Unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor show in March, Toyota has now announced pricing details on the 2009 Toyota IQ3 (iQ Cubed). Alongside the 1.0L VVT-i, the iQ3 will be offered with a 1.33L Dual VVT-i and Toyota Optimal Drive Technology with prices starting at £11,495 ($18,773 USD) for the manual model and £12,495 ($20,407 USD) Multidrive automatic.

The new engine in the iQ pumps out 98-hp with a maximum torque of 92 lb-ft. A new Stop & Start system reduces fuel-consumption of the iQ by three percent helping it return 58.9 mpg (49 mpg U.S.). The Multidrive automatic model averages a fuel-economy of to 55.4 mpg (46 mpg U.S.).

The Toyota iQ3 will be offered with four accessory packs including iStyle, iUrban, iSports and iConnect. Other optional include leather seating and satellite navigation.

Toyota iQ3 (iQ Cubed):

Press Release:

CLEVERER THAN EVER: INTRODUCING THE NEW TOYOTA iQ3

* New iQ3 (iQ cubed) powered by 98bhp 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine with Toyota Optimal Drive
* Toyota Stop & Start system increases fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions
* Class-leading fuel economy and emissions – 58.9mpg and 113g/km (six-speed manual)
* Also available with Multidrive CVT transmission – 55.4mpg and 120g/km
* Exclusive iQ3 equipment features, including 16-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels and chrome door mirror housings
* On sale now, price £11,495 (manual) and £12,495 (Multidrive)
* Four accessory packs available – iStyle, iUrban, iSports and iConnect
* Optional Leather seat trim and Satellite Navigation

Toyota’s iQ range is extended for the first time since launch with the introduction to the line-up of a 1.33-litre engine. The highly efficient lightweight unit, already successfully deployed in Auris, Yaris and Urban Cruiser is offered exclusively in the new iQ3 model.

Benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology for a class-leading combination of power, fuel economy and low emissions, it uses Dual VVT-i control of both intake and exhaust valves to deliver strong torque at low to medium engine speeds and achieve maximum efficiency.

The headline figures broadcast the exceptional customer benefits in terms of running costs. With manual transmission, iQ3 returns an official 58.9mpg in combined cycle driving, and 113g/km of CO2 – Band B for road tax (£35 annual charge) – both of which are best-in-class figures. Equipped with Toyota’s new Multidrive CVT system, fuel economy is just as good, while emissions rise slightly to 120g/km, but remain within Band B.

This achievement is not at the expense of performance. The engine develops a maximum 98bhp at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm. Nought to 62mph can be achieved in 11.8 seconds (11.6 with Multidrive) and top speed is 106mph. This underlines the fact that iQ is more than just a city runabout, giving a strong, stable and enjoyable drive at motorway speeds.

Matched to a compact, lightweight six-speed manual gearbox, the engine features Toyota’s Stop & Start system. This automatically cuts the engine when the car comes to a stop and the gear shift is moved to neutral; when a gear is selected, the engine restarts quickly (in just 0.4 seconds) and seamlessly, thanks to the use of a permanently engaged gear mechanism. In urban driving – iQ’s natural environment – Stop & Start can yield fuel consumption savings of up to 15 per cent.

iQ3 is also available with Multidrive, Toyota’s new stepless CVT (continuously variable transmission).

One of the key elements of the 1.33-litre engine is its piston design. Smaller and lighter than on the previous 1.3 unit, they are designed with a smaller contact area and use carbon ceramide, an advanced material more commonly used in Formula One engineering, to reduce friction.

iQ3 carries forward the premium specification of iQ2 but with some additional, exclusive features: the door mirrors have chrome-finished housings and the car rides on larger, 16-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels. The choice of six paint finishes includes Decuma Grey metallic, which is also exclusive to iQ3.

The standard equipment features include automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, electric folding and heated door mirrors, Smart Entry and Start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, six-speaker sound system, front fog lights and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Nine airbags are fitted, including the world’s first rear window airbag, and the active safety package includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC).

iQ3 is on sale now. On-the-road prices are £11,495 for the six-speed manual version and £12,495 with Multidrive.

iQ Accessory Packs and Options

Four themed accessory packs have been assembled for iQ, giving owners an easy way to give their car that something extra.

* iStyle (£295) adds chrome surrounds to the front fog lights, chrome side sills, a chrome strip on the tailgate and aluminium scuff plates.
* iUrban (£345) provides rear parking sensors, a reversible rubber/velour boot liner (for use when the rear seats are folded flat) and carpet mats.
* iSports (£495) focuses on style with a neat roof spoiler, deep rear skirt and inverted delta-shape chrome exhaust tailpipe finisher.
* iConnect (£375) keeps you in touch on the move with Bluetooth, plus the neat detachable Glovebag to store documents and small personal items.

With such a high standard specification on iQ3, there are just two extra-cost options: leather seat upholstery (£690) and a fully integrated satellite navigation system with Bluetooth and iPod integration (£930).

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show today, Toyota announced that it is offering a new engine option for its four-seat minicar. Alongside the 1.0L VVT-i, Toyota will offer a 1.33L Dual VVT-i with Toyota Optimal Drive Technology.

The new engines gives the Toyota iQ 98-hp with a peak torque of 92 lb-ft. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and features Toyota’s Stop & Start system. The new Stop & Start system reduces fuel-consumption of the iQ by three percent helping it return 58.9 mpg (49 mpg U.S.). If you opt for the new Multidrive automatic, fuel-economy falls to 55.4 mpg (46 mpg on the stateside).

The new Toyota iQ3 features a new color – Astral Black – and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels. Pricing details will be announced closer to its launch date in July.

Toyota iQ3 1.33L:

So Toyota realized that while a fuel-economy of 65.7 mpg (55 mpg on the state side) for the iQ sounds good – 67-hp sounds pretty boring. At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next week, Toyota will bring a 99-hp 1.33L Dual VVT-i engine iQ minicar for those looking for that extra punch.

With the help of Toyota’s Optimal Drive technology and a fuel-saving stop & start system, the new 99-hp engine returns a fuel economy of 58.9mpg (49 mpg in U.S. terms) when mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. If you go for the Multidrive automatic transmission fuel-economy will drop to 55.4 mpg (46 mpg on the stateside).

European sales of the 99-hp Toyota iQ will begin in July.

Toyota iQ 99-hp 1.33:

Toyota agents in Malta are handing out a free Blackberry smartphone with every Toyota iQ they sell. Where is this Malta place we speak of? Malta is a small chain of seven islands situated in Southern Europe about 58 miles off the cost of Sicily, Italy. Yeah, we had no idea they existed and had no idea that the Toyota iQ would be selling there (and to think the U.S. won’t get the iQ for at least another 2 years).

Anyway, agents at Michael Debono Ltd are giving new Toyota iQ buyers a Blackberry with their purchase of the tiny new mini-car. Which Blackberry will Toyota iQ buyers be given was not disclosed.

Guess Apple doesn’t sell iPhones in Malta.

Refresher: Power comes from a 1.0L VVT-i 3-cylinder engine making 67-hp and a peak torque of 67 lb-ft. Combined with a 5-speed manual transmission, the iQ returns an impressive 65.7 mpg (55 mpg in U.S. terms).

Source: PocketBerry

Toyota says that the packaging of the Toyota iQ can fit twice as many people than the Smart ForTwo while being just 29 centimeters longer and and 12 centimeters wider. How does Toyota do it? Find out as Tom Ford explains the 6 steps Toyota took to offer all that space in its tiny little city car.

Refresher: Power comes from a 1.0L VVT-i 3-cylinder engine making 67-hp and a peak torque of 67 lb-ft. Combined with a 5-speed manual transmission, the iQ returns an impressive 65.7 mpg (55 mpg in U.S. terms).

Follow the jump for the video (try to watch it before YouTube and Fifth Gear have a little talk).

Toyota iQ:

Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress today, Toyota announced that it is seriously considering bringing the iQ minicar to the United States. The Toyota iQ made it debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show last year and recently went on sale in Japan.

“We think there is an urban market,” Toyota executive Esmond said. “We are looking real hard at how it would fit in….because if you look at urban markets, they are growing.”

Esmond said that Toyota has been studying the sales of the Smart ForTwo very closely and said that Toyota would likely import the car to the United States in the near future. He declined to give a firm schedule or whether the car will be sold under the Toyota or Scion badge.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Toyota iQ:

Source: Detroit Free Press

Coming in with a total of 526 votes from a panel of 65 jurors, the mini Toyota iQ claimed the title of Japan Car of the Year for 2008. 39 of the 65 jurors gave the iQ a perfect score of 10.

Second place went to the iQ’s closest rival, the Citroen C5 which came in with 223 vote. Surprisingly, the third-place title went to the Nissan GT-R which received a total of 201 votes. With that said, this is a pretty astonishing victory for the Toyota iQ.

iQ’s Chief Engineer Hiro Nakamura Hiroki Nakajima said: “I wish to thank my Toyota colleagues for giving me some slack and putting up with my one-track, head-strong mission to build a car like no other, the world’s smallest four-seater, and that some self-indulgence on my part was necessary to achieve such an epoch-making vehicle.”

The Toyota iQ will go on sale in Europe next year with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. The iQ is rumored to make its stateside debut at the 2008 LA Auto Show next week as a Scion.

2009 Toyota iQ:

Source: InsideLine

The 55 mpg Toyota iQ isn’t necessarily a car that you’d want to throw on an extra body kit or 20-inch wheels on. With a 67-hp engine the iQ was made for those that care about only one thing – fuel-efficiency.

However, that didn’t stop tuner Modelista to add a couple of things of their own things to the Smart ForTwo rival from Japan. It certainly isn’t something Brabus would do the Smart ForTwo but it gives your iQ a little more sex appeal.

Modelista has added yellow accents around the side-view mirror, bottom of the two doors, front-lower grille and something to the back of the trunk that totally seems like it was forced on.

Click through for more photos.

Modelista Toyota iQ:

Source: NihonCar (via Jalopnik)

Call it a spider, cabriolet or convertible, they all mean the same thing – there is no roof. According to the folks at Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is working on a two-seater convertible iQ concept for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Whether or not Toyota will actually produce the convertible iQ is still unclear. We’re guessing they’re going to gauge the reaction in Tokyo and go from there. Power is still expected to come from the 1.0L VVT-i 3-cylinder gasoline engine capable of 67-hp.

We’re not sure if it’ll make its way over to the U.S. but if it does it may be badged as a Scion just like the current iQ. Not to mention, Scion could probably use a convertible in its lineup.

Click through for more high-res photos.

2009 Toyota iQ:

Edited by: Kap Shah

Source: Auto Motor und Sport

Whenever we see the Scion xD on the road it reminds us of the Toyota iQ – and that’s probably because a car the size of an iQ would fit perfectly into Scion’s lineup. Guess what? That’s exactly what may happen at the 2008 LA Auto Show.

According to Motor Trend’s sources, Toyota will bring the new iQ minicar to LA next month but instead of displaying it at the Toyota stand, the iQ will get a Scion badge and will join the xD, tC and xB. Why make such a move when all of us like calling it the Toyota iQ?

Well, for one Scion is in desperate needs to generate some buzz and improve its brand image. Second, Toyota doesn’t want another fuel-sipper to steal the spotlight from the next-generation Prius hybrid.

Pricing for the Scion iQ is expected to be around $15,000. Under the hood we will most likely get the 1.5L 4-cylinder found in the Yaris mated to a 5-speed manual or the optional Multidrive CVT.

Live from Paris 2008: Toyota iQ:

Toyota iQ:

Source: Motor Trend

Toyota is already taking orders for its new iQ minicar with deliveries to begin as early as January 2009. At launch, the iQ will be offered with a 1.0L VVT-i petrol engine that produces 67-hp and a peak torque of 67 lb-ft. Mated to either a 5-speed manual or Toyota’s new Multidrive CVT system, the iQ is capable of returning a fuel-economy of 55 mpg.

Toyota has already confirmed that a new 1.33L Dual VVT-i petrol engine with stop/start technology will also joining the iQ lineup in 2009. A 1.4L diesel unit will also be offered in select European markets, reducing fuel-consumption.

We’ve previously heard that Toyota is also working on a plug-in hybrid version of the iQ. The model is expected to 15 miles on electric-power alone.

Click through for high-res images of the Toyota iQ from the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Live from Paris 2008: Toyota iQ:

Toyota iQ:

Here it is – Toyota today showed the final production version of the much-anticipated Toyota iQ minicar. Not only that Toyota is taking orders now with delivers to begin as early as January 2009 in Europe where Toyota plans to sell 80,000 units annually.

Let’s get to the specs. Power comes from a 1.0L VVT-i 3-cylinder petrol engine capable of 67-hp with a maximum torque of 67 lb-ft. Don’t even ask us about the 0 to 60 mph on the iQ, however combined with a 5-speed manual transmission, the iQ returns an impressive 65.7 mpg (55 mpg in U.S. terms).

The Toyota iQ is available in two grades including standard trim and premium. Features will include (according to grade) alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, Smart Entry and Start system, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. That’s pretty impressive for a car of this size.

Pricing information has not yet been released.

Click through for more high-res images from the show and the press release.

Live from Paris 2008: Toyota iQ:

2009 Toyota iQ:

Press Release:

The final production version of the revolutionary Toyota iQ makes its debut at the 2008 Paris motor show. Last seen as a near-final design at the Geneva show earlier this year, iQ is a city car that is so innovative that – like the Toyota Prius – it stands as a major milestone for future vehicle development.

The radical thinking behind Toyota iQ turns conventional car design on its head. Toyota engineers went to extraordinary lengths to redesign, re-engineer or relocate components to achieve their goal of a car that is less than three metres long, yet has four seats inside with no compromise on space, comfort or driving fun.

Toyota iQ redefines what a car should be in today’s era of congested cities and increased environmental awareness, not least by achieving carbon dioxide emissions levels that start at 99g/km. At the same time it is fun to drive with outstanding dynamics and advanced powertrain technology.

Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota iQ chief Engineer, explains: “For the development of iQ my research for a design concept befitting a stylish and small, sophisticated car began by envisioning the customer. My theory was that the group of people most suited to this car’s style, small size and premium edge would be described as ‘post-modern’ – people who demonstrate independence in their choice of lifestyle and values.”

Toyota iQ can be ordered from now, with delivery taking place in January 2009. Full-year sales volume for Europe is expected to be around 80,000 units.

Design

Five years ago Toyota launched a programme to radically improve vehicle packaging, focusing on breakthrough solutions for miniaturising key vehicle features. The outcome of this project formed the basis for the development of Toyota iQ.

The objective was a new kind of city car, one that would accommodate four people within an overall length of less than three metres. The result was a landmark solution that will have a long term influence on Toyota’s future vehicle development. Toyota iQ is the ultimate expression of refined, yet environmentally efficient urban mobility.

The extraordinary interior space in a car that measures just 2,985mm long, 1,500mm high and 1,680mm wide is a tribute to the determination and ingenuity of Toyota’s design and engineering team.

The fact it can carry four people (three adults plus a child) in comfort and safety at motorway speeds, is just the beginning of the story. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Toyota has created an ingenious and distinctive new city car. And with its proportionally large, 2,000mm wheelbase, Toyota iQ has a compact yet muscular stance that is like no other car.

Toyota iQ’s design represents the essence of Toyota’s J-factor heritage, which embraces the finest elements of Japanese aesthetics, such as miniaturisation and modernism. Most importantly it brings contradictory elements into harmony, such as “small yet spacious” or “hi-tech yet human”.

J-factor is the foundation of Toyota’s Vibrant Clarity design philosophy, through which long-standing paradoxes are resolved, such as how to create vehicles that are energised and dynamic, but at the same time rational and ingenious.

One of the three key elements of Vibrant Clarity is Freeform Geometrics, which can be seen in Toyota iQ’s techno-organic design, for example, in the “manta ray” styling of the centre console.

On the outside another element comes into play – “Perfect Imbalance of Proportions”. Large wheels are placed at the extreme corners of the vehicle to give a robust stance that belies the car’s compact size.

True to J-factor aesthetic minimalism, Toyota iQ will be available from launch in three exterior colours: White Pearl Metallic, Black Metallic and Amethyst Metallic (more colours will be available later).

Six Innovations Produce a Breakthrough in Vehicle Package

Toyota iQ’s remarkable interior volume is down to its comparatively long 2,000mm wheelbase and short overhangs – 530mm at the front and 455mm at the rear. Interior length from the rear end of the instrument panel to the hip point of the rear seats is an impressive 1,238mm. To achieve this breakthrough, six space-saving engineering innovations were developed.

Integrating the front-mounted differential in a conventional transmission layout allowed Toyota iQ to be built with an ultra-short front overhang. This reduced overall length while at the same time increasing the length of the passenger compartment. Ingeniously this not only reduces the amount of space required for the engine compartment, it also allows the large diameter front wheels to be positioned at the far corners of the vehicle. This shortens the overhangs, which in turn improves stability and manoeuvrability.

Employing centre take-off steering gear and placing it higher in the engine bay means the transmission, engine and differential could be repositioned. The engine compartment could then be made considerably smaller, further reducing the front overhang.

Traditionally fuel tanks are located underneath a car’s rear seats. By making the tank flat, reducing it to just 120mm in height and solving the problems of rapidly changing fuel surface levels that such a design would normally create, the tank could be relocated under the floor. Toyota iQ’s fuel tank has a 32-litre capacity, giving an ample driving range. Angling the rear shock absorbers backwards allows interior rear space to be increased.

The slimness of the seatbacks frees up an extra 40mm of rear passenger room at knee height. The seats weigh up to 30 per cent less than conventional ones, contributing to overall fuel efficiency and low emissions. Using extruded pipe materials rather than high tensile sheet steel ensures the structure is rigid. The slimmer designs, with integrated headrests, save space without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Reducing the size of the heater and air conditioning unit by 20 per cent compared to the Toyota Yaris allowed the engineers to make significant space savings without compromising performance. This means the blower unit, usually found in front of the front passenger, could be integrated with the main ventilation unit in a central position. This innovation allowed the front passenger area to be moved forward, freeing up cabin space and increasing leg room.

The innovative asymmetric dashboard was designed to open up the whole cabin area. It ensures ample leg room for the front passenger, even when the seat is in its furthest forward position. The sliding seat configuration allows an adult 190cm tall to sit comfortably in the rear seat behind a front passenger of the same height. Shoulder-to-shoulder distance between driver and front passenger is 50mm wider than in Yaris and bears comparison with a C-segment vehicle. The all-round space and seating layout means there is ample room for three adults plus either a child passenger or luggage behind the driver.

Engineered for Environmental Excellence

Toyota iQ represents the successful outcome of Toyota’s well-established drive to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles without compromising performance and driving dynamics. With CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km (with manual transmission), it is clearly a city car that’s in the right place at the right time.

Its innovative, aerodynamic packaging has been achieved through a low overall height, low centre of gravity and wheels pushed out to the four corners of the car. This gives agility at low speed and unprecedented stability for a small car on motorways and winding roads. A minimum turning radius of 3.9 metres further enhances its nimble handling, even in tight city streets.

Toyota iQ is built on a new platform with MacPherson strut front suspension and a newly developed compact rear torsion beam. Together these provide dynamic handling with high degree of ride comfort. The suspension is fine tuned to let the car hug corners at speed, without losing stability.

Toyota iQ engines and transmissions have been developed under the Toyota Optimal Drive philosophy of delivering extremely low fuel consumption and emissions without compromising on power or driving pleasure.

At launch one engine will be available: a 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol unit with a choice of five-speed manual or a new Multidrive CVT system.

1.0-litre VVT-i engine

The 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, winner of the 2008 Engine of the Year award in the sub-1.0-litre class, is a lightweight, three-cylinder unit, producing 67bhp (68 Din hp) at 6,000rpm and 91Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Combined with a high-ratio five-speed manual transmission, it returns 65.7mpg in combined cycle driving and 99g/km of carbon dioxide (figures provisional prior to final homologation). This keeps Toyota iQ under the UK’s 100g/km threshold for Vehicle Excise Duty, a benchmark that is also used for tax purposes in other major European markets, too. Specified with Multidrive transmission, the engine emits 110g/km of CO2 (provisional figure).

Multidrive transmission

Multidrive uses Toyota’s latest continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology to give a very smooth shift feel while optimising the balance between performance and fuel economy. It continuously monitors and selects the most appropriate gear ratio and shifting speed, automatically eliminating “shift shock” or jumps while changing gear. It maximises engine torque without unnecessary acceleration and smoothes gear ratio changes, for example limiting uphill shifts and making downhill shifts to achieve optimum engine brake force. The system provides all the city-friendly characteristics of a conventional automatic gearbox.

Models equipped with Multidrive feature an ECO driving indicator lamp on the multi-information display. This encourages more economical driving by signalling when fuel is being saved and, consequently, emissions are reduced. Current and average fuel consumption are also permanently on display.

Gear shift indicator

Models with manual transmission are equipped with a gear shift indicator which shows the driver when to change up or down a gear to achieve the best environmental performance. The system takes driving conditions, accelerator pedal pressure and vehicle speed into account and can return fuel consumption savings of between 0.5 and three per cent compared to normal gear shifting, depending on individual driver habits.

Future developments

A new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine with Stop & Start technology will be available in Toyota iQ later in 2009. A 1.4 D-4D diesel will be offered from launch in some European markets, but is not scheduled for introduction in the UK.

Many of Toyota iQ’s innovations will be adapted and evolved for future Toyota models. The car is a major milestone in Toyota’s environmental commitment and efforts to develop technologies for much lower emissions. It is an essential part of Toyota’s challenge to achieve the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (JAMA) voluntary commitment of 140g/km average fleet emissions by 2009.

Outstanging Active Passive Safety

Toyota iQ benefits from sophisticated active and passive safety technology to protect driver, passengers and pedestrians, with a range of breakthrough features rarely seen in small vehicles.

ABS integrated with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard on all models. Steering assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) combined with Traction Control (TRC) is also provided across the range and incorporates Electric Power Steering Control to minimise the risk of under- or oversteer.

The new braking system has 255mm front discs and 180mm drums. For collision safety and “braking feel”, a link-type brake pedal is fitted.

The high strength body has a multi-load path structure to efficiently absorb and disperse impact forces. Designed by Toyota, it increases occupant protection in a frontal collision through six strategic elements to absorb and redistribute impact energy, including the suspension side rail and cross members, dashboard cross member, and front tyres located as far forward as possible.

The shape and height of the bonnet and a collapsible cowl construction are designed to deform in an impact to mitigate potential pedestrian injury.

All models are fitted with nine airbags. The passenger front airbag has a twin-chamber design with a lower pressure inflator to bridge the space between the passenger and the dashboard.

The driver has a knee airbag, which, because of the short steering column, can be positioned closer to the driver’s knees, reducing deployment time and the amount of inflation required. On the front passenger side there is an innovative seat cushion airbag that works with the seatbelts to reduce and disperse force to the head, chest and upper body. This airbag is more effective in restraining hip movement than conventional knee airbags, given Toyota iQ’s asymmetrical dashboard design.

Protection from side impacts is provided by two front side airbags, designed to restrain the chest and pelvis at the same time. Two side curtain shield airbags protect all four occupants from side impact to the head and neck.

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts are fitted to all seats, with additional pretensioners and force-limiters for the driver and front passenger.

World-first rear window airbag

Toyota iQ marks a world-first breakthrough with a rear window curtain shield airbag. This deploys from the roof lining behind the rear headrests to protect occupants in a rear-end collision.

Isofix child seat anchors are fitted to the rear seats. A high tensile strength steel seat frame construction with integrated headrests provide driver and front passenger with collision safety and whiplash protection performance equal to Toyota’s latest active headrest systems.

With its 360-degree safety approach, Toyota aims to fulfil Euro NCAP’s five-star rating for occupant protection.

Aspirational Equipment Specification

In line with its innovative design and high quality finish, it will offer as standard a number of premium features for added style, comfort and convenience, setting it apart from more conventional and modestly specified models in the city car segment.

Two grades will be available – a standard trim and a premium upgrade version. Key features will include (according to grade) alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, Smart Entry and Start system, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

To add even more lustre to their Toyota iQ, owners will be offered a full range of dedicated accessories.

Toyota will be introducing the world’s first-ever rear window airbag on its new iQ minicar due out next year. We’re guessing Toyota wants to show hesitant customers that a minicar can be safe by adding extra protection for rear passenger.

The new airbag provides protection to the rear passenger’s head and is stored in the headliner above the rear window. If there is a high-impact collision the bag unfolds rapidly to create a barrier behind the rear passenger.

Not a bad idea for a minicar that can get hit by cars the size of the Ford F-150 or large SUVs. We think Smart should follow the same

Toyota is ready to show the world the production iQ at the 2008 Paris Motor Show next month – but it was nice enough to release some images of the minicar today.

The new 2009 Toyota iQ will go on sale in Japan next month followed by Europe in early 2009. Buyers will have a choice of a 1.0 liter 3-cylinder producing 70-hp or a 1.4 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel producing up to 89-hp.

Toyota is also rumored to be working on a hybrid version of the Toyota iQ.

2009 Toyota iQ: