Toyota IQ (09 on) - Review

The 67bhp 1.0-litre engine may not cut the mustard on the motorway for long spells, but it’s nippy away from the traffic lights and darts well through busy built-up areas. It takes just under 15 seconds to reach 62mph – which is fairly slow – though few drivers will need to sprint from a standstill to the limit very often because it’s a city car through-and-through. In July 2009 a 1.33-litre petrol was introduced which produces 98bhp and returns 59mpg. It's noticeably nippier too with a 0-62mph time of 11.8 seconds. The five-speed manual gearbox is a little notchy and it can be awkward to select the correct gear in a hurry. Those prepared to pay extra for the greater convenience should go for automatic Multidrive transmission, costing a pricey £1,000 more.

At less than three metres long, the iQ really sparkles in the city and the main upshot of its small proportions is a low centre of gravity giving it superb agility. The small Toyota cuts through daunting town traffic with a composure usually enjoyed by bigger cars, while the suspension softens rough roads well. All four wheels are located far apart for a more sure-footed stance and the iQ boasts a turning circle tidier than the smaller Smart Fortwo – perfect for tricky manoeuvres in congested streets and car parks. It also comes with a Stop & Start system which saves fuel by automatically cutting the engine in traffic and then instantly restarting it when moving off.