Toyota iQ was presented to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, and since autumn this year, the super-compact Toyota iQ with a striking character has appeared in Russia. The name iQ is formed by the first letters of the words “individuality quality”, which means individual quality. Indeed, the super-tiny, almost individual Toyota iQ amazes with quality in every detail.
The exterior of the Toyota iQ is simple at first glance. Take a closer look, there is an intrigue here! The length of the car is only 298.5 centimeters. This is more than 20 centimeters shorter than the Oka, about which jokes are made, but the Toyota iQ does not cause laughter, it is really good! Stability of landing is technologically achieved by the maximum approach of the wheels to the corners of the body. The optical effect is enhanced by massive bumpers. The bulk of the vehicle is concentrated within the wheelbase. With the shortest possible base of only 200 centimeters, there are practically no overhangs, due to this, the Toyota iQ is distinguished by excellent handling.
The exterior design reveals a number of controversial points. Some modules seem to be borrowed from cars of another Toyota model range. This idea is prompted by the taillights and the three stripes between them. 16-inch rims may seem too big for such a small car, but this is not for everybody. In general, the design is bright and original, and 10 color options will make every Toyota iQ owner feel special.
But the biggest intrigue is inside. To begin with, three adults and a child feel quite comfortable in the cabin. There is a whole 71 centimeters between the center of the driver's and front passenger seats - this is an indicator at the level of C-class cars. Why not four adults? Everything is very simple. There is no glove compartment in front, due to which the passenger seat moves forward much further than the driver's seat. So only a toddler can fit behind the driver's seat. When fully loaded, the trunk volume of the Toyota iQ is not large - only 32 liters. True, there is also a niche under the rear seats. But if only the driver and his companion are accommodated in the car, then the backs of the rear seats are lowered. This results in a trunk with a volume of 238 liters.
The front panel of the Toyota iQ is asymmetrical, but very functional and allows the driver to feel at the wheel no worse than in a large car. The LCD display in this car is not a luxury, it also saves space by replacing a lot of information boards.
The Toyota iQ for European consumers is equipped with a 1 liter engine with 68 horsepower. By the way, the VVT-i engine was awarded the title "Engine of the Year - 2008" in the category of engines with a volume of no more than 1 liter. The Toyota iQ supplied to Russia has a more powerful Dual VVT-i engine - 1.3 liters (98 hp).
It's not just a four-cylinder engine. It is equipped with a unique Stop & Start system, which is responsible for saving gasoline in a large city, when traffic is often interrupted by standing in traffic jams and stops. Thanks to this system, gasoline consumption on city streets will not exceed 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers.
The size of the 32-liter fuel tank is not so small with such an economical fuel consumption. You can drive more than half a thousand kilometers without refueling. By the way, the tank is another innovative solution in the Toyota iQ. It is flat, and this was done for the sake of the general idea of saving usable space.
Crash tests brought Toyota iQ top marks in terms of safety. Not only the driver and passengers were reliably protected by airbags, but also a pedestrian in a collision has the maximum chances of survival.
Toyota iQ price: on the Russian market Toyota iQ is presented in the only “Prestige” configuration, which can be purchased at a price of ~ 778 thousand rubles.
It seems that the Toyota iQ is the ideal city car, both in terms of performance (small and economical compact) and in terms of comfort and safety. When parking in the city during rush hour, how many of us didn't want a car less than three meters long? And the original design of Toyota iQ will allow each owner to exercise their right to an individual style on the road.
