InsideLine drives the Toyota iQ, more details on Toyota’s Smart car

The full-production version of the Toyota iQ will show its face at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Of course, it won’t be much different from what we’ve been seeing in the past but for those of you that have been looking at the iQ as a compact car for two individuals might want to reconsider.

The car’s design chief Hiroki Nakajima says that while the Toyota iQ is an answer for the Smart ForTwo, its innovative packaging and design allow comfortable room for four-passengers.

“Our aim was not to make a four-seater Smart. In order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a need for a radical change in vehicle packaging. We needed to create a breakthrough car, away from the traditional belief that small is basic,” Nakajima told InisideLine, who recently got to test drive the iQ.

Measuring just 117.5 inches in length, 66.1 inches in width and 59 inches in height the Toyota iQ is smaller than the Toyota Yaris but adds 4 inches of length in the inside when compared to the current smallest car in Toyota’s lineup.

The Toyota iQ will hit Japanese market this October followed by the European market early next year. Engine choices include a 1.0 liter 3-cylinder producing an estimated 70-hp or a 1.4 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel producing an estimated 89-hp. In 2009, Toyota will add a 1.3 liter 4-cylinder with VVT and a six-speed manual.

We’re wondering if naming the car iQ had anything to do with Daimler calling their car Smart. Hmmm…

Source: InsideLine