Toyota iQ

Infobox Automobile


name = Toyota iQ
aka =
manufacturer = Toyota
parent_company =
production = 2008-
assembly =
predecessor =
successor =
class = City car / kei car
body_style =
layout = FF layout
platform =
engine = 1.0L & 1.3L petrol, 1.4L diesel
transmission = 5-speed manual or CVT
wheelbase = Auto mm|2000|1
length = Auto mm|2985|1
width = Auto mm|1680|1
height = Auto mm|1500|1
ground_clearance =
front_track =
rear_track =
weight = convert|860|kg|lb|0|abbr=on
fuel_capacity = Convert|32|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on
related =
similar =
designer = ED2The Toyota iQ is a concept city car unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. The car was designed by ED2, Toyota's design studio in southern France. Toyota claims it is the world's smallest four-seat car, though one of the passengers must be a small child [ [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=122582#6 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: Toyota iQ ] ] [ [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=481263&in_page_id=1770 World's smallest four-seater car takes centre stage | the Daily Mail ] ] , unlike the Smart Fortwo which can only seat two people [http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/2009-toyota-iq-japan-europe-small-car.php] .

The iQ concept is equipped with miniaturized technology to help free up interior space. The design is intended to place emphasis on low fuel consumption, maneuverability and environmental friendliness. It also features a panoramic glass sunroof. [ [http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070911.037/toyota-launches-iq-concept Toyota Launches iQ Concept ] ]

Production version

Production will begin in Japan in late 2008 and is believed to be the first model in a series. [cite news |first=Gerry |last= Malloy |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Production version set for Toyota mini-car concept |url=http://www.wheels.ca/article/191765 |work= |publisher=Toronto Star |date=2008-02-23 |accessdate=2008-02-23]

iQ will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. CO2 emissions for the 1L 5spd are 99g/km. It has a convert|3.9|m|ft|abbr=on turning radius. Same engine as Aygo, 998 cc 3 cylinder, convert|67|bhp|kW PS|abbr=on, convert|67|lbft|abbr=on at 4800 rpm. 0-100 km/h 14.1 seconds. [ [http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Toyota-iQ-10-2009-CAR-review/ CAR review 2Sep08] ]

iQ has been designed to meet Euro NCAP’s top five-star safety rating.

A newly developed differential allows iQ to have a more compact engine compartment and front wheels placed at the very corners of the car, with very short overhangs.

iQ has a centre take-off steering gear, positioned higher in the engine bay. The gear, engine and differential could then be repositioned, giving the car a shorter front overhang.

A flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed shorter rear overhangs to be developed, helping reduce the car’s overall length.

The size of the heater/air conditioning unit has been significantly reduced, without sacrificing performance. As a result, the front passenger area can be moved forwards towards the base of the windscreen, freeing up additional cabin space.

A rear window air bag has been implemented, to protect backseat passengers, from rear end collisons [cite web|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080930/Toyota_airbag_080930/20080930?s_name=Autos&no_ads=|title=Toyota develops rear window air bag|accessdate=2008-09-30|publicher=CTV.ca] .

UK sales are scheduled to start in January 2009 with an estimated £10,000 price tag. [ [http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/news/publish/WORLD_PREMIERE_OF_THE_NEW_TOYOTA_iQ.shtml WORLD PREMIERE OF THE NEW TOYOTA iQ] ] [ [http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Toyota-iQ-10-2009-CAR-review/ CAR review 2Sep08] ]

iQ could be brought to the US as a Scion. [ [http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_0810_toyota_iq_to_become_scion/index.html Toyota iQ For U.S. - As a Scion!] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=MSR_IQ Official Toyota iQ site - UK] en icon
* [http://www.pressroom.com.au/press_release_detail.asp?prID=3384&clientID=2 Toyota IQ press release]
* [http://www.netcarshow.com/toyota/2007-iq_concept/ Wallpaper and press release at NetCarShow.com]
* [http://jalopnik.com/cars/frankfurt-auto-show/frankfurt-auto-show-toyota-iq-concept-299149.php Frankfurt Auto Show: Toyota IQ Concept]
* [http://glamgirlcars.com/news/city-car-of-the-future-toyota-iq/ City Car of the Future - Toyota IQ]
* [http://www.iqcolony.com/ iQ Colony - A web forum for all things iQ]