Toyota iQ Tested 2009-01-01

Rating

Quick Summary

Recommended. One of the most cleverly packaged cars ever, the iQ combines the practicality of a decent modern supermini with a bodyshell shorter than that of a tiny city car. Think of it as a three-and-a-half seat version of the Smart ForTwo and you've pretty much got it.

Full Road Test

It's no exaggeration to say that the iQ is one of the most radical cars that Toyota has ever produced. Despite its diminuitive dimensions and cutesy styling, we're meant to see it as being upmarket urban transport rather than a cheap city car - this is one vehicle that commands a premium for downsizing.

The iQ's cleverest innovation is what's described as 'three-plus-one' seating. Fitting the engine very far forwards has enabled Toyota to create an impressively spacious cabin, with plenty of room for a driver and front seat passenger. The front passenger seat is positioned forwards, enabling a full-sized rear seat behind it, while on the other side at the back is a smaller seat designed for smaller occupants or occasional use.

As a whole it works impressively well, with three adults able to ride together in the iQ in reasonable comfort. The cabin is also very well finished for a car of this size, with quality materials, decent equipment levels and good ergonomic design.

The iQ drives very nicely, too - providing your expectations are not of rocketship performance. The 1.0-litre petrol engine doesn't give much in the way of out-of-town acceleration, but it's got enough low-down pulling power to make driving through busy streets a breeze. There's also a 1.33-litre VVT-i available, but its slight power advantage is mitigated by higher emissions and fuel consumption. Both versions are comfortable, though - driving like you would expect a far larger car to. It feels like a real quality item.

Only when it comes to money does the iQ's case waver, being considerably more expensive than any of its similarly sized rivals. That said, if you consider it as a cool, cut-price alternative to the Mini it starts to make a far stronger case for itself.

Breakdown

Styling

Toyota has done an excellent job of keeping the iQ's proportions in check, despite its diminuitive dimensions. The wheels are pushed out to all four corners and, viewed up close, detailing is strong and classy.

Handling

Nobody should buy an iQ expecting a wildly exciting dynamic experience. The baby Toyota's relatively tall, narrow stance means that cornering limits are low, while the ESP stability can be felt working at relatively modest speeds to keep everything on track.

Comfort

Despite its size, the iQ drives with far more maturity than any of its city car rivals. The cabin is extremely well finished, and insulation from road and wind noise is impressively good.

Quality + reliability

Assembled with the sense of solidity you would expect from something wearing the Toyota badge. You have to pay a premium for the iQ over similarly sized rivals, but it's immediately obvious where the extra money is going.

Performance

The standard 1.0-litre petrol engine can only muster 67bhp, but the iQ still feels more than quick enough in town. Out on the open road it will struggle if asked to deal with a full load, though. The 1.33-litre VVT-i adds 30bhp but not much extra shove.

Roominess

Considering its modest exterior dimensions (it's 0.6 metre shorter than a Ford Ka), the iQ is a miracle of interior packaging. Three passengers can be carried in reasonable comfort, with the back-up of a fourth emergency seat. The boot is predictably tiny, but the extra seat can be used as luggage space when not in use.

Running costs

The iQ should be one of the cheapest cars to keep on the road thanks to low insurance, 65mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km, meaning it qualifies for free road tax. The only real question is over depreciation, which might prove to be fairly steep if the secondhand market isn't won over. The bigger 1.33-litre engine pushes the iQ into VED band C.

Value for money

Viewed in terms of its size, the iQ looks very expensive compared to obvious rivals. But, to be honest, it's a cut above all of its mainstream competitors, and its pricetag should be seen in that context. Standard equipment is reasonable, but the toys are reserved for the more expensive '2' trim and the options list.

Stereo / Sat nav

The audio system puts in an excellent performance, helped out by the iQ's impressively well noise insulated cabin. Satnav is an option on the more expensive '2'.

Need to know

Replacement Date: 2016

We like:

1. Brilliant packaging.
2. Classy, big car feel.
3. You can park it anywhere.

We don't like:

1. Poor visibility.
2. Expensive compared to conventional superminis and city cars.
3. 1.0-litre engine lacks punch out of town.

Best and worst:

Most fun: 1.0 '2'
Most sensible: 1.0

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