Toyota announces pricing and specs for iQ minicar

By Jeremy Weber

4 10,928 views Oct 11, 2008

54812 a toy 2

The bigger, more powerful gasoline engine would add some spunk to the tiny hatch

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In the UK, the iQ will be available from £9,495 (approximately $16,140) for the entry-level 1.0L five-speed manual model. A more expensive iQ2 with more features is available at a starting price of £10,495 for the manual. Adding an optional CVT will cost £1,000 for both.

The iQ has not been confirmed for sale in the U.S. but a recent report indicates that it could make an appearance at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show wearing a Scion badge. If sold in the U.S., its pricing would likely start below the current $12,205 price tag for the entry-level Yaris three door hatch.

The car measures less than three metres in length, yet it can comfortably seat three adults plus one small child, and officials are confident it will score a five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests.

Standard features for the iQ include 15in alloys, heated and electrically adjustable side mirrors, air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo, power windows, leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob and tinted rear glass.

Upgrading to iQ2 brings a high-gloss finish for the alloys, fog lights, smoked headlights, climate control air-conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers, and an engine starter button.

Optional extras include chrome side sills, aluminum scuff plates, a rear roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, full leather trim and satellite navigation. Despite its diminutive size and econo-car pricing, the iQ still comes with a bevy of safety features including ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), traction control, and 360-degree protection from an array of nine airbags.