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While we’re clamoring for small, efficient transportation, Europe is already awash with micro cars, diesels, and hatchbacks. When Toyota designed and engineered the tiny iQ, it had to go smaller and greener than the competition, so the little four-seater is only about 1.5 feet longer than a Smart fortwo. AutoExpress is reporting that Toyota is prepared to take iQ to the next level of green, with a plug-in hybrid version of the micro mini. Plug-in technology would reportedly be shared with the next generation Prius, save for an engine that goes from 1.0L to a displacement of only 500 cc. Chargeable batteries will enable the iQ to travel 15 miles or more without a drop of CO2-spewing combustion, and the smaller engine would stay stingy when it does come to life. While the iQ is probably still a little too small for large scale US consumption, we’re sure the vehicle would have quite the cult following if it could pull off fuel economy in the 100 mpg range. If gas decides to travel back north of the $4 mark, though, even a clown car would be acceptable Stateside.

Toyota has been working on an affordable small car that will be cost-competitive in emerging markets, and Autocar is reporting that India is being considered as a destination for production. India makes sense due to its low-cost labor, and with competitors like the Tata Nano going for as little as $2,500, the world’s biggest automaker will need to cut cost everywhere it can. There is no word as to exactly what vehicle would be produced in India, but one option is Toyota’s production iQ from Geneva, which is scheduled to begin production later in 2008. Toyota is looking for initial sales of the iQ to crest 100,000 units.
[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

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The expense of developing an entirely new platform to underpin a single model is hardly cost efficient, so it comes as little surprise that Toyota is considering another model built off its recently released iQ microcar. The new vehicle would be larger than the two-door city car – possibly aimed to compete with the Volkswagen up! — although there’s no word on how the dimensions might grow and what body styles are under consideration.

As for the standard iQ, an unnamed senior executive at Toyota told Autocar that their new city car would be priced “between the Fiat 500 and the MINI,” and that a hybrid version isn’t feasible since there’s no room of the battery pack and the additional weight contradicts the philosophy behind the iQ; specifically designed to be a lightweight means of urban transport. While engine choices have yet to be officially announced, Autocar is reporting that two gasoline-powered engines will be offered, along with one diesel mill, and that a start-stop system will be employed to improve fuel economy.
[Source: Autocar]

The Toyota iQ is not much bigger than a Smart Fortwo yet has seating for four, but will it come to Australia? By TOBY HAGON in Geneva.
Toyota iQ
The smallest four-seater car in the world – the Toyota iQ – was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva motor show.

The only catch with the diminutive three-door Toyota iQ is that the fourth person must be a child or toddler.

The Toyota iQ is just 2985mm long, 1500mm high and measures just two metres between the front and rear wheels.

“The iQ story started a few years ago,” says Kazuo Okamoto, Toyota executive vice president of research and development. “We came to the conclusion that, in order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a need for a radical change in vehicle packaging.

“We needed to create a break-through, away from the traditional belief that small is basic. Our answer to this is the Toyota iQ.”

The iQ is designed to carry three adults in comfort as well as a child or luggage.

Its stubby shape incorporates bold headlights and a stylish, cohesive shape.

The interior is far from downmarket, with a prominent V-shaped dash layout incorporating basic vehicle functions. Satellite-navigation can even be optioned.

The interior is styled to a “techno-organic” theme, according to Toyota, and even incorporates a flat-bottomed steering wheel for “greater legroom”. The seats, too, are thinner than usual in an effort to maximise space, while an underfloor compartment provides secure storage.

Toyota has also redesigned major mechanical components to ensure they fit in the compact body.

The iQ has a unique differential, a flat fuel tank and rear-angled shock absorbers.

Despite its dimensions, Toyota claims the iQ will achieve a maximum five-star NCAP safety rating.

Available with two petrol engines and one diesel engine, the iQ is clearly targeted at the European market in an effort to boost Toyota’s presence.

Toyota Australia says the iQ could eventually make its way into local showrooms.

“I wouldn’t rule anything out,” says the company’s corporate manager for product planning, Peter Evans. “The [Australian] market’s changing pretty quickly.”

Evans, however, admits the Toyota iQ will not arrive in Australia in the next few years.

“It certainly wouldn’t arrive in the short term but [that] doesn’t mean it’s off the agenda.”

SPECIAL FEATURE: Visit Drive’s 2008 Geneva motor show featue
source:smh