Rumormill: Toyota working on hybrid iQ
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Toyota iQ.
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.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ
[Source: AutoExpress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Soccer Mom 8:19AM (9/03/2008)
Good stuff.
It looks nice too, as if it wasn't designed by Toyota.
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michael pettibone 8:44AM (9/03/2008)
More than a little too small-way too small for USA.They make one bigger than this the Aygo, but I think that Yaris is small enough. How about a Yaris with the 1.3 sold in Europe,add gdi, to increase power and economy and low resistance tires etc for 40/44 mpg?
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mike 9:04AM (9/03/2008)
This car is going to sell in Europe like crazy, especially if it will get 100 MPG as the say. This thing could change the Kei segment completely.
mr.ed 9:27AM (9/03/2008)
We saw numerous four door Smarts in Yurp a couple years ago. They seemed ideally suited for city use there, and we thought maybe here. The longer wheelbase made all the difference in the ride. The fortwo is punishing.
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JamesWB 12:13PM (9/03/2008)
Or the much less ugly Mitsubishi Colt that the Forfour shares a platform with.
LankySean 9:43AM (9/03/2008)
I actually like this a lot... if this ever came out in the states i would conceder getting it.
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kris 11:24AM (9/03/2008)
Well I've resigned myself to getting a more fuel-efficient car every time I buy a new one. I have a 2006 Civic now. Hopefully by the time I decide to buy a new car (hopefully not for 3 years) there will be an abundance of sub-20k 50 mpg choices. CR-Z anyone?
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DP 10:31AM (9/03/2008)
This is a great idea, and I can't wait for this to come to the USA. Currently have a smart fortwo, which I enjoy, but this would be about the same size, better MPG and have the ability (in emergency) to carry an extra 1.5 passengers. BRING IT!
And this plug-in hybrid idea... can't get that fast enough!
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Red 12:43PM (9/03/2008)
I would've thought this car would've made a good EV candidate, but I suppose it doesn't really matter.
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Chris Whiteford 12:56PM (9/03/2008)
I think what bothers me is the seeming opinion of some Americans, especially in the Metro Detroit Area that of course cars like this are "too small" and I think this unfortunate type of thinking is partially responsible for why the American auto companies have suffered.
Although there is a large segment of people that don't feel safe and won't trade in their SUVs or muscle cars no matter what the price of gas is there is a growing segment of people that just want an inexpensive yet reliable vehicle for commuting, that might not have the 5001 gadgets 0-60 times or can easily traverse every terrain imaginable, that although sometimes are nice mean that you are paying that much more.
I think that you definitely have to keep profits as well as future viability in mind and that means always being prepared for all market conditions, and there is plenty of space in the American auto lineup for vehicles like this. The smart car I think is an indication of this possible growth segment.
It is encouraging that both GM and Ford have shown interest in developing smaller cars and they should do so with an open mind to the micro-compact market. Yes oil will again go down in price, but we need to remain mindful for the next downturn as well and for once not act like there was no way to know that gasoline prices getting high didn't seem possible.
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digitalzombie 1:28PM (9/03/2008)
Man, I wish Nissan would bring out that Micra over here and throw in a hybrid technology.
I'm starting to think, "Too small for Americans" means we're too fat to fit in those cars. But I guess that's just me.
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Hugito 2:35PM (9/03/2008)
If it gets close to 100 MPG on a 0.5 liter/hybrid engine, I think it would sell very well here as well. I know that people talk about cars being too small but it may make sense for some consumers. I have a professor friend who teaches at three different universities here in SoCal. Maybe does 150-200 miles per day. He also has a family so he has a truck for the weekends and he was going to buy a Metro XFI for teaching during the day. My brother and I were considering buying a small city car to share as a secondary ride when we do not need our larger vehicles. I work in development/construction so I need something large to carry around work related crap but, I could sure benefit for better MPG. Above all, this would reduce our dependence on foreign oil so we will not be held hostage anymore.
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Quan 8:16PM (9/03/2008)
I would definitely consider getting one of these if they ever came to the U.S. 100 mpg with pretty good styling is certainly appealing. I don't think it's too small either. If the Smart ForTwo can be successful, I see no reason why this can't match it.
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