Toyota's entry in the growing micro-car segment, the iQ, has been caught testing on the road for the first time. The diminutive iQ was first shown as a concept at last fall's Frankfurt Motor Show and then in production form at Geneva this year.
The iQ utilizes a 3+1 seating arrangement where the passenger side of the dash board does not extend back as far as the driver side. This allows the passenger seat to sit further forward than the drive leaving room for an "adult to sit behind. The +1 seat behind the driver is strictly for the smaller of stature.

The prototype doesn't appear to have changed from the production model shown at Geneva and even with the extra seating capacity it doesn't look much larger than the Smart ForTwo. Toyota has not given any indication yet about whether they will offer the iQ to U.S. consumers although if gas prices keep rising, this could be a good alternative to the Smart.


[Source: Winding Road]

click the Toyota iQ for high res gallery

We got to see Toyota's iQ in production form at the last Geneva Motor Show, and so far, we like what we see. We're still waiting for specific details regarding what will power the "small yet premium " 3+1 and whether or not it'll make it over to the states. Already, though, we are hearing that there could be a larger version of the vehicle built on the same platform. Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose? Maybe, but it could also help Toyota to defray the cost of the vehicle, which shares no major components with other Toyota models. The larger model could allow Toyota to compete with both the smart fortwo and the Mini, not to mention VW's upcoming up!.

In other iQ news, Toyota is reportedly not planning on adding a hybrid option to the iQ, instead relying on a choice of two gas and one diesel-powered engine options. The reasoning behind not offering a hybrid relates again to the size of the vehicle. There's just no room to store a battery. Plus, the battery would add too much weight to the little car. Stop/start, though, is expected to make an appearance here.

[Source: Autocar]

When it comes time to buy that new car, there is an ever-growing list of choices. Many new vehicles use alternative fuels or feature hybrid drivetrains if you're the type who likes to be sure you're making the greenest choice possible. Then again, you might not be able to pony up for that brand-new car just yet. Or, maybe you're waiting for the next generation of alternative cars, perhaps even one that uses no gasoline at all. That's OK, just make sure that you keep your current vehicle in the best shape that you can, because as you know, by keeping your car in good shape you are helping to get the best fuel mileage that you can from it. But, after you change the fluids, what should you do with them? If you're not sure, you can take this quiz over at Popular Mechanics. The test is part of the series of articles that they run featuring "Jay Leno's Green Garage". Most of the questions have answers that are sorta obvious, but you might learn something. Remember, if you're not sure what to do with something, the best thing to do is ask.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

No, it's not up! Say hello to iQ, Toyota's new minicar concept. Autoblog has pictures of the car at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Toyota won't say if it's gas or electric but it is small. Well, "small yet spacious" is what Toyota is going for here. To save space, they have a removable seat, lots of controls are on the steering wheel, etc. Toyota plans to release a small car in 2009 and it may look just like the iQ.

[Source: Motor Authority]