Toyota Introduces iQ Concept
12 September 2007
Toyota introduced its ultra-compact iQ concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The iQ is the world’s smallest four-seat passenger (three adults plus child) concept car. At 2,980mm long, it is 425mm shorter than Aygo, but comparable to Yaris in width and height (1,680 x 1,480mm).
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| The iQ concept car. |
The iQ concept was created at ED2, Toyota’s European design studio in the South of France, following the principles of Toyota’s ‘vibrant clarity’ design philosophy.
Even though it is two centimetres shy of three meters in length, the iQ concept has a versatile interior that can accommodate three adults, plus luggage space or seating for a fourth, child passenger.
Space-saving design and miniaturized technology help free up interior space—e.g., a ultra-compact heating unit that takes up less room in the center console. A single central dial displays the interior temperature and ventilation controls, directly in the driver’s eyeline, with a three-dimensional three-in-one speed, rpm and fuel level read-out mounted above the steering column. Audio and navigation controls are integrated into the steering wheel, with the route-finding information projected in a head-up display.
The small size has required no compromise in safety standards, with a strong passenger compartment safety cell that ensures optimum impact energy absorption.
Ah ha! iQ vs Smart vs Think...Smart, very smart!
Posted by: Roger Pham | 12 September 2007 at 12:12 AM
batteries included ?
Posted by: kert | 12 September 2007 at 01:32 AM
Nice but the article is self-contradicting. Four adults plus child or three adults plus child?
Posted by: Wes | 12 September 2007 at 05:50 AM
Very good
Toyota has a concept
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/09/toyota-introduc.html#more
Volkswagen has a concept
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/09/volkswagen-intr.html#more
Fiat has a concept
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/09/fiat-panda-aria.html
Every company with a small concept cars and I think these are meant to compete with the $2,500 car from Tata-India.
All these small cars can seat 4 (better than Smart's 2) and they can be ideal secondary car for many families and a rental car for those who take business trips or when 2-4 person make a trip.
Surely a way to go especially with Oil floating in $78 range.
Posted by: Max Reid | 12 September 2007 at 06:13 AM
Toyota has not mentioned whether this is ICE or EV. With all this space inside I am almost sure it is EV. This may be interesting. The other day I read that Toyota’s head of research said that Toyota would probably not be first to launch a PHEV with lithium batteries like the Volt but that he expected to beat GM on launching a car using lithium batteries. He would not say which car. This concept car could perhaps be the car he thought about. I do not know how reliable the source of my information is but it could make sense for Toyota to launch a small EV car first because they are simpler to develop than PHEVs and because it would allow time for their battery manufacture to ramp up production capacity to sustain a full scale launch of a lithium powered PHEV.
Posted by: Henrik | 12 September 2007 at 06:36 AM
Henrik,
I don't know your sources but it would be a common sense approach for Toyota.
A small, light weight, low cost BEV (or 2) + a larger PHEV would be the proper combination for most famillies.
It would be easy to install 115 VAC or 220 VAC outlets in our garages + driveways to charge those vehicles overnight.
Posted by: Harvey D | 12 September 2007 at 07:54 AM
Get here before I die, smart for two has been all talk for over a year, if you got it bring it on
Posted by: | 08 April 2008 at 02:28 PM