High-Tech


Toyota iQ: the Japanese Smart Fortwo

After the buzz of the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show, as well as the 2008 Geneva International Motor Show, the Japanese giant is, finally, preparing the launch of its ultra-compact city car: the Toyota iQ. Standards have been set high: less than 3 metres in length, a seating capacity for three adults and one child, without compromising on security. Launch scheduled for January 2009.  Smart can expect some serious competition....


 


Strengthen your iQ!

No need to perform a series of tests to improve your IQ! Nowadays, your intelligence is measured with reference to the size of your interior! 3+1 seats within just2,985 metres in length, is now the new standard to measure your IQ (pronounce "aïe Kiou"). To meet such a goal, it is an understatement to say that the first automobile manufacturer in the world had to rack its brains. Outcome: with fuel stored in a flat tank under the floor - in order to free some space by reducing the rear overhang, small thickness backs, more compact heating/air conditioning system, steering case located higher in the engine compartments, etc... The iQ Toyota succeeded in meeting this challenge, which should please all fans of urban mobility, while meeting, we hope, all future challenges.


Sustainable mobility?

With less than 5 billion Euros invested each year for Research and Development, we can't expect the Japanese company to continue its development work here on sustainable mobility. In fact, with a CO2 exhaust rate of less than 100 g per km, as announced, the iQ is committed to safeguarding the environment, along the lines of its predecessors. Concerning safety, its outstanding performance should be noted. As proof, Toyota did not hesitate to announce it had attained the maximum five-star rating for the EuroNCAP crash test.
As a result, even if the well-constructed and rather richly furnished look of this urban car of modern times still leaves us rather puzzled, its technical performances aimed at facilitating  mobility in urban areas, greatly make up for its massive ergonomics. It has been understood, that iQ is reallythe small city car on the path to success. To be continued...


Octobre 2008