The Toyota iQ promises to be one of the most economical cars on the plant with its tiny 1.0L powerplant, but Toyota is reportedly developing an even thriftier version of the diminutive hatchback. Contrary to past reports, Toyota is developing a hybrid system for use in the iQ.
Previous reports indicated that Toyota had shelved the idea of a hybrid iQ, but Autoexpress reports that plans to make the iQ the world’s smallest hybrid are back on.
Earlier this year, AutoCar reported that a hybrid version of the iQ had been canceled due to packaging and weight issues. However, Toyota is working to resolve both issues by shrinking the size of the car’s powertrains. The gas engine will likely be downsized to .5L, leaving more room for the hybrid system.
Moreover, the hybrid iQ is slated to be one of Toyota’s first plug-in hybrids. That means the small city car will be capable of traveling 15 miles in electric mode.
The iQ isn’t currently earmarked for the U.S. markets, but other markets could see the hybrid iQ by 2010.
