Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Toyota
Toyota iQ could spawn larger variant
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ.
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.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
epilonious 1:39PM (5/01/2008)
"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. "
What I feel he's really saying:
"a hybrid version isn't cost effective as slimline battery packs and a super-teeny hybrid synergy drive would pretty much double the cost of an already pricey 'luxury' minicar."
Reply
Torrent 1:41PM (5/01/2008)
haha. That'd be funny if this was the next gen Yaris............
Uh-oh.
Reply
Kowell 2:58PM (5/01/2008)
My thought exactly.....
Wouldn't a bigger version of this just be a 3 door Yaris?
geo.stewart 2:29PM (5/01/2008)
could span? methinks you meant spawn...
Reply
Raider007 2:33PM (5/01/2008)
hopefully it'll come out in the US...
I drive a corolla now, but if i could get something smaller with better mpg, i would trade it in...
Reply
John Doe 2:43PM (5/01/2008)
Somehow I like the styling of this iQ a lot more than the Smart. We'll see how it will perform.
Reply
tenfifteen 3:00PM (5/01/2008)
Is it pronounced "ick?"
Reply
tuna 3:31PM (5/01/2008)
The rendered speculation BMW Isetta bears an uncanny resemblence to this thing.
Reply
Brian 4:33PM (5/01/2008)
I sure as hell would rather be selling THIS as a YARIS than the rollerskate we have now... sheesh
Reply
howard 6:24PM (5/01/2008)
"A start-stop system will be offered" Shades of Harley Davidson gas golf cart!
Reply
Rick 7:05PM (5/01/2008)
Larger variant...you mean like the Yaris? Huh?
Reply