Car Review: Toyota iQ

Toyota iQ, a microcar introduced at the Geneva Auto Show by Toyota Motos. The UK sales started last January 2009 which followed the Japanese sale on October of 2008, and the North American version was slated for release in the early 2011 as the Scion iQ. The name iQ is an initialism of the term intelligence quotient, Toyota stated that the “i” stands for individuality, innovation and intelligence, while the “Q” stands for quality, and signifies the iQ’s “cubic” shape. The iQ was initially designed at the Toyota European Design and Development studio in France but was the “Japanese Car of the Year” last 2008.

iQ was designed to highlight maneuverability, environmental friendliness and low fuel consumption, plus the maximized interior space. The body style of KGJ10/NGJ10 which was released on 2008 has 2 or 4 seat, with engines  1KR-FE, with the 2-seat only sold in Japan. iQ’a 1.0L engine is comparable to Toyota Aygo’s, iQ’s engine reaches 65.69 mpg by European standards, and the UK models only includes petrol engines. Japan models include 1.0L engine while its 1.33L was introduced on 2009, but the car is capable of bearing a 1.6L engine.

When it comes to safety, the iQ is equipped of front seat-mounted side torso airbags, dual frontal airbags, front passenger seat cushion airbag, a driver’s knee airbag and a rear curtain airbag to protect backseat passengers’ heads from collisions and side curtain airbags, The safety on the model iQ was emphasized, dedicated for the convenience, peace and contentment of the owners.

There was also the Toyota iQ “GAZOO Racing tuned by MN” in 2009, a limited (100 units) version dedicated for the Japanese market. The Gazoo includes 1,329 cubic centimeters (1.329 L; 81.1 cu in) I4 engine, stiffer sport suspension, 6-speed manual transmission, rear disk brake, enhanced brakes, stiffened brace, rear spoiler, aluminum pedals, RAYS 16×5.5 aluminum wheels with 175/60R16 tires, GRMN emblem and a sport exhaust system. This model was unveiled at January 2008 in Tokyo Auto Salon.

In 2009, Japan released a family of Toyota iQ custom body kits:

• MODELLISTA MIXTURE – includes custom B-pillar shadow, mirror cover, back window panel and side door trim.
• MODELLISTA MAXI – custom  front bumper, side skirt, and rear bumper.

Also in 2009, the iQ Sports Collection hit the market. They are show cars signifying the possibility that the customers can personalize their cars. “iQ for Sports” depicts modern urban chic style through a body kit representing the iQ’s broad stance, clean sweeping lines and outstanding geometry. The collection actually focuses on the interior customization too, which was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show that year. On that same year, the so-called “Scion iQ Concept” car was displayed in April at the New York Auto Show. It was built by Five Axis based in California USA from the styles of Toyota iQ. The Scion has four cylinder engine instead of the iQ’s three, it has 18” wheels and a widened wheel arches. Though the Scion was revealed this at the New York Auto Show, it will go on sale next year, 2011, in North America.

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