Toyota IQ (09 on) - Review

Review by Matthew Proud on
Last Updated: 21 February 2011
Toyota’s stylish iQ is a low-cost, high-quality city car with a difference: it’s the smallest four seater in the UK. But despite being less than three metres long, it’s brimming with space-saving tricks and the cabin is deceptively roomy – particularly for front passengers. This is a real alternative to the Fiat 500 and Ford Ka, matching both for quirky looks and compactness, and offers Smart Fortwo buyers something more versatile to consider. Most will find the rear a bit cramped and the iQ’s peculiar seating arrangement renders the seat behind the driver unusable for all but the smallest of kids. This makes the Toyota best suited to couples or used as the runabout in two-car households.
4.5 out of 5

Safety

The iQ was one of the first models to undergo Euro NCAPs more stringent crash tests in 2009. The new overall rating covers not only adult occupant safety but includes child and pedestrian safety along with a rear impact whiplash test. The Toyota scored the maximum five stars which is very impressive for such a small car. It's stuffed with no less than nine airbags as standard, including the world’s first rear window curtain airbag which protects back-seat passengers. There’s also Isofix child points in the rear, a seatbelt reminder system and ABS with brake assist and traction control. On the security front, a perimeter alarm, Thatcham immobiliser and deadlocks should do enough to deter thieves.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

Reliability shouldn't be a problem: this is a Toyota after all. The iQ doesn't skimp on interior quality and should wear well. Both tried and trusted engines are borrowed from Toyota's popular Aygo and Yaris models.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.