Toyota has unveiled its iQ concept at the Franfurt Auto Show. Continuing with the “green” theme of this year’s show, the iQ is a small car designed to be used in an urban setting and is touted as being environmentally friendly. The iQ was designed at ED2, Toyota’s advanced European design studio in the south of France.
The iQ comes in at 2.98 in length — 770 mm shorter than the Toyota Yaris — but nearly matches the Yaris in both height and width, leading to a spacious interior. The iQ also uses an innovative 3+1 seating system. It will seat four with space for three adults and a child – or the fourth seat can be utilized for luggage space. According to Toyota, in regular use, driver and passenger sit side by side. But, to accommodate a third adult or adult and child, the front passenger seat can be moved in a more forward position allowing more room and easier access to the rear area.
Details on the powertrain remain unconfirmed but it is expected that the iQ will use a front-wheel drive layout. The iQ is expected to hit European showrooms sometime in 2009.
