Smart.

  5. By  Craig Dong #5, Posted: 2/18/2008

    I bought a smart car; took delivery 3 weeks ago. It's a bit quirky in styling, but gets a lot of smiles and "thumbs-up". I was hoping for better mileage (41 mpg combined). If Toyota brings the iQ stateside, I would definitely consider it as it can carry an additional passenger AND get better mileage while keeping it's outside dimensions small/compact.

  6. By jmartx #6, Posted: 2/20/2008

    I like it and hope Toyota sells this in the U.S. My wife loves her Yaris hatchback. I'd buy the iQ and both cars would fit in our small urban garage.

  7. By Cowboybob #7, Posted: 2/28/2008

    If the Smart is only getting around 41 mpg, we are getting almost that with our Yaris hatchback. It is a great little car.

  8. By Karl #8, Posted: 2/28/2008

    41! Wow! I have a 2007 Prius with 10,000 miles on it. I was getting better, but because of the below freezing temps that have been hanging around, I'm DOWN to 42!

    As far as I can tell, my Prius has a bigger passenger compartment/cargo area than the Smart. I am limited to a ZERO towing, but I done own a trailer.

  9. By  WPAYNE #9, Posted: 12/14/2008

    IT IS A WELL KNOWN FACT THAT REPUBLICANS WILL REPRESENT ANYONE WITH A HUMONGOUS BANK ACCOUNT.
    ALSO WELL KNOWN IS THAT THEY HATE UNIONS. REAGAN REALLY THOUGHT THEY WERE COMMIES!
    I'M NOT A COMMIE BUT I DO LIKE GETTING PAID FOR WHAT I DO. I DO NOT LIKE WORKING IN FILTH AND DANGER FOR LET'S SEE, DICK ARMIE'S SUB MINIMUM WAGE...
    WHAT WOULD BE REALLY GREAT IS TO HAVE ALL THE GOP GO ON MINIMUM WAGE AND NO BENEFITS. I BETCHA THEY WOULD RAISE WAGES REALLY FAST!
    BY THE WAY WHERE ARE ALL THE CARS THAT GET 50 MPG?? THEY AIN'T HERE IN THE USA. LAST ONE WAS A CHEVY GEO METRO...

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