It's not smart, it's the iQ

Toyota used last September's Frankfurt motor show to unveil the Concept Car iQ, and it will use the imminent Geneva show to reveal the car in full production trim.

The Japanese carmaker plans to initially produce about 100,000 iQs a year (production starts later this year) and it will slot into the line-up below the Aygo, which we don't get here.

The iQ is a tiny car, measuring a piddling 2.98 meters in length, which means it's roughly 80cm shorter than the already diminutive Yaris.

"iQ represents a break-through in compact urban transportation. 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 luggage," says Toyota in its PR blurb.

Toyota claims the spaciousness of iQ is a result of its clever packaging, which was created by "six space-saving but inter-linked engineering innovations that represent a revolution in Toyota's automotive vehicle development."

The iQ was designed by ED2, Toyota's design studio in southern France. Toyota claims it's the world's smallest four-passenger car (even though one of the passengers needs to be a toddler).

Toyota says the iQ concept is equipped with "miniaturised technology" to help free up interior space.

The car is intended to be ultra-frugal, highly manoeuvrable and environmentally friendly. Infused with Japanese design elements, iQ is designed to dispel the notion that small cars are basic and less safe.

Visually, the production iQ has carried over the perky proportions of last September's concept (more here), but the latter's triangular headlights have been substituted by larger, more conventional looking units. The tail-lights, too, have been toned down somewhat for the showroom iQ.

The newcomer fits into Japan's Kei car category. These vehicles (under 3.4m in length) are designed to exploit local tax and insurance relaxations, and are exempted from the requirement to certify that adequate parking is available for the vehicle.

The iQ is also likely to find favour in Europe, where narrow streets and limited parking bolster the appeal of micro-cars.

Being as short as it is, the iQ is a strong chance to be the first production car fitted with a rear-mounted airbag. If true, you heard it here first, if not, you must have dreamt it.

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