Small wonders: iQ and Ka still on Aussie agendas?

Local Aussie Toyota and Ford operations are still considering the option of local introduction of their Paris stars -- the iQ city car and Ka super-mini -- but neither have concrete plans in place. The small cars are the centres of attention on the respective brand's stands at the Paris Motor Show -- Europe's top exhibition, open in the French capital until October 19.

The Toyota was debuted in concept form at last year's Frankfurt show (more here). The production version of the car, which features asymmetric 3+1 seating and a world first rear airbag, was at Paris. It will go on sale in selected European markets later this year.

Local Toyota boss, David Buttner, commented at last week's Australian International Motor Show that the company had not ruled iQ out for its local range.

"iQ is an interesting vehicle... I've spoken quite openly, historically, that a sub-Yaris [car] would be a nice place to be particularly as the downsizing we've seen is now sustained in the Australian marketplace -- we'll continue discussions with TMC [Toyota Motor Company].

Buttner said some indications of the car's future Down Under could surface in the Australia operation's next round of product planning discussions.

"We have a five-year cycle with TMC. We're up there next year with a joint product discussion in the first quarter and we have some pre-meetings coming up in Australia next week. It's an ongoing cycle -- we lock in five years and review every 12 months with at least two product discussions each year."

He said the availability of iQ or other Toyota products could however be "tempered" by the availability of engineering resource to adapt it to suit local regulations and customer needs.

Buttner said he believed a sub-$15K price would be required to be competitive in the segment. He would not comment on whether he thought Toyota could market the iQ at a premium Down Under.

Ford's Ka is a much more conventional super-mini that is positioned under the new Fiesta in key European markets. It shares its platform with the Fiat 500 -- already on sale Down Under - and will "star" in the upcoming Bond movie, Quantam of Solace. [Ed; no Bond isn't trading in the Aston - his love interest will drive a Ka.]

New Ford Australia head, Marin Burela, is a obviously Bond fan (see quote below) but says it's too early to give a direct answer on whether Ka will come Down Under.

As previous head of Ford's global small car programs, he has intimate knowledge of the new Ford super-mini.

"My intention on small cars was to initially test, and ensure that we consolidate, with Ka in Europe. We are studying other [market] options around the world - particularly North America, but we're not sure American consumers will come down the scale as far as a car as small as Ka... [With regards Australia] Let's just say, never say never..."

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