Toyota’s new 2010 IQ minicar (May be sold in the U.S.)
#33
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Compact cars are about to get a lot safer thanks to the development of a new rear-impact airbag, which will debut in the final production of the Toyota iQ minicar. The iQ is designed to seat four people and measures less than three meters in length and should be on sale in Europe and Japan by 2009, with the U.S. expected to follow soon after.
During a recent interview with News.com.au, the iQ’s chief designers Hiroki Nakajima revealed that the car features a new rear-impact airbag. “It is for rear-seat people. But there are some issues with certification. It is still secret,” Nakajima explained.
The iQ features a unique 3+1 seating arrangement, meaning it can hold a maximum of 3 adults and 1 child. Rear seat passengers sit just 30cm from the rear window, thus the need for improved protection up back.
Nakajima says the rear-airbag system helps to ensure the iQ will have a five-star NCAP safety rating.
During a recent interview with News.com.au, the iQ’s chief designers Hiroki Nakajima revealed that the car features a new rear-impact airbag. “It is for rear-seat people. But there are some issues with certification. It is still secret,” Nakajima explained.
The iQ features a unique 3+1 seating arrangement, meaning it can hold a maximum of 3 adults and 1 child. Rear seat passengers sit just 30cm from the rear window, thus the need for improved protection up back.
Nakajima says the rear-airbag system helps to ensure the iQ will have a five-star NCAP safety rating.
#34
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Very interesting idea, and I'm surprised other automakers haven't though of this before. Must be tough to implement. I imagine it pops out from behind the rear seats or even from the rear of the front seats in order to cushion any impact during a rear-end collision.
#38
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sweet, this is a great city car heheh me want
All it needs to be is: bio-diesel-hybrid
and a decent sound-system. Plus a 5-star crash rating and I'll totally buy one.
All it needs to be is: bio-diesel-hybrid
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The reason why is because most cars don't need rear airbags, this tiny IQ car does.
#41
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Wow, unless that girl is a giant this car looks even smaller than I had imagined. Heck, my moped almost looks at big
I don't know how you can fit 3 people in that car. Looks like it should be a single seat car. I'm a small guy and there is no what I'd drive a car that small. Looks like even a regular old Toyota Tacoma could drive right over you.
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#44
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Production-ready Toyota iQ minicar
Posted on Tuesday 4 March 2008
Toyota has released official details for its iQ minicar, which is on display this week at the Geneva Motor Show in full production trim. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new iQ minicar will go into production towards the end of the year and will arrive in European and Japanese showrooms early next year. In the first full year of production, Toyota expects to reach 100,000 units globally.
The car measures less than three metres in length, yet it can comfortably seat three adults plus one small child, and officials are confident the pint-sized car will score a five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests.
This will be Toyota’s new entry-level model, positioned below the Yaris, but it will still come with 16in alloy wheels, door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, air conditioning and an optional 5.8in colour touch screen satellite navigation display.
Buyers of the iQ will have the choice of one of two petrol or one diesel engine. These engines - along with the compact design, low weight, and aerodynamic shape of the iQ - will contribute to a fuel economy rating less than that of the Prius and CO2 emissions around the 100g/km mark.
Posted on Tuesday 4 March 2008
Toyota has released official details for its iQ minicar, which is on display this week at the Geneva Motor Show in full production trim. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new iQ minicar will go into production towards the end of the year and will arrive in European and Japanese showrooms early next year. In the first full year of production, Toyota expects to reach 100,000 units globally.
The car measures less than three metres in length, yet it can comfortably seat three adults plus one small child, and officials are confident the pint-sized car will score a five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests.
This will be Toyota’s new entry-level model, positioned below the Yaris, but it will still come with 16in alloy wheels, door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, air conditioning and an optional 5.8in colour touch screen satellite navigation display.
Buyers of the iQ will have the choice of one of two petrol or one diesel engine. These engines - along with the compact design, low weight, and aerodynamic shape of the iQ - will contribute to a fuel economy rating less than that of the Prius and CO2 emissions around the 100g/km mark.