Autoblog

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.


[Source: Autocar]

Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota iQ

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]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ.

In what was arguably the largest press conference here in Geneva, Toyota unveiled the production version of its ultra-compact city car, the iQ. Originally shown in concept form during last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the production iQ remains true to its conceptual forbearer, combining short overhangs with smoothed, angular accents.

The iQ measures 2,985mm in length with a 2,000mm wheelbase, which aids in both drivability and interior volume. The inside benefits from many of the angles and curves that adorn the exterior sheetmetal, including a triangular center console fitted with a 5.8-inch display. Additional storage comes courtesy of 50/50 split folding rear seats and an under-floor fuel tank that maximizes interior space.

Toyota didn't divulge what kind of powertrains the iQ would come equipped with, but sales are slated to begin in late 2008, with production expected to crest the 100,000 mark during its first year.

Toyota's full press release is available after the jump.

General Motors' European arm has decided that it won't jump feet-first into the micro-car segment with Smart, and more recently Toyota and Volkswagen. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, GM's Euro-veep Carl-Peter Forster said that, "These specialized urban vehicles have a limited market." True enough, but it's a market that stands to go through a growth spurt in the coming years, and GM's decision to opt out of providing a competitive product might be a shortsighted move.

That said, GM already sells the Chevy-branded, Korean-built Matiz abroad, which – to a certain extent – already fills that niche. But with the Toyota iQ expected to sell 80,000 units in Europe in 2009 and VW's up! coming the following year, the Opel Trixx concept (pictured) that originally debuted in Geneva in '04 might look like an appealing product if sales of the iQ and up! go through the roof.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req'd]

A version of Toyota's iQ concept, originally shown in Frankfurt, is rumored to begin production sometime next year and according to a couple of sources cited by Automotive News, power will come courtesy of Yamaha. The two Japanese firms are currently collaborating on a new 1.0-liter engine based on one of Yamaha's motorcycle powerplants, although output and fuel economy numbers have yet to be disclosed.

Toyota is expected to produce around 100,000 units, with Europe receiving approximately 80,000 vehicles when sales begin in 2009. Although there's no word on U.S. distribution, the iQ-inspired micro-car may find its way into emerging markets in India and China where low-cost transportation is becoming a booming business.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Click the image above for more high-res shots of the Toyota iQ concept.

Toyota understands the pent up demand in Europe for more fuel-efficient, urban runabouts, and the iQ concept car seeks to fill that growing niche. According to the Nikkei business rag, the iQ will move from concept to production as early as 2009, with approximately 100,000 vehicles built each year in Japan and exported to Europe.

The concept version of the iQ comes in at 2,980 mm, or about 80 cm shorter than Toyota's smallest vehicle abroad, the Aygo. Power is likely to come from a one-liter gasoline engine, with the possibility of a diesel-equipped model later on.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Click the image above for more high-res pics of the Toyota iQ.

"Flame surfacing comes to the smart." That was our first thought when we laid eyes upon Toyota's newest concept, the iQ. The 2980mm 3+1 practically shares every dimension with its big brother the Yaris, except length, and comes equipped with all sorts of innovative packaging. Normally a two-seater, a third seat can also be flipped up for a small adult or child in the back (hence, 3+1).

Unlike the VW up!, the iQ will have its engine mounted up front, powering the front wheels, although what specific powertrains are available is an open question. If we had to put money on it, we'd guess something below the one-and-a-half liter range in both gas and diesel, when it supposedly goes on sale in Europe in 2009.

All the details are in the press release after the jump, and, as always, a gallery awaits you underneath.