Toyota first introduced the iQ as a concept city car at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.[1] Toyota later revealed the production version at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, with Japanese sales beginning in October 2008 and UK sales in January 2009.[2]
The name iQ, an initialism of the term intelligence quotient, recalls a competitor, the Smart Fortwo. According to Toyota, the i stands for "individuality" "innovation" and "intelligence". While the Q stands for "quality" and points to the iQ's "cubic" shape and "cues" a new value and lifestyle in the automotive market.
The iQ was initially designed at Toyota Europe Design Development (Toyota ED2), Toyota's design studio in Nice, France.
The design emphasizes low fuel consumption, maneuverability, environmental friendliness, and maximized interior space. Six specific design factors contribute to IQ's minimal overhangs, forward windscreen location, maximized cabin space and overall compactness. These include a newly developed differential and a centre take-off steering gear, a flat fuel tank and rear-angled shock absorbers, a smaller heater/air conditioning unit and asymmetric dashboard, and a slimmer seat design which retains comfort while increasing interior room.
In Europe, Toyota will offer the iQ with two petrol engines and one diesel. CO2 emissions for the 1L 5spd are 99g/km, making it Road tax free in the UK. It has a 3.9 m (13 ft) turning radius. It has a similar engine to Aygo, a 997cc rather than 998 cc 3 cylinder due to a slightly shorter stroke, 67 bhp (50 kW; 68 PS), 67 lb·ft (91 N·m) at 4800 rpm. 0-100 km/h 14.1 seconds.[3] The iQ achieves 65.69 Imperial mpg (4.30 l/100km) by European standards.[4]
