2009 TOYOTA IQ

The Toyota iQ was a transverse engined, front-wheel-drive city car manufactured by Toyota and marketed in a single generation for Japan (2008–2016), Europe (2008–2015), and North America (2012–2015) where it was marketed as the Scion iQ.[2][3] A rebadged variant was marketed in Europe as the Aston Martin Cygnet (2009–2013).

Designed at the Toyota European Design and Development studio in Nice, France, the iQ is noted for its specialized engineering to maximize passenger space, while minimizing exterior length. The design accommodates three passengers—and provisionally a fourth, under very tight conditions.

Following a concept presention at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show,[4] the production iQ debuted at the March 2008 Geneva Auto Show. Japanese sales began in November 2008 and European sales in January 2009.[5]

In 2008, the iQ was named the Japanese Car of the Year. The name iQ, an initialism of the term intelligence quotient, recalls a competitor, the Smart Fortwo. The letters "iQ" also stand for "individuality", "innovation", "quality", a hint at its "cubic form" and also a "cue" for owners to embrace new types of vehicles and lifestyles.

The iQ reached the end of production in December 2015, and it was discontinued in Japan in March 2016.

The IQ design emphasizes low fuel consumption, maneuverability, environmental friendliness, and maximized interior space. Six specific design factors contribute to IQ's minimal overhangs, forward windscreen location, maximized cabin space and overall compactness:

A newly developed differential mounted further forward than usual
A centre take-off steering gear
A flat fuel tank positioned underneath the cabin floor
Rear-angled shock absorbers to encroach less on rear passenger space
A smaller heater/air conditioning unit mounted centrally behind the asymmetric dashboard
A slimmer seat design.
The iQ features a transmissions differential housing located ahead of, rather than behind, the engine; a starter motor incorporated in the engine's flywheel, a high-mounted steering rack and a compact, high-located air conditioning unit behind the dashboard central area. The arrangement allows the front passenger to sit forward of the driver, giving increased rear passenger legroom. A shallow under-floor fuel tank reduces rear overhang.[6]

Because of its overall width and engine displacement, the iQ is classified in its home market as a supermini, though its length complies with kei car dimensional regulations.

Production of the Scion iQ EV (Toyota eQ in Japan) was to be limited to 100 units for special fleet use in Japan and carsharing demonstration projects in the U.S.[7][8]Deliveries of the all-electric version with a range of 80 km (50 mi) began in the U.S. in March 2013.