Toyota is strongly considering producing larger models based on its upcoming iQ minicar, a new report finds. The news doesn’t come as the biggest surprise — as it’s far more cost effective to build multiple vehicles on the same platform rather than just one model — and the move would pit the larger iQ squarely against Volkswagen’s Up.
Despite having very green intentions, AutoCar says that Toyota has no plans to produce a hybrid variant of the iQ. Not only does the iQ not have enough spare room to house the required battery pack, but the added weight would negate Toyota’s weight-saving measures to make the iQ as thrifty as it is.
Instead, the iQ will use a range of fuel-sipping powerplants — two gasoline units and one diesel mill. Not much is known about the engines, but they will meet Euro 6 standards and use a fuel-saving start/stop feature.
05/01, 3:16 PM
posted by:
Payton Byrd
I don’t understand why start/stop isn’t on every vehicle with an automatic transmission. On sports cars it could be disabled with the flip of a switch for when you want to play, but still be available when commuting.
05/01, 6:10 PM
posted by:
A4
i guarantee the diesel model gets way better mileage than a prius
05/01, 6:33 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Aren’t these really the kind of vehicles that should have a Scion badge?
05/01, 7:43 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
The Toyota iQ does nothing original. The VW up! is a way superior concept
05/01, 7:46 PM
posted by:
Jordan
moar liek toyota ick, amirite?
05/01, 9:12 PM
posted by:
autonut
Johnny, Scion crowd wanted a lot of luxury in the vehicle. Original was success because nobody cared about impotent 1.5L engine as long as it had power windows, doors, CD etc. Actually you could wind up little bugger and make it move (xA was about 2600 lbs so 103 hp was almost OK). Now it is squire Camry (xB) and scary Matrix (xD). I don’t believe you could drop all that jazz into iQ and keep weight down and rely on tiny engine (I am sure they’ll be autos). Something has to give, The cheapest Toyota in US is Yaris not Scion. I suspect that what students buy.
05/01, 11:45 PM
posted by:
A4
WHAT THE **** DID YOU SAY JORDAN? jesus
05/01, 11:47 PM
posted by:
A4
students dont buy yaris’ autonut, ill tell you that. maybe their parents do, but none of them would be caught dead taking an interest in that pile