Toyota iQ hatchback (2009 – ) expert review

The Toyota iQ is exceptionally different, making it rather cool. If Apple were to build a car, we think it would look something like this. We found the iQ to be a real head-turner, and most comments were complimentary about its overall style. The iQ’s most striking feature is its tiny dimensions – it’s shorter than the original MINI. The iQ is also the only car we’ve driven which is almost as wide as it is long.

Toyota is marketing the iQ as a premium product, and this is reflected inside the cabin. Attractive, quality materials adorn the dashboard and interior trim. The seating is unique, with the iQ being a 3+1 seat car. The driver’s seat is where you would expect, but the front passenger seat takes advantage of there being no steering wheel and sits further forwards. This allows an adult passenger to sit behind the front passenger, while a child or luggage can sit behind the driver. The cabin is wider and taller than you might expect, so it really does feel roomy.

Here the iQ inevitably needs to be compared with the smart fortwo, its biggest rival. With passengers sat in the back the 32-litres of boot space is poor compared with the Smart’s dedicated 220-litre boot. But remember the Smart only has two seats – fold the rear seats down in the iQ and its 242-litres of space is more respectable. We found the best compromise was to think of the iQ as a three-seater, with room for luggage behind the driver’s seat. It’s remarkable considering the iQ is less than three metres long.

We had a blast driving the Toyota iQ right through the centre of London, and it’s ability didn’t disappear when we headed out into the countryside and even onto the motorway. The tyres are extremely narrow, but they grip well thanks in large part to the light weight of the car. If you do break their adhesion the ESP system is quick to activate and stabilise the car. The suspension itself is quite soft, so the car does pitch and dive more than competitors when you accelerate and brake. Body roll in corners isn’t too bad though, and the turning circle is incredible.

We tested the three-cylinder, 1-litre petrol. It boasts plenty of character, thanks to the off-beat noise it makes when you put your foot down. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 14.7 seconds, which sounds very slow, but our experience of the iQ is that it actually feels quite nippy – partly because its acceleration is good at town driving speed, and partly because of its small size. A motorway cruise is more relaxing than you might expect, but the engine noise never dies away completely. A new 1.33-litre petrol engine fitted with stop and start fuel saving technology was launched in July 2009.

After paying the relatively high purchase price, the Toyota iQ should be an extremely cheap and green car to run. The 1-litre engine is very economical; Toyota claiming it should achieve 64.2mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 99g/km, making it road tax exempt. We’d avoid the multitronic automatic gearbox because it drops fuel consumption to 60.1mpg and brings emissions up to 110g/km – a tax band higher.

Toyota has made a selling point out of the excellent reliability of its cars. The iQ feels similarly well built, and should prove mechanically robust. There are few reports of problems with the mass-produced 1-litre engine.

Because of its tiny size, the iQ has been fitted with the world’s first rear window curtain airbag. It is also kitted out with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control, stability control and eight more airbags. The iQ achieved an incredible five-star score in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests with 91 per cent adult occupant safety, a higher score than the big Toyota Avensis.

The standard Toyota iQ is fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, remote central locking, auto-dimming rear mirror, leather steering wheel, six-speaker CD, Radio, auxiliary input for MP3 player connection, steering wheel audio controls, electric windows and tinted glass. The iQ2 adds a high gloss finish to the alloy wheels, climate control, folding door mirrors, smart entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, automatic Bi-halogen headlamps and chrome rear light cluster trim. Range topping iQ3 completes the package with a host of additional interior storage bins, as well as the larger 1.33-litre engine. Leather seats and satellite navigation are further cost options.

If you want a really small car which can cut a dash in the city, the Toyota iQ is the best car on offer. We found its style, drive and economy amazing for a car less than three metres long.