New Cars

Car Round-Up: Toyota iQ

Here at Sell Car UK, there are some vehicles that we regularly get asked to buy or source. We thought it might be nice to take a little look at some of these popular models – and offer a few opinions for prospective car buyers.

So, without further ado, we're kicking off with the Toyota iQ.

Clever, but is it Smart?

Clearly, this is Toyota's answer to the Smart. However, at a foot longer than the Smart, it manages to accomplish something very un-Smart-like – it has four seats. Don't let that fool you though – this is no station wagon. The iQ is still 71.5cms smaller than a mini after all.

Yet, it doesn't feel like cramming into a mobile microwave. It's wider and higher than the Smart and the difference is noticeable.

Here's the first clever feature: to get a little bit more room in that tiny body the fuel tank lies flat along the floor. In fact, in classic Japanese ingenuity style, everything is designed to be slimmer, smaller, tidier and...in the case of the boot...almost non-existent.

Of course, that's always the drawback with these tiny models. But then, they're designed for little trips and city functionality – not cramming the family in for a fortnight road tour of the Hebrides.

Inner city pressures

Clearly, then, it's a car designed for modern urban living. Will it carry four adult friends on a jolly to the seaside? Probably not. A family of four, however, can easily expect to put the kids in the back, even if one is a more sizeable teenager.

For most though, the back seats will instead become the boot space, seeing as the boot itself can't hold much more than a handbag.

In terms of emissions, the iQ is safely in the “tax-free” bracket with only 90-100g/km CO2. And, although we try not to mention the recession in every post, it's incredibly economical for pottering around town – meaning you'll save in the long run.

Of course, all of this means that this isn't a vehicle for the petrolhead. For starters, it trots from 0-60 in around 14 seconds.

But, if you're looking for a city runaround with a little bit more flexibility than the Smart, but not quite the room of, say, the “Best Value Car of the Year”, the Ayogo, then we think the iQ is a very clever choice indeed. If you're looking for a quick car sale for this or any other model, get in touch!