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]

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Last September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota unveiled a tiny city car concept called the iQ. Next month in Geneva the iQ will be making a return engagement, only this time around in production form. The iQ heading to showrooms late this year retains most of the styling character of the concept, as well as its innovative 3+1 seating layout. Pulling the front passenger seat forward a little supposedly provides ample room for an adult in the rear seat. Enough space is left over for a child seat to also be added in the back. Toyota hasn't yet revealed details of the production drivetrain, but a 1.0L gas engine with start-stop capability is likely. Production is scheduled to launch later in 2008.

[Source: Toyota]