Toyota iQ (2008 – 2014) Review
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Toyota iQ (2008 – 2014) At A Glance
Triumph of 4-seater packaging that still earned 5 NCAP stars. Most models 99g/km so VED free. Better to drive than a Smart or a Fiat 500.
Quite wide for a city car. Not cheap. CVT auto over 100g/km.
I-Cute doesn't quite ring true. Pretty, it isn't. This is a little car for the head, not the heart. A Fiat 500 is cute. A Hyundai i10 1.2 is a brilliant suburban buy. A Toyota iQ is probably the most sensible, practical city car on the planet.
In a length of less than 10 feet, it packs in five star NCAP crash safety, four adult size seats and a turning circle of just 3.9 metres.
Now ten feet is one foot longer than a Smart ForTwo, but the iQ is For Four, occasionally, when it needs to be, and two or three plus their clobber when it doesn't.
Toyota very wisely held the launch in Milan, which is infested with cars parked haphazardly anywhere the owners can squeeze them in. Unsurprisingly, a lot of these cars are Smart ForTwos that command a practical kind of urban chic. And there are growing numbers of Fiat 500s that are actually less practical and more expensive then the Pandas they are based on, but are bought on looks and looks alone.
Reviews for Toyota iQ (2008 – 2014)'s top 3 rivals
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Toyota iQ (2008 – 2014) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 VVT-i to 1.33 VVT-i automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 35–65 mpg
The Toyota IQ won't be bought on looks. It's runtish, though less abbreviated than a Smart. It looks more like a small van than a pair of doors on wheels. And it has quite big 15" wheels with deep, sensible 175/65 R15 tyres that help it to ride remarkably well.
In town, once you get used to driving a windscreen (you can't see the front), it's extraordinarily manoeuvrable, capable of more U turns than a Labour chancellor of the exchequer, where even London taxis can't make them. It rides ruts, cobbles and tramlines with aplomb.
Yet show it an open road and it makes a decent fist of things there too. It doesn't scuttle round corners, it grips, and at much higher speeds than when nasty things start to happen in a Smart. It's better than a FIAT 500, too. The rear wheels don't hop and instead stay glued to the tarmac.
Get it on the motorway and it will actually pull 107mph on the clock. It's not fussy. The gearing works out at about 22mph per 1,000rpm in 5th in the manual, while 3,000 rpm gives you 80 in the CVT auto.
It's a very smooth CVT. A delight to anyone palmed off with the sort of automated manual you get in the Aygo, Yaris, FIAT 500 and new Honda Jazz. You chunder out a few more grams of CO2 with the CVT, though, so no tax-free motoring. It's in Band B, which either works out at the promised £20 next year or goes up to £40 after yesterday's announcement. I haven't worked it out yet. £9,495 gets you into a basic IQ, and that's the same sort of money as a FIAT 500 1.2 Lounge.
You don't get the FIAT's clever Microsoft Blue & Me hands-free mobile phone and computer. Nor its solid glass sunroof. But you do get a decent list of standard kit including aircon and alloys, and the fact you don't have to fork out Vehicle Excise Duty every year. Its chain-cam 3 cylinder engine thrums out a healthy 68PS, just one down on the little FIAT, so no perceptible loss there.
But where it kicks the FIAT 500 and the Smart ForTwo into touch is by offering an excellent CVT for another £1,000. This really is a select it and forget it transmission. No jerks. No lurches. Play the idiot and floor the throttle and, of course, the car takes a while to catch up with the engine revs. But drive it sensibly and it's the ideal box about town. Also making the IQ Multidrive an ideal choice for the disabled who, in the UK, are better placed to make use of small parking spaces. And there's room for a wheelchair in the back, though no chance of an electric footway-terrorising scooter.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 VVT-i | 59–66 mpg | 13.4–14.7 s | 99–113 g/km |
| 1.0 VVT-i automatic | 59–66 mpg | 13.1–15.5 s | 99–120 g/km |
| 1.33 VVT-i | 54 mpg | 11.8 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.33 VVT-i automatic | 54 mpg | 11.6 s | 120 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Toyota iQ (2008 – 2014)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
85%
Real MPG
35–65 mpg
MPGs submitted
212
Toyota iQ (2008 – 2014) interior
- Boot space is 32–238 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2985 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2000 mm |
Having spent your £9,495 to £11,495 there is also scope to spend more. The optional dashtop satnav + Bluetooth at £950 proved a little bit slow witted in Milan's chaotic traffic system, but it's line of site on top of the dash and decently easy to programme.
Accessory packs and leather seats can add yet more to your expenditure, if you really feel inclined, so I guess, even with ‘free' metallic/mica paint until March 2009, you could spend up to £13,545 getting your IQ specced up to the level our Multidrive was.
Toyota iQ (2008 – 2014) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2985 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2000 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 845–930 kg |
| Boot Space | 32–238 L |
| Warranty | 5 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £11,100–£14,100 |
| Insurance Groups | 3–6 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–C |
| Official MPG | 54.3–65.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until May 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 VVTi 2 3dr | £12,100 | 65.7 mpg | 14.1 s |
| 1.0 VVTi 2 Multidrive 3dr | £13,100 | 65.7 mpg | 15.5 s |
| 1.0 VVTi 3dr | £11,100 | 65.7 mpg | 14.1 s |
| 1.0 VVTi Multidrive 3dr | £12,100 | 65.7 mpg | 15.5 s |
| 1.33 VVTi 3 3dr | £13,100 | 58.9 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.33 VVTi 3 Multidrive 3dr | £14,100 | 58.9 mpg | 13.1 s |
On sale until January 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 VVT-i 68 3dr | £11,100 | 64.2 mpg | 14.7 s |
| 1.0 VVT-I 68 Multidrive Auto 3dr | £12,100 | 58.9 mpg | 15.3 s |
| 2 1.0 VVT-i 68 3dr | £12,100 | 64.2 mpg | 14.7 s |
| 2 1.0 VVT-I 68 Multidrive Auto 3dr | £13,100 | 58.9 mpg | 15.3 s |
| 3 1.33 VVT-I 68 3dr | £13,100 | 54.3 mpg | 11.8 s |
| 3 1.33 VVT-i 68 Multidrive Auto 3dr | £14,100 | 54.3 mpg | 11.6 s |
Model History
September 2007
World debut of clever Smart ForTwo sized Toyota iQ concept at Frankfurt Motor Show September 2007. Flexible 3+1 interior can seat three adults plus an additional child, or four small adults. Low environmental impact. 2,985mm long x 1,680mm wide x 1,500mm high.
Minimal overhangs. Seating for three adults plus a child, with option of using the fourth seat for luggage. In regular use, driver and passenger sit side by side, but sliding the passenger seat further forwards makes room for an extra adult and child in the rear. 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 three-dimensional three-in-one 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.
iQ appeared at Geneva in March 2008 as a market-ready design, ahead of production starting towards the end of 2008. Space-saving design breakthroughs include a flat under-floor fuel tank, new differential and asymmetrical dashboard. Designed to meet five-star Euro NCAP crash test safety standard. UK sales from spring 2009
The name iQ represents what the car embodies: “i” stands for individuality, innovation and intelligence and “Q” for quality.
Steering wheel has a flat bottom to give the driver greater legroom and audio controls are positioned on the wheel to save space on the centre console and make operation easier for the driver. Ultra-slim seatbacks are formed in a one-piece moulding that enhances iQ’s edgy feel, while also helping free up additional passenger space. A storage tray is concealed below the rear seat, another feature that does not sacrifice cabin space. For extra luggage room, the 50:50 split rear seats can be folded flat.
Newly developed differential allows iQ to have a more compact engine compartment and front wheels placed at the very corners of the car, with very short overhangs. This yields more than 100mm extra cabin length, compared to Yaris. Flat Under-floor Fuel Tank and Rear-angled Shock Absorbers. Flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed shorter rear overhangs to be developed, helping reduce the car’s overall length. A smaller heater/air-conditioning unit releases more space inside at no sacrifice in performance.
Centre take-off steering gear, positioned higher in the engine bay. Also helps give the car a shorter front overhang. Slim seatbacks release a further 40mm of rear passenger room at knee height. With an all new frame structure and optimal adjustment of ancillary parts, the designs save space without sacrificing comfort.
July 2008
Two engines at launch: 3 cylinder 1.0 VVT-I with 68PS and 91Nm torque, manual or ‘Multidrive’, and 4 cylinder 1.4 D-4D with 90PS and 190Nm torque, manual only. Both EU 4 engines. Voted Japanese Car of the Year 2008.
Equipment options include colour screen satnav with MP3 iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, and SD slot for easy updating of maps or for loading mapping for another country. 15-inch alloy wheels with 175/65 tyres standard. Two trim levels: IQ and IQ2. IQ manual a/c; IQ2 automatic a/c.
February 2009
New iQ 1.33. Toyota’s revolutionary iQ, the world’s smallest four-seat passenger car, will adopt Toyota’s 99bhp (100 DIN hp) 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i engine from July 2009. Benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology and equipped with the economy-boosting Stop & Start system, the new engine will give iQ combined cycle fuel consumption of 58.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 113g/km, using the standard six-speed manual transmission. Toyota’s seamless Multidrive transmission will also be available, giving 55.4mpg and 120g/km (mpg and CO2 figures provisional, subject to final homologation).
The 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine generates 98bhp (99 DIN hp) and 125Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard.
Stop & Start can reduce fuel consumption by up to three per cent, depending on driving conditions. The system automatically stops the engine when the gear lever is moved to neutral and the clutch pedal is released, improving fuel economy. The engine automatically restarts, in less than half a second, when the clutch pedal is depressed again. This rapid restart is made possible by a permanently engaged gear mechanism in which the starter motor and flywheel are linked, via a ring gear, by a one-way clutch.
Using the six-speed manual transmission, the iQ 1.33 returns 58.9mpg in combined cycle driving with CO2 emissions of 113g/km. On models equipped with Multidrive the figures are 55.4mpg and 120g/km. The new engine will be featured in a new iQ3 (iQ cubed) grade, with dedicated 16-inch alloy wheels and further specification which will be announced closer to the on sale date.
June 2009
New iQ3 announced powered by 98bhp 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine with Toyota Optimal Drive Toyota Stop & Start system increases fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions. Class-leading fuel economy and emissions – 58.9mpg and 113g/km (six-speed manual). Also available with Multidrive CVT transmission – 55.4mpg and 120g/km (so auto still £35pa tax). Exclusive iQ3 equipment features, including 16-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels and chrome door mirror housings. On sale from 18-6-2009, price £11,495 (manual) and £12,495 (Multidrive). Four accessory packs available:– iStyle, iUrban, iSports and iConnect. Optional Leather seat trim and Satellite Navigation.
September 2010
Upgraded cabin and new grey interior colour choice. New Kuru black leather upholstery option. Engines revised to meet Euro 5 emissions with no reduction in iQ’s fuel economy. Model year 2011 model on sale September 2010.
A new grey interior has been introduced, with contrasting black upper trims on the doors and toning fabric upholstery. The new cabin colour-way is available with Eclipse Black, Pearl White, Island Blue and Tyrol Silver exterior finishes, while the established plum interior will continue to be offered with Deep Amethyst, Chilli Red and Decuma Grey.
New soft-touch materials have been introduced and the “manta ray” motif panels on the door and centre console adopt a new black finish. A scarlet surround has been added to the centre console, toning with contrasting red stitching on the black leather steering wheel. As an option, customers can select Kuru black leather upholstery on models with the new grey interior.
The Toyota Optimal Drive 1.0-litre VVT-i and 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engines which power iQ have been revised to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. The changes have had no impact on performance or fuel efficiency, with the 1.0-litre (manual) model delivering 99g/km and 64.2mpg (combined cycle) and the 1.33-litre (manual) with Stop & Start returning an official 113g/km and 57.6mpg. The 2011 iQ is priced from £10,158 on the road.
What to watch out for
Original 2008 1.0 manual had same engine clutch and transmission as Aygo, 107 and C1, so suffers the same clutch problems and will probably need a new one after 3 years. Toyota may put its hand up and fit this FoC. IQ 1.0 manuals fitted with bigger 190mm clutch from January 2009.
11-10-2012:Can have an EGR problem. More information here on the Toyota iQ forum (See 27-6-2014 below.)
22-01-2014:Synchro between 3rd and 4th failed on a 33,400 mile 2009 Aygo 1.0 base model. Quoted £800 to repair, mostly labour. Same fault as noticed on 107,000 kilometre Vios 1.5 rental car in Thailand. Still driveable.
15-05-2014:Severe vibrations from 4 year old IQ betqween 1,600 and 2,500rpm. Despite a total of 14 weeks with 3 different Toyota dealers, they remained unresolved. Work included new EGR and manifold (made it worse), new gearbox, balancing shafts, a drivetrain strip down and rebuild, an interior strip out and rebuild, new exhaust and cat, new wheels and tyres, and yet the car got progressively worse, though still giving mid 50s mpg around town.
27-06-2014:2009 Toyota iQ suffering from a loss of power and struggles with fairly normal hills and slip roads onto motorways, etc. The Toyota dealer identified that it is suffering from a fault which was identified in 2010/2011 relating to a pipe for the exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) which can get clogged with soot. There is a Toyota Technical Service Bulletin published in August 2011 that identifies the problem and provides a solution (a redesigned exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe which has the EGR pipe after the catalytic converter), which had been incorporated into new cars from June 2010. Reader quoted £1,600 to have the new parts fitted to my car. Goodwill from Toyota sought.
30-05-2015:28,500 mile IQ bought new in October 2009 sufferend failure of synchromesh between 2nd and 3rd gear despite full Toyota service history. Initially quoted £2,700 to repair, reduced after goodwill from Toyota to £1,300. See 22-1-2014.
23-08-2016:Report of paint peeling on 2009 Toyota IQ.
30-01-2017:Report of loose rattling sound from 2009 Toyota iQ 1.0 Multidrive. Noticed when the car was started and driven away from cold. Seemed to reduce when the car was warmed up, but not completely disappear. Local garage investigated and diagnosed a worn/stretched A/C pump drive belt, which they replaced. However, although this seemed to improve the problem a bit, it didn't eliminate it. And the rattle seems to be slowly worsening.
24-02-2020:Report of pearlescent white paint of 40,000 mile 2009 Toyota IQ flaking off in large slivers.
