Concept car IQ revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show

Technical innovation is matched by radical design in the revolutionary compact concept car from Toyota. From the swooping manta ray-inspired instrument console, to the pearlescent white and purple flecked exterior the iQ represents a major shift in small car design.

The iQ embodies the twin guiding principles of the Toyota Vibrant Clarity design philosophy: absolute focus on function and complete commitment to style. Ultra efficient use of space and light make it feel as "wide as the sky" inside, while an innovative approach to responsible urban transport promises a step change towards a sustainable future.

The radically compact exterior is under 3 metres long, which is nearly 0.5m less than AYGO and 0.75m less than Yaris. The clever placing of the 17 inch wheels at the extreme corners of the car means the iQ maintains a safe and stable road position, optimises handing and maximises the internal seating area.

Uniquely versatile interior seating means that the basic 2-person layout can swiftly convert to either a 4-adult or a 3-adult-with-luggage space. The panoramic sunroof lets light in all round to enhance the iQ's sense of interior spaciousness. Miniaturised technology further enhances the interior space with the instrument pod, the 3-in-1 3D instrument dials mounted above the steering column, and a GPS route finder which projects onto the windscreen.

The concept car iQ is designed to convey confidence and vibrancy in every aspect, giving it urban high fashion status. The exterior is simple, but the generous width of the vehicle gives a stable, robust stance. Viewed in profile, the ultra-short overhangs and cab-forward silhouette create a dynamic look, while ensuring maximum usable space is gained in the cabin.

The structures around the 17-inch tyres form part of the minimal overhangs, adding to the sense of strength and agility. Inside, the instrument panel has a simple geometric form that contributes to the overall open feel of the interior, while the centre console flows in a manta ray-shape, complete with chrome finished ‘tail’ - around the instruments to create a vivid central feature, a freeform shape that is echoed in the soft-touch door trims.

Overall, the iQ has an ‘on-the-edge’ style, expressed in elements such as the purple shimmer in its pearlescent white paint finish, mock snakeskin steering wheel trim and purple accents in the seats, door trims and dashboard.

 
The iQ is the world’s smallest four-seat passenger concept car. At 2,980mm long, it is 425mm shorter than AYGO, but comparable to Yaris in width and height (1,680 x 1,480mm). It has seating for three adults plus a child, with the option of using the fourth seat for luggage space. In regular use, driver and passenger sit side by side, but by sliding the passenger seat further forwards makes room for an extra adult and child in the rear.

Intelligent space-saving design and miniaturised technology help free up interior space, for example the ultra compact heating unit that takes up less room in the centre console. A single central dial displays the interior temperature and ventilation controls, directly in the driver’s eyeline, with a 3D 3 in 1 speed, rpm and fuel level read-out mounted above the steering column. Audio and navigation controls are integrated into the steering wheel, with the route-finding information projected in a "head-up" display. The panoramic glass sunroof adds to the light and open feel of the cabin, while at night the interior has a darker, more mysterious ambience, adding to the iQ’s high fashion quality.

The small size has required no compromise in safety standards, with a strong passenger compartment safety cell that ensures optimum impact energy absorption. In presenting the iQ, Toyota reveals an intelligent new design and technology package, a radical solution to the challenge of personal urban transport.