The iQ, Toyota’s new microcar, first seen here in August of last year, has been revealed in production form. Â And Toyota isn’t joking around.
With production beginning this year, the turnaround time from concept-to-showroom won’t take long. Not only will the timespan be short; so will the car. Â Although the iQ will be about 29cm longer than a smart fortwo – its most obvious competitor – it will offer folding rear seats, something no fortwo lays claim to.
What else be told? Â Apart from interior details and the completely unnecessary explanation of Toyota’s “J-Factor” design; not much. Â It will clearly depend on the region in which you live, but Toyota will be equipping the iQ with two gasoline-powered engines and one diesel. Â Toyota is making use of extra-small HVAC units, a flat fuel tank, and a newly developed differential that contribute to less space under the hood and more space in the interior. Â Toyota suits believe small doesn’t equal basic, and it’s believed that small may not even equal small inside the iQ. Â
Oh, and Toyota will begin with an annual production rate of 100,000. Along with the smart fortwo, Volkswagen will likely be making lots of noise about the up! before long.
