Clever iQ is a space ace

Here's an ingenious new car that looks set to go to the top of its class! This is the latest picture of Toyota’s production-ready iQ undergoing development testing.

The four-seater will be the first car under three metres to comfortably accommodate a trio of adults, with enough space for either a child or luggage in the fourth chair behind the driver. Alternatively, the rear ones can be folded flat to create a two-seater with impressive boot space.

Toyota has used a series of engineering innovations to squeeze all this cabin room from a car with such a small footprint. These include an ultra-compact heating unit, single central dial displaying all the driver readouts, and integrating the audio and navigation controls into the steering wheel. Our sources also revealed that the iQ will be built to deliver the lowest possible CO2 emissions, and although the powertrain is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to use a 1.0-litre petrol unit with optional stop-start technology. The iQ should be available in early 2009.