The Toyota iQ is the automaker’s more popular offering in the city car segment. Compared to other superminis which have had difficulties proving their four-seater capabilities, the iQ is not pretentious. Rather, this three-door hatchback has secured a better position as a 3+1 seater. The iQ succeeds with its funky exterior, its impressive space efficiency and its technology, but this car is not without its severe limitations.

Pros

The iQ uses a 1.33-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, although 1-litre variants are also available in the UK market. The engine has 67bhp, and can average 60mph in 13.6 secs. Although not the type of acceleration most drivers dream of, this power nevertheless allows iQ owners to drive well in open roads and around town. When it comes to handling, the iQ gives a sensational turn. This, thanks to power steering and quick rack. Its length also makes it one of the shortest city car of its seating capacity in the market, giving owners more parking power than other cars in its segment. Driving comfort is surprisingly unmatched, especially considering its weight.

Outside, the iQ clearly looks like a two-seater car. But buyers will be surprised to find that the iQ has a remarkable interior space than it initially suggests. Two adults can fit in the rear seats without problem, and still have enough head room and shoulder room. Children on the rear seats can stay comfortable throughout the ride, even without the driver adjusting the seats. This is due to an amazing interior design: thin seats and an asymmetric cabin make the interior roomy.

The iQ is also a powerhouse with great equipment even in the standard trim level. iQ 1 is equipped with air conditioning, CD stereo, electric windows and mirrors, nine airbags, power steering and others. iQ buyers also have a choice of accessories to personalise their car, including rear parking sensors and an MP3 kit with Bluetooth connection.

Cons

However short the Toyota iQ is, stability has been balanced with its width. But this means that drivers may find it difficult to maneuver across lanes and between tighter spaces. Some have also decried on the car’s mpg rates, which can fall to an average of 35.2 mpg. However, CO2 emission levels are still admirable at most 99g/km.

The interior space may be roomy, but it does not spell comfort for longer drives. In addition, the iQ suffers for being an impractical car, with virtually zero boot even with the rear seats down. Perhaps the biggest letdown about the car is its initial market price, which made the iQ inaccessible to a wider audience despite its good sides.

The Toyota iQ is a clear classy vehicle for its size. As the shortest in the segment, the iQ impresses with exemplary seating and comfort. Buyers will also have a chance to personalise their car and enjoy the iQ’s equipment even at the lowest trim level. However, price may not justify its long-term running costs. Practicality is also an issue with the iQ, which makes it the perfect car for only a specific audience.

The Toyota iQ is a 3-door hatchback that was first unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show. The iQ was designed by the Toyota European Design and Development team to compete with the Smart Fortwo, and invests heavily on the car’s intelligence quotient: individuality and innovation meeting quality. The iQ is a spacious city car that handles like big cars due to the exterior design. Market for the vehicle first became available in Japan in 2008, with European markets following suit in 2009, and the US and Canada in 2011.

A rebadged version, the Aston Martin Cygnet, was marketed starting 2011. The changes to this version include slight interior and exterior modifications.

The iQ has spawned multiple concept cars since 2009. Among these are the FT-EV, a battery electric vehicle; and iQ for Sports with interior customisations for the public. Editions which have since been produced include the iQ Customize Car, exclusively marketed in Japan; and the sporty GAZOO Racing package. A US version by Five Axis, the Scion iQ, was first introduced at the 2009 New York Auto Show. A concept EV version of the Scion iQ was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. This version features Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.