Toyota

iQ

The fabulous iQ has just three seats and three doors and the outcome is… it can be parked end-on in any traditional parking space. Great economy and performance figures are another bonus for motorists.

The good

Economical and so easy to park

The bad

So small it can fit in a shoebox

Tech Specs

Price from

£10,655

Combined Fuel up to

64.2mpg

0-62 from

11.6 seconds

max speed up to

106mph

co2 from

99g/km

Test Drive

Toyota iQ 2 1.0 VVT-i 3dr

It nearly fits on a postage stamp and can almost turn full circle on a sixpence, so no surprise then that the Toyota iQ has been billed as the smallest four-seater in the world.

But one thing that will surprise you is the amount of room inside the little car which measures just under three metres in length.

It’s an age-old adage that great things come in small packages and it’s certainly true with the iQ which offers a fun-to-drive, environmentally-friendly vehicle at a price that will keep you smiling. Admittedly, rear seat passengers need to be of the shorter variety but elsewhere the technology and spec levels are sure to impress with full satellite navigation, a six-speaker CD player with MP3 compatibility, air conditioning and a fuel gauge that barely moves.

In reality, this is not a car you are going to feel the safest in as you hurtle round the outside lane of the M25 on a Friday night, but if you are looking for a city car that has the ability to venture further, it could be ideal.

It is nippy, responsive and leaves other motorists green with envy by squeezing into the tightest of parking spaces.

The one-litre engine delivered plenty of power and, although acceleration was a little sluggish at times, the all-round package is one that amazes at times.

When it comes to space, the boot area is virtually non-existant until the rear seats are folded flat and then it is fine, but elsewhere there is a distinct lack of storage compartments. But what the iQ designers have done is to utilise every possible space-saving option to maximise the room.

This includes fitting very slim seat backs and an ultra-slight fuel tank under the car instead of under the rear seats.

The list of safety specifications is excellent and was engineered to meet the Euro NCAP five-star standard.

As an example, there are anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, brake assist, and nine airbags including the world’s first rear window airbag.

The iQ is clearly a car that has been designed with many vital factors in mind. The environment, economy and lower emissions are just a few of the areas addressed.