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Toyota iQ city car
The revolutionary Toyota iQ premium city car will be making its UK debut at the British International Motor Show, and it will be on sale in the UK in 2009.
Toyota describes the iQ as being a car in a class of its own, a premium model that is ultra-compact, yet can carry up to three adults plus a child in comfort. “Proving that small does not mean basic, it’s a completely new proposition for urban motoring that’s stylish, sophisticated, technically advanced and kinder to the environment.”
The iQ is less than three metres long, but wider and with a longer cabin than a Toyota Yaris. It achieves a breakthrough in small car packaging to deliver unprecedented interior space, thanks to a series of interlinked engineering innovations.
A newly developed differential allows for a more compact engine compartment and for the front wheels to be pushed out to the very corners of the car. An ingenious steering gear design enables the engine and differential to be repositioned, giving the car a shorter front overhang.
Overall length is reduced thanks to a flat under-floor fuel tank and rear-angled shock absorbers, while a significantly smaller heater/air conditioning unit takes up less cabin room, allowing the front passenger seat to be moved closer to the base of the windscreen. The result is an extra 100mm of cabin length compared to Yaris and shoulder room similar to that offered by a Toyota Auris.
Passenger space is further helped by an asymmetric dashboard design and slim, sculpted front seats that optimise leg room for those sitting in the rear. The 3+1 seating configuration provides comfortable space for three adults – plus a seat for a child or luggage space behind the driver.
Production of iQ is due to start later this year with UK sales scheduled for spring 2009. Two petrol and one diesel engine will be available, which, together with the car’s light weight and aerodynamic shape, will deliver exceptional fuel economy and low emissions. Details of the powertrains and equipment specifications will be announced nearer launch.
