At this year's Geneva Auto Show, Toyota is going to officially unveil its production version of the iQ microcar that was shown in Frankfurt last year for the European market.
The iQ measures less than three meters and seats up to three adult passengers with room left over for a small child or luggage. The iQ is going to go into production at the end of the year.
In addition to the production version of the iQ, Toyota is also going to debut the Urban Cruiser, which is essentially a raised version of the Scion xD that we have in the US. Toyota has yet to release any specs on the car, so you will have to wait until the car is officially unveiled next month.
Related Stories:
Production Version of the Toyota IQ Will Show up in January 2009
Rumor Has it That Subaru May Build a New Toyota Celica
PRESS RELEASE:
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FOR TOYOTA AT GENEVA
KEY POINTS
* World premiere of production-ready Toyota iQ at the Geneva Motor Show
* European debut of new Urban Cruiser SUV
Toyota is thinking big by creating a new generation of small cars designed to address the demands of modern motoring and the preferences of today's drivers. Two new models will take centre stage at the Geneva Motor Show.
Toyota iQ
First shown as a concept car at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, iQ is appearing for the first time as a market-ready design, ahead of production starting towards the end of this year. Although measuring less than three metres long, this compact urban vehicle can carry three people in comfort, with room to spare to accommodate a child or carry luggage.
The ingenious design was created by bringing together six linked, space-saving engineering innovations that mark a revolution in Toyota's vehicle development. iQ is rich in Japanese design elements and signals a radical shift away from the belief that small cars, although kinder to the environment, are inherently basic and less safe.
Urban Cruiser
Toyota is extending its sports utility vehicle range into the small car segment with its new Urban Cruiser.
Presented for the first time in Europe, it is an environmentally responsible SUV aimed at the market for urban all-road vehicles and meeting motorists' priorities for low fuel consumption and emissions.
In addition, Toyota will display its latest advances in creating urban environmental transport solutions, including a Plug-in Hybrid prototype and two concept cars: the Toyota 1/X Plug-in Hybrid concept in combination with Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology, and the i-Real personal mobility concept.
More information will be provided at the Toyota Motor Show press conference to be held on 4 March at 2.15pm in Hall 4.
Comments (33)
What a SMART rip-off.
Posted by Tommy Boy | February 13, 2008 10:46 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 10:46
Actually... "rip-off"... doesnt exists nor should be stated in the automotive industry..
because pretty much its part of the process.. everyone will always try to make an entry to a niche market.. if the market is viable.. then others follow... they all do it..
wait until, Honda, GM, Ford, Nissan, VW, BMW etc make their own versions...
the ultimate transportation for 1-2 people is pretty much the motorcyle.... its perfect... its the ultimate transportation for an individual... or 2.
But since safety is HUGE factor in marketing.. then the Smart and the iQ is the first encarnation of what the future of automotive will become... personal electric-based pods.... its pretty much set in stone.. eventually... of course you'll still get your people mover.. especially in the U.S where they are obsess with SUVs and Vans, but the future in that is... basically... minimization of interior components and overall size of vehicles... basically the "bigger" pod.... I work in the industry and all studies point to this... maybe 50 year time.
Posted by jamison | February 13, 2008 10:53 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 10:53
The Japanese prefer you don't use the term "rip-off". They prefer to call it "perfecting what everyone else couldn't get right the first time".
lol
Posted by John Doe | February 13, 2008 11:23 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 11:23
It looks like a potential competitor for the Smart Fortwo that is just now being sold in the USA.
http://www.smartusa.com
It might be better built than the Fortwo. The Japanses like to copy other designs and improve upon them. They usually have better quality than most of the others.
Posted by TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy | February 13, 2008 11:30 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 11:30
First of all, it is ugly, secondly it looks like all the other Toyotas and I would never buy this car because if I hint a deer or a butterfly, I want to survive.
Posted by Jeremy | February 13, 2008 12:36 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 12:36
I like that thing, and i'm sure Toyota is gonna make some nice cash from it (unlike Smart, which hasn't managed to go in the black since it was born).
And don't even get me started with that Japanese nonsense. There's a legion of the people in the States dreaming about Hummers and Camaros and actually byuing Camrys and Tundras... Ah, and btw if you don't fancy Japanese designed (or "perfected", as you wish) products, I'll be glad to receive and use all your photo and video cams as fast as you can send them to me.
Just kiddin' :)
Posted by Schillacci | February 13, 2008 12:38 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 12:38
I hope I'm dead by the time everyone is driving a car like this. What will be the point in caring about cars (or life) anymore?
If everyone started to use motorcycles traffic problems would disappear for a few decades.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | February 13, 2008 12:44 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 12:44
This is not a rip off of the smart car as it probably won't drive like a over priced golf cart like the smart car does. I drove a smart car and its too much like a golf cart for me, for the road.
Posted by fred | February 13, 2008 12:51 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 12:51
I see it as an enabler. It's perfect for commuting so I can keep a tire-smoking gas hog for the weekends :)
Posted by Kell | February 13, 2008 1:55 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 13:55
@ Cheap Car Lover,
Replacing one thing for another does not solve the problem. If people started using motorcycles to communte, then we will have more of them on the road because they take up less space. When there is more space, we need to fill it up...
Small, medium, large, it doesn't matter. We will always have congestion. Look at Japan, most of the people there walk or take transit, but it is way over crowded...
Posted by Andrew | February 13, 2008 1:55 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 13:55
OK We can stop all the nonsense talk about motorcycles. Did you ever hear of weather? Gimme a break.
Posted by Scott | February 13, 2008 2:22 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 14:22
This looks much better than the Smart, and will probably be more powerful. A great little commuter if you live in a big city.
Before you start making comments about safety, you might want to check safety ratings for small cars. They're not bad at all, and often better than the bigger cars.
Posted by Alex Greene | February 13, 2008 3:57 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 15:57
Ok, so it's only a rip off if America makes one any way, I see.
Posted by Tommy Boy | February 13, 2008 4:00 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 16:00
The biggest impediments of owning a Smart ForTwo is that it only seats two occupants. That is fine for commuting .but limits it's availability for small families. (a Smart ForFour would solve that). The Toyota iQ does address that concern by allowing space for three. The added space (albeit small) of the Toyota would alleviate American concerns anout driving such a small car. Yes, in an ideal world with ideal weather a motorcycle is a great choice for commuting. However, with the exception of the southwest, it is not a viable 4 season vehicle in the States. (some purists would disagree, but I digress).
Posted by longdxcommuter | February 13, 2008 4:01 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 16:01
Take out the "any way" please.
Posted by Tommy Boy | February 13, 2008 4:02 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 16:02
What a death trap. I wouldn't be caught dead driving one of these in America, because i'll end up dead in a minor wreck. They can keep these cars.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | February 13, 2008 4:18 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 16:18
Why not in the USA? I'd buy one.
Posted by shack | February 13, 2008 4:32 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 16:32
I would drive like to drive one to save gas but once I drove a Ford Festiva rental car and large trucks and suv's love to get on your tail when driving a small car and I'll be afraid to get killed by one of them.
Posted by Peter | February 13, 2008 5:46 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 17:46
My family is a two car family. I could see me buying this as my next car. I drive 30 miles a day to and from work all by myself. So I think having a small car like this, and one bigger one to herd the family, makes a lot of sense to me.
Posted by nathboy | February 13, 2008 5:54 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 17:54
ok good. I'll stay in my nice size ford expedition.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | February 14, 2008 12:51 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 00:51
Come on, Toyota has to do something with the millions of 1.5L Echo engines they made 7+ years ago. It's not like they actually had to manufacture new powertrains for the Scion Xa and Xb.
Posted by Brian | February 14, 2008 1:58 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 01:58
is this one of these portable toilets?
Posted by rene | February 14, 2008 10:59 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:59
I'm really disappointed with everyones dislike of this vehicle, it's a HUGE step in the right direction. Saving gas, the environment and not absolutely destroying your wallet. People who drive massive trucks and obnoxiously large SUV's rarely have more than 3 people in the family. I see no point what-so-ever to own a vehicle that's main purpose doesn't even serve your situation. Stick to your ford expedition, I'm sure the overpriced piece of junk that it is makes you hate yourself every time you go to the pump.
Posted by James | February 14, 2008 11:56 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 11:56
Weather might be a slight issue with current motorbike-stlye configurations especially in cold/snowy areas.
But as I said, this is a 50 year process... the "bikes".. or 2 wheeler of the future will not really be called bikes.... they will be more of personal pods likely to be on 4 wheels initially then on 2 wheels... as technology moves on, electronic devices become smaller and more compact, the interiors of cars will get less also, allowing more room for people rather than components.. material research will also propel to a stage where high steel classes will be manufactured cheap... today they cost more than your standard steel... as this happens, "car"... ahem.. automotive vehicles become more efficient in size...
as i said a motorcycle's configuration is the best.. in terms of efficiency of size and parts utilization... weather and safety being the 2 reasons why its not "perfect" for the real world.. but in theory... and when the technology becomes available.. or cheap.. just watch how many electric/hybrid personal pods become the norm... again 50 year process....
their will still be special unique cars... performance/sports... commercial (trucks etc)... but for everyday transportation... personal pods will become the norm... again just think of a motorcycle with a roof.. hehe..again its hard to explain it without technical drawings or terms... or confidential information but it'll happen.
Posted by jamison | February 14, 2008 12:24 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 12:24
@Jamison:
I agree that if you look at weight/efficiency ratio, obviously motorcycles are very efficient. (.i.e. 600lbs vehicle to transport a 200lbs person vs. 3000lbs vehicle to transport the same 200lbs person). It does mystify me that many on this website instantly slam the Toyota iQ or a Smart ForTwo. They are not perfect, but an alternative case for commuting. There are many startup companies exploring the idea of 4 season motorcycles, trikes, and commuter "pod" vehicles. I tend to agree with your assessment that they will become the norm in urban environments w/in a 50year timeframe.
Posted by longdxcommuter | February 14, 2008 3:45 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 15:45
James
You buy cars that saves gas, I buy cars that saves jobs.
Posted by Tommy Boy | February 15, 2008 10:58 AM
Posted on February 15, 2008 10:58
Tommy Boy : Do you mean Mexican jobs that some "American" cars create or American jobs the some Japanese cars create?
Posted by nathboy | February 15, 2008 1:02 PM
Posted on February 15, 2008 13:02
The American jobs American cars create dumass. Have you ever heard of a city called Detroit?
Posted by Tommy Boy | February 15, 2008 6:45 PM
Posted on February 15, 2008 18:45
Tommy Boy, you are a pea brained moron! Have you of Japanese cars built or designed in plants in California, Ohio, Alabama plants in Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Texas, and Mississippi etc? Do you think jobs in Detroit are worth more than those in these other states? Have you heard of “American” cars made in built in Mexico and Canada?
Posted by nathboy | February 15, 2008 10:21 PM
Posted on February 15, 2008 22:21
Nasty looking car. I guess we can look forward to American ripoffs of it after Toyota sells millions.
Posted by playah | February 17, 2008 3:12 AM
Posted on February 17, 2008 03:12
Long live the Starlet!
Posted by hater | February 18, 2008 11:58 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 23:58
nathboy
Do you know were the money thoughs plants make go to.
Posted by Tommy Boy | February 19, 2008 10:56 AM
Posted on February 19, 2008 10:56
Like I said, it's only a rip off if America makes them. *sigh* What a bunch of jackasses.
Posted by Tommy Boy | February 19, 2008 12:50 PM
Posted on February 19, 2008 12:50