With big ticket cars like the Bentley Supersports, Aston Martin V12 Vantage and Lamborghini LP 670-4 SuperVeloce hogging most of the spotlight at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Toyota quietly unveiled a new version of its tiny iQ. Although not up to the power of the aforementioned cars, the new iQ model does feature a more powerful engine and improved fuel economy.
The newest Toyota iQ model will be powered by a 1.3L four-cylinder, compared to a 1.0L three-cylinder in the standard car. The new powerplant will generate 99 horsepower – a 32 horsepower improvement over the 1.0L.
Despite the extra power on tap, the 1.3L car will actually be more fuel-efficient than its three-cylinder counterpart. Whereas the 1.0L returns about 55 mpg, the four-cylinder model will net around 59 mpg – thanks in large part to Toyota’s VVT-I and start-stop technology. The four-cylinder model will be offered along side the current three-cylinder iQ.
Toyota has yet to green light the iQ for the U.S. market – although the Japanese automaker did confirm it is considering the move – but it seems as though the larger mill would be better suit for a U.S.-spec iQ, should it ever be given the go ahead.
03/04, 2:21 PM
posted by:
moparsalesman1
This car however does not come with a roadside assistance warranty. If the car breaks down you simply attach a shoe lace to the bumper and pull it home.
03/04, 3:02 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
These are going to come in at around 1,900lbs give or take. With almost 100hp it might actually go pretty well- as in at least have enough jam to get out of its own way. With a 5spd stick who knows? While ‘fun to drive’ might be stretching it ‘mildly amusing’ wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
03/04, 3:29 PM
posted by:
moparsalesman1
or “slightly amusing” would be proper
03/04, 6:47 PM
posted by:
orangecones
mopar, you are obviously just bashing toyota. per your first comment, it is a toyota. It will run just fine for 100,000 at least w/o any work beyond a regular oil change. You will never need to “get out and push”.
Also, small light cars w/ little(ish) power are fun to drive. On the more extreme end there is the Elise, yet with its little 4-cyl it goes as fast (and corners way faster) than anything with an engine twice as big. A more modest choice is a MX-5, moving up the modesty scale there is the Smart Fortwo, which despite its 70hp 3-cyl motor is fairly fun to toss around in the city.
Enjoy pushing your “not at all amusing” Neon.
03/04, 8:48 PM
posted by:
Borat
BTW, Elise in US utilizes Toyota engine. Well almost Toyota: it was tuned by Yamaha for Toyota and then Lotus added a bit of performance potion.
03/04, 9:43 PM
posted by:
GMmalvado
I have an idea, and I know it’s crazy, but bear with me: let’s all try to be non-biased. I know it’s crazy, and waaaayyyyy too peaceful for this website, but it’s worth a shot. It would at least make everyone happier I think
anywho, I think this would be a good idea, but I fear for competition over sales for the yaris (which I’ve driven and was surprised with its interior room and overall functionality – very nice small car). I mean, now Toyota would have 3 small cars? iQ, Yaris, and Corolla. All kinda different (Corolla more than the others) but still somewhat similar.
03/04, 10:31 PM
posted by:
maxcar
this car does not wear gray very well. happier colors for iQ, toyota. if they do bring it over, it’ll sell like hot cakes. every delivery service and geek for hire will be driving one.
03/05, 1:48 AM
posted by:
sharpie
Corolla is in a different segment, but I can see the iQ eating into Yaris and even the xD territory. But the main difference is that the iQ is a two seater. I think the Smart ForTwo will have more to worry about than any of Toyota’s own product though, if this prices right.
By the way, I don’t think the gray is so bad. It will be perfect for Private Investigator to hide in the tree with. j/k
03/05, 2:01 AM
posted by:
sharpie
Holy ****, there IS a back seat, who would have thought??? (Just googled iQ). This car will give the ForTwo a run for the money.
03/07, 9:11 AM
posted by:
iluvamcars
This car is ugly. I’d rahter buy the Chevy Spark.