Toyota and Audi recently showed off their iQ and A1 small cars at the Paris Motor Show last week. Originally both automakers had not planned on introducing either car to the US market, but as everyone is now witnessing...small cars are in.
Audi's worldwide sales and marketing boss, Peter Schwarzenbauer recently stated, " A year ago, I would have said no. I did not see any trend in the US which showed me that small cars could have a lasting, sustainable chance. I think this has changed. Therefore we definitely have to reconsider the A1." The hybrid A1 concept is powered by a 1.4L four-cylinder mated to an electric motor.
Toyota is also considering bring its Smart competitor, the iQ to the US. At 117.5 inches long its a few inches longer than the Smart ForTwo. A Toyota source has confirmed that the vehicle is being considered for the US, but no final decision has been made.
Audi A1 Sportback Concept:
Toyota iQ:
Full Story: Autoblog
Related Stories:
Audi A1 Sportback Concept Photos Hit the Web a Little Early
Toyota iQ Unveiled...Toyota's New Urban Car
Comments (13)
ok, so I'd buy the iQ under two conditions... a) if you can drive it on a golf course. b) if it can fit two sets of golf clubs.
Otherwise LOL.... you gotta love the wide angle lenses to make it look like it has enough room to fit a human.
Posted by lolwut | October 6, 2008 3:00 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 15:00
Seriously, why not just buy a motorcycle? I can understand reluctance to buy SUV's based on today's gas prices, but there is an excellent variety of normal-sized cars out there that get 30+ MPG... if you're SO desperate for gas, buy a motorcycle! It will get much more mileage than this midget excuse for a car, and carry about the same amount of stuff.
Posted by SEALBoy | October 6, 2008 3:22 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 15:22
Motorcycle? You have to strap on your exterior and where do you put your kids and/or dog?
These vehicles are great and there is a need for them. Just not for some of us. I think we will soon be changing our attitudes as fuel prices skyrocket and average incomes continue to depreciate.
Posted by subpra | October 6, 2008 4:10 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 16:10
Reason number 1 to get one of these over a motorcycle, survey says, because it's not a lot of fun to drive a motorcycles when it's 0 degrees outside.
Posted by Chris | October 6, 2008 4:11 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 16:11
Or when it rains unexpectedly. Or when it snows. Or when it's hailing.
A buddy of mine at work boasted the same thing about his motorcycle, until it rained crazy and he only had his motorcycle to go forty miles home.
If you have a motorcycle, you're going to need a car anyway.
Posted by Joan of Arc | October 6, 2008 5:27 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 17:27
id rather drive a motorcycle home in the middle of a hurricane.
at least ill still have my dignity if i ever get home.
if i dont make it at least i can still smile on the way to my death.
Posted by :( | October 6, 2008 6:17 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 18:17
... now that is what I call 'Natural Selection'.
Enjoy your dignified hydroplaning-into-a-Hummer death.
Posted by Ravicai | October 6, 2008 9:57 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 21:57
With the anti small car lobby, you can we why this country is in such bad shape. Our manufacturer's have been run by people with this type of thinking and look where it got them.
Posted by BillO | October 7, 2008 5:42 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 05:42
youll die regardless, but at least you could go out in style instead of riding in a hyped up pinto.
Posted by :( | October 7, 2008 7:57 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 07:57
The a1 looks good, now if they put a decent sized engine in it, or a diesel i'm sold.
Posted by mf | October 7, 2008 8:40 AM
Posted on October 7, 2008 08:40
A1 looks raw but i mean shit..if your going to make small cars lets atleast make them with some power so they will be fun to drive..we need little cars with BIG acceleration..and with good mileage added onto that.
Posted by the future | October 7, 2008 2:05 PM
Posted on October 7, 2008 14:05
your != you're
Posted by Jung | October 7, 2008 6:17 PM
Posted on October 7, 2008 18:17
Yes, an Audi I can afford ...
Posted by Ryan | October 8, 2008 9:46 PM
Posted on October 8, 2008 21:46