Toyota Oversharing Progresses Towards "Wanton"
Published: August 31st, 2009
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Autocar reports that BMW is considering licensing Toyota’s iQ city car platform for its long– rumored neo-Isetta EV. In return, Toyota would reportedly get access to BMW’s MINI platform. It’s understandable that BMW would want to trade for a city car platform (they all look/drive the same anyway), but why would Toyota want a platform that could be mooted by improving the Yaris’s underpinnings? Also, is BMW not aware that Aston is doing its own iQ re-skin? How did the Bavarians not pick up on the scornful reception that news elicited? Meanwhile, Toyota is also in platform-sharing talks with Daimler. When did Toyota become the new Fiat?
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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I think that it would be a mistake for Toyota to have anything to do with the BMW Mini, for its external size, the space inside is laughable; especially considering that Toyota already has 3 small cars in its range already. BMW likewise should be able to come up with its own design if they are going to build a new Isetta, (hopefully one with the door in the proper place this time). The Aygo is very much the bargain basement entry-level Toyota, however, the Aygo is probably the best of the Euro Toyotas - £3000 cheaper than the IQ and a few kilos lighter, it's faster and more roomy and IMHO better looking. The Yaris is a bit too "mumsy" for my tastes and the larger cars are all a bit boring since they stopped making the MR2 and Celica. I really can't say enough good things about the Aygo. I drove it from Aberdeen to London on a single 35l tank of fuel. On another occasion, I even managed to keep up with a Caterham 7 on a mountain road in Perthshire. I can fit 2 mountain bikes in if I fold the seats forward. The engine sounds like 1/4 of a Ferrari V12. It's also far better looking than its Peugeot/Citroen counterparts and all three are among the slowest depreciating cars money can buy. BMW should take note!
I can't wait when the iQ will be available here in the States.
Had $500 more been invested in the interior of the car, and the 90hp variation of the 1.4l diesel been made available on top of the 54hp version, I'd be much keener ;)