Toyota iQ 1.0 VVT-i iQ?
Test Drive

Toyota iQ 1.0 VVT-i iQ?

When testing the new Toyota Supermini, two comparisons are inevitable. The first with a two-seater is 29 centimeters shorter and 12 centimeters narrower than the Smart ForTwo, and the second with the legendary Mini is about three meters long.

The latter allowed people to move in the past millennium, and the masterpiece of the Greek Alec Issigonis still excites the imagination of many engineers, who have an incredible idea of ​​a three-meter toddler with room for four passengers in their heads. Even the iQ exists for people who drive, and for € 13.450, which is the price of a basic iQ, there are a lot of roomier rivals to choose from. Especially if we consider the market for little-used copies.

However, iQ is here for a different purpose: in the world, environmental awareness is evolving day by day in marketing or in the minds of people, and the Toyota supermodel is the modern Mini in this environment, the answer to the changed urban biotope: iQ can drive a car. four (well, actually three average heights), the car is less than three meters long (that is, it does not spread over a regular parking space), and in addition, its three-cylinder liter emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Dear Sirs, if you want to show concern for the environment and cannot indulge in the smell of public transport, think again about the advisability of buying a hybrid. Wouldn't you rather have iQ?

Toyota iQ, in principle, is not the first car of a large series, created specifically to work in crowded urban centers with its small appearance. That honor, for example, goes to ForTwo, whose idea is less-more of an iQ imitation, but goes its own way.

If the iQ was sold at Daimler, it would probably be called ForThree. The story of a very cute little Toyota with a cool rear end and wheels shifted in all four corners is well known, but we can repeat it in a nutshell: the engineers put a differential in front of the engine and put the unit almost in the middle. ...

In addition, they flattened the 32-liter fuel tank and installed it on the underside of the car under the seats, raised the steering system, reduced air conditioning by 20 percent and installed an asymmetric dashboard in the iQ.

The result of all these and many other solutions is a short but spacious body for three average grown adults. The IQ is a big novelty this year from the technical perspective, and in this age where cars are technically very similar, it's a real renaissance in terms of a more innovative approach to design.

Enough theory to highlight practice. The shape is pretty and nice to see in the photos. Also, due to the lower fuel tank, the iQ's first two seats are high, so with fairly low roof arches, it's not uncommon for someone to push the edge of the roof twice with their head in our test.

The IQ is also not designed for tall riders, as the longitudinal offset of the driver's seat is too short and there is no height offset. Installing the steering wheel takes some practice as it only adjusts for height, but once the driver is in place, he finds he sits better than, say, in the Yaris.

However, the front seats have another disadvantage: when moving forward, in order to facilitate somewhat gymnastic access to the second bench seat, they do not remember their position. The driver is comforted by the fact that the iQ is designed for only three passengers of average height and one still very young child, who has a place behind the driver.

If you drive in iQ primarily adults, then the third will always have to go to the right. It is adapted for two adults with an asymmetrical dashboard. There is no classic drawer in front of the passenger, but a much narrower cloth drawer, suitable only for storing paper, a mobile phone and sunglasses.

This box, which can be jokingly called a "box for yourself" because it is easy to remove, allows the front passenger to move forward without excessive knee room, thereby making room for the rear seat. He shouldn't be too tall because his head will fall on the edge of the roof.

An adult or even a younger student cannot sit behind the middle driver on the left. Too little room for feet and knees. ... The rear seat can accommodate an inner leg between the front seats, where there is a dedicated carpeted space: the parking brake lever is therefore located to the right of the gear lever.

The iQ's interior is spacious and wide. The dashboard is plastic (pay attention to the sensitivity of materials to scratches!), But it is definitely made and painted in several colors, and the design is very interesting, but also impractical.

There are three buttons for automatic air conditioning and a rotary knob on the center console (then select the program: fan power, temperature or blowing direction, and then change it with the rotating part: where it blows, what temperature should be.), And from the radio only above the CD slot.

The only two buttons for the audio system, which also has an AUX interface, are on the steering wheel, and as a result, useless sound remains only in the driver's domain. Since you do not have the classic way of controlling stations in your memory, you will have to pick up the instruction booklet before using the audio and explain to the navigator that only you fulfill your musical desires.

The tachometer could be larger and better storage space is desirable, since the drawers are more or less drawers in the side doors. Trip computer parameters are displayed on the screen next to the steering wheel (left) with information about the clock, the selected radio station and the outside temperature. Range data is not available, but it may be better if the iQ does not have it, as the digital fuel gauge is very inaccurate.

We were also impressed by the remote installation of the control button on the trip computer in one direction. The trunk is the worst part of the iQ. But 32 liters would be more correct to say "box". If you're going to the sea as a threesome with the iQ, opt for a nude beach, as you're unlikely to fit more than two bags in your trunk (ladies, don't go overboard with the amount of make-up).

However, the trunk has a double bottom, with the backs of the rear seats reclined (in this case, the iQ is a double - by the way, it can also be bought as a double in the base). unfold the lid and pin it to your thighs to hide the contents from prying eyes.

We almost forgot about the hidden storage box under the bench seat. An interesting but impractical solution is just one internal rotating lamp for the entire car at the front. Toyota says it's a reader, the rear passenger and trunk cosmetics nod in the dark.

The high price of the iQ is partly justified by its very good equipment, since the basic equipment already has (switchable) stabilization electronics, three air curtains, six airbags (!), All five possible Euro NCAP crash test stars, air conditioning and electric window displacement. , and when choosing richer equipment, also a key card, electrically adjustable and folding rear-view mirrors ...

However, you can take the iQ's high price as a test of how much you value automotive innovation. The great thing about the iQ is its agility, as evidenced by its turning radius of just 7 meters. Its short length makes it easy to park and change lanes easily, where the side view suffers a little from the front passenger (if two are seated on the right) and small other side mirrors.

The iQ is currently sold with either a 50kW liter petrol or 16kW turbodiesel. Toyota showed the least amount of engine innovation, as the engines are known from other Japanese (and French: Citroën C1 and Peugeot 107 - 1.0) babes. The liter three-cylinder engine surprises with its relatively quiet running and barely perceptible vibrations, but does not please with its maneuverability and acceleration.

The five-speed manual transmission is long, and when overtaking, you need to downshift two gears. The engine loves to spin, as evidenced by a sportier sound above 4.000 rpm. IQ performs surprisingly well on the road. Due to the short wheelbase and classic chassis design, ripple on the highway is not surprising, as is not quite acceptable shaking on poorer terrain. Everything is within normal and realistic expectations, maybe a few shades better.

We would like to point out the soundproofing of the front. Why not the last one? The last passenger complained about too loud exhaust and the sound of a water curtain under the wheels (rain), which did not allow him to follow the conversation of the front two at a speed of 130 km / h on the highway.

While near-top speeds don't give it any problems, the iQ does best in a city where we were surprised by the increased fuel consumption. Between the streets, he needed nothing but a modest 8 liters of fuel, but at other measured consumptions from 2 to 5 liters, it turned out to be more economical as well.

Face to face. ...

Alyosha Mrak: If we close one eye, we will not see a price that is too high. If we close the second one, we will not notice that Ljubljana is (yet) not so crowded that a miniature iQ would really be necessary. Or Smart Fortwo, even for the bigger triplets, Citroën C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo, I'm not sure.

But look more globally: traffic congestion is increasing, parking spaces are decreasing, and environmental payments will become increasingly painful for motorists' wallets. This is why the iQ seems to be the right vehicle for today's Paris, London or Milan and future Ljubljana or Maribor. Why? Because it is handsome, playfully maneuverable, because it fits perfectly and easily carries three adult passengers, and ... it is also well made and pleasant to drive. Among the little ones, he is definitely my favorite, I just would like to try out the 1-liter 33 "horse" version as soon as possible!

Vinko Kernc: It can be small, but it must have an engine, gearbox, drive, steering wheel, front and rear axles, bodywork, safety equipment, dashboard. ... In fact, he "lacks" only a real trunk for a real back bench and about 30 centimeters in body length. Hence the relatively high price tag. Therefore, it has a small turning radius and short length. And overall surprising: buying Aikju gives you a lot more car than you think.

Matevž Koroshec: This city fool, I'm sorry, the brainwashing is super cute. Okay, I agree, there really isn't room for more than two of them, and there's no mistaking that there are only two buttons available to control the radio, and those two are on the steering wheel, unfortunately, but it drives great. Even when the arrow on the speedometer boldly crosses the number 100, which cannot be said about Smart.

Mitya Reven, photo: Ales Pavletić

Toyota iQ 1.0 VVT-i iQ?

Basic data

Sales: Toyota Adria Ltd.
Base model price: 13.450 €
Test model cost: 15.040 €
Power:50kW (68


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 14,7 with
Maximum speed: 150 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 4,3l / 100km
Guarantee: General warranty 3 years or 100.000, varnish warranty 2 years, rust warranty 12 years.
Systematic review 15.000 km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: 1.617 €
Fuel: 6.754 €
Tires (1) 780 €
Compulsory insurance: 1.725 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +2.550


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 21.238 0,21 (km cost: XNUMX)


€)

Technical information

engine: 3-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline - transversely mounted in front - bore and stroke 71 × 83,9 mm - displacement 998 cm? – compression 10,5:1 – maximum power 50 kW (68 hp) at 6.000 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 16,8 m/s – specific power 50,1 kW/l (68,1 hp / l) - maximum torque 91 Nm at 4.800 hp. min - 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt) - 4 valves per cylinder.
Energy transfer: engine-driven front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 5,538 1,913; II. 1,310 hours; III. 1,029 hours; IV. 0,875 hours; v. 3,736; – differential 5,5 – rims 15J × 175 – tires 65/15 R 1,84 S, rolling circumference XNUMX m.
Capacity: top speed 150 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 14,7 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,9 / 3,9 / 4,3 l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension: limousine - 3 doors, 4 seats - self-supporting body - front individual suspension, suspension struts, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear torsion bar, springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, mechanical rear brake wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,9 turns between extreme points.
Mass: Empty vehicle 885 kg - Permissible gross vehicle weight 1.210 kg - Permissible trailer weight with brake: not available, without brake: not available - Permissible roof load: n/a.
External dimensions: vehicle width 1.680 mm, front track 1.480 mm, rear track 1.460 mm, ground clearance 7,8 m.
Inner dimensions: front width 1.510 mm, rear 1.270 mm - front seat length 510 mm, rear seat 400 mm - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 32 l.
Box: Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 4 pieces: 1 backpack (20 L).

Our measurements

T = 18 ° C / p = 1.194 mbar / rel. vl. = 41% / Tires: Bridgestone Ecopia EP25 175/65 / R 15 S / Mileage status: 2.504 km
Acceleration 0-100km:15,4s
402m from the city: 19,9 years (


113 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 19,7 (IV.) S
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 23,3 (W) p
Maximum speed: 150km / h


(III., IV., V.)
Minimum consumption: 5,6l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 8,1l / 100km
test consumption: 6,7 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 75,8m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 44,5m
AM table: 44m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear56dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear55dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear55dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear61dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear60dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear68dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear67dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear66dB
Idling noise: 40dB
Test errors: unmistakable

Overall rating (270/420)

  • The trio has too low a rating for the city's iQ show. It deserves at least four for agility, roominess (three meters long for three medium-sized passengers) and engineering (including manufacturing).

  • Exterior (13/15)

    A unique example of design and craftsmanship that you would expect from a luxury class.

  • Interior (69/140)

    To work with the radio, you must read the operating instructions. There is almost no trunk, the materials inside are fragile, but very well assembled.

  • Engine, transmission (51


    / 40)

    Custom drive for walking around the city.

  • Driving performance (53


    / 95)

    Don't be afraid of the road, as the car is stable like a cat on all fours, you only need to rent a short crotch.

  • Performance (16/35)

    Extremely low maneuverability from 80 to 120 km / h and sleepy acceleration, but since this is urban precipitation, you can ignore the importance of seconds.

  • Security (37/45)

    Among toddlers, the iQ is a great role model, but unfortunately, he also dared in front of cars over a meter long.

  • Economy

    High selling price and not quite favorable fuel consumption.

We praise and reproach

innovation

the shape of the exterior and interior

workmanship

capacity by size

three "adult seats"

maneuverability (very small turning radius)

rich basic and protective equipment

fuel consumption with moderate driving

high price

fuel consumption during acceleration

audio control

installation of the on-board computer button

barrel size

multiple storage spaces

sensitive interior (scratches)

unfriendly to tall drivers (high seating and

insufficient longitudinal seat movement)

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