Details Emerge About Toyota's IQ

Jonny Lieberman
by Jonny Lieberman

First off, it's not very big. Measuring less than 10 feet long and weighing just over a ton, the iQ is Smart-sized. Unlike the two-seat Daimler product, the Toyota boasts a rear seat. Maybe "boasts" isn't the best word choice. ToMoCo is calling it a "three and a half seater." Ouch. Automotive News [sub] reports the iQ will also feature the thriftiest fuel economy of any Toyota product, save the Prius. Other pertinent info includes a diff in front of the axles to allow a relatively long wheelbase (79 inches) to create more interior space; a flat, underseat gas tank to cut down on the rear overhang, a longer steering column that lets the engine sit closer to the vehicle's front and high-tensile steel to create thinner seats. A legroom allowing flat-bottom steering wheel, too. Additionally, Toyota might sell the car in the US. Subjectively speaking, the iQ does bear a resemblance to both the Smart and Tata Nano. However, I find it much tougher looking. More sporting than either micro-car, too. Plus, unlike the ruthlessly decontented Nano, the iQ will be trying to pull off an upscale persona. Engines include a 1.4-liter oil-burner for Europe (natch) and 1.3 and 1.0-liter gas mills for other markets. No word on when the iQ is going on sale. But when it does it (maybe) could be yours for just a toro roll under $10,000.

Jonny Lieberman
Jonny Lieberman

Cleanup driver for Team Black Metal V8olvo.

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  • Landcrusher Landcrusher on Jun 17, 2008

    I suspect that it's an American ton referred to - 2000 pounds. Close to the original Miata IIRC.

  • Hwyhobo Hwyhobo on Jun 17, 2008

    Landcrusher wrote: I suspect that it’s an American ton referred to - 2000 pounds. Indeed, I suspect the same. So, if it is a US ton (aka "short ton"), then it would be 907 kg. So, two tons would make 1814 kg.

  • Theodore Theodore on Jun 17, 2008

    I can't decide if it more closely resembles a toaster or a washing machine.

  • Offroadinfrontier Offroadinfrontier on Jun 17, 2008

    I love the idea, and I love small cars. But, my xA has room for 2 adults (albeit temporarily), gets 30MPG with my average speed of 29-30mph, and only weighs 380lbs more. When I first saw the iQ, I expected sub-ton weight... I'm picturing driving a 1-ton car with less than 100HP and no back seat. With that much weight, IDK if the (possibly) great gas mileage will be worth the loss of acceleration over my xA.. and man is that saying a lot. If, somehow, this car manages 40MPG in city, I'll take one. Other than that, I'll stick with my xA (and future Yaris).

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