Toyota IQ

Toyota claim that this is their "take on the concept of a city car" - the iQ - a presumably tough competition for the likes of the classical Smart fortwo. But the Japanese manufacturer already has a few small cars like the now common Yaris and the newer AYGO. How will this urban cruiser fit into the everyday life of city-people?

...Very well, because it looks like this little wonder is an automotive contradiction, seeming larger at the inside than it is on the outside. Put it simple, it is 9.8 feet (2.99 meters) long, 5.5 feet (1.67 meters) wide, 4.8 feet (1.46 meters) tall and has a turning circle of about 13 feet (4 meters), much less than that of the Yaris.

Toyota are very proud of the clever packaging and they call it a 3+1, because it is capable of carrying up to three adults along with a child or luggage. Although it may be small, the Toyota iQ received a 5-star rating in Euro NCAP testing.

Potential buyers will be able to choose between a 1.0 l and 1.3 l petrol engine and a 1.4 l diesel. The little 1.0 l three-cylinder engine is said to be capable of more than 60 mpg.

This small, but clever car, will pack, among other safety features, the "world's first rear air bag". Air-con, quality audio and other items will also be available.

Toyota expects to sell 100,000 units of the iQ in its first year of production around the world. We will have to wait and see if this car will be a success.