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Toyota has
given the production design of the new iQ its world premiere at
the Geneva motor show. First presented as the Concept Car iQ at
the Frankfurt motor show last year, the new model will go into
production late in 2008 with UK sales scheduled to start in
spring 2009.
The new iQ is
a sophisticated car, delivering a refined mode of urban
transport. Thanks to ingenious and revolutionary packaging, it
measures less than three metres long, but has a flexible
interior that allows up to three adults, plus a child or
luggage, to travel in comfort.
The name iQ
represents what the car embodies: “i” stands for individuality,
innovation and intelligence and “Q” for quality.
DESIGN
iQ is designed for buyers who want more than just urban
mobility, but who are also looking for space, refinement and a
vehicle that is kinder to the environment.
Its
revolutionary packaging is achieved through six space-saving,
interlinked engineering innovations that represent a
break-through in Toyota’s vehicle development.
“The iQ story
started a few years ago when we at Toyota began thinking about
the environmental impact of automobiles,” explained Kazuo
Okamato, Executive Vice President in charge of Research and
Development at Toyota Motor Corporation.
“We concluded
that, in order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a need
for a radical change in vehicle packaging. We needed to create a
breakthrough, away from the traditional belief that small is
basic. Our answer is the Toyota iQ.”
Robust and refined for the urban environment
iQ has a self-assured “super stance” with the four wheels
positioned at the extremity of each corner, with robustness
further enhanced by tough-looking bumpers and five-spoke,
16-inch alloy wheels that fill the bold wheel arches.
The exterior
styling blends dynamism and stability: prominent crease lines
define the high belt line, while the V-line of the A-pillar
creates tension across the wheel arches. Smooth lines flow from
the front bumpers, curve smoothly up through the front pillars
to meet the roof and sweep back down towards the rear hatch
where they are replaced by edgier, well-defined lines. The rear
is defined by strong vertical lines, with bold lamp lenses cut
into three segments by horizontal lines.
At the front,
smoked headlamp units are set deep into the bonnet and wings.
Refined appeal is further reflected in the door mirrors with
integrated turn indicators.
Techno-organic Interior Styling
Toyota has created a “techno-organic” design for the interior,
which fuses geometric precision with inner beauty. This is
demonstrated in the floating “V” centre console that dominates
the asymmetrical dashboard and the matt silver door handles,
which have a flowing, manta ray shape.
The steering wheel has a flat bottom to give the driver greater
legroom and audio controls are positioned on the wheel to save
space on the centre console and make operation easier for the
driver.
The
ultra-slim seatbacks are formed in a one-piece moulding that
enhances iQ’s edgy feel, while also helping free up additional
passenger space. A storage tray is concealed below the rear
seat, another feature that does not sacrifice cabin space. For
extra luggage room, the 50:50 split rear seats can be folded
flat.
TECHNOLOGY
Creating more passenger space in such a compact vehicle was a
key challenge for the Toyota design team. iQ’s interior is
surprisingly spacious, made possible by six interlinked
engineering innovations.
Achieving
this milestone in vehicle development required a drastic change
of mindset. The engineers have to reconsider the location of
various components, rather than simply redesigning parts to a
smaller size.
The result is
a breakthrough in “small yet spacious” packaging, which at the
same time has been designed to meet Euro NCAP’s top five-star
safety rating.
iQ is 2,985mm
long and 1,500mm high. Its compact ingenuity lies in its
comparatively long, 2,000mm wheelbase.
New
differential saves engine compartment space
A newly developed differential allows iQ to have a more compact
engine compartment and front wheels placed at the very corners
of the car, with very short overhangs. This yields more than
100mm extra cabin length, compared to Yaris.
Flat
Under-floor Fuel Tank and Rear-angled Shock Absorbers
Designing a flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed shorter rear
overhangs to be developed, helping reduce the car’s overall
length.
A flat fuel
tank has traditionally been considered difficult to engineer,
because of the variance in fuel surface levels depending on the
angle of the vehicle. Persistent engineering efforts to downsize
and find the best position for functional parts have enabled
such a tank to be developed, delivering significant space
savings.
Smaller heater/air conditioning unit
Toyota engineers have significantly reduced the size of the
heater/air conditioning unit, without sacrificing performance.
As a result,
the front passenger area can be moved forwards towards the base
of the windscreen, freeing up additional cabin space.
Asymmetric Dashboard and Sliding Seat Configuration
iQ’s innovative asymmetric dashboard is designed to open up the
passenger area. Its pushed-forward, step-like structure gives
sufficient space for the front passenger when the seat is in its
most forward position, while comfortably accommodating an adult
in the rear seat.
Combined with
a shoulder-to-shoulder distance between driver and passenger
that is similar to a C-segment model, the unique 3+1 seating
configuration creates enough room for three adults, plus either
a child or luggage carried behind the driver.
Centre Take-off Steering Gear
Toyota has given iQ a centre take-off steering gear, positioned
higher in the engine bay. The gear, engine and differential
could then be repositioned, giving the car a shorter front
overhang.
Slim
Seat Design
The slim seatbacks release a further 40mm of rear passenger room
at knee height. With an all new frame structure and optimal
adjustment of ancillary parts, the designs save space without
sacrificing comfort.
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
New iQ, together with the new Urban Cruiser, plays a key role in
Toyota’s drive to reduce emissions. Both vehicles are essential
to meeting the challenge of the Japanese Automobile
Manufacturers Association’s (JAMA) 140g/km voluntary commitment
by 2009.
iQ will be
offered with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel.
These, together with the compact design, low weight and
aerodynamic shape of iQ, will contribute to outstanding fuel
economy and exceptionally low CO2 emissions, which
are anticipated to start at around 100g/km.
Production
will commence during late 2008, with 100,000 units expected
worldwide in the first full year. |
