Toyota iQ

THE iQ is a true packaging masterpiece. Its 120mm thick fuel tank lies flat under the cabin floor, letting Toyota squeeze rear suspension and back seats within a car less than three metres long.

The cutaway dash allows the passenger seat to slide far enough forward for someone to squeeze in behind – and this ability to carry three people sets the iQ apart from other micro-sized offerings.

It’s great to drive as well; the steering is sharp and well weighted, while the tight 7.8-metre turning circle is very handy in town. It corners safely, too, and on the motorway, it’s easy to forget you’re in such a small car. The tiny 67bhp 1.0-litre engine has relatively long gearing, so it doesn’t have to work too hard at higher speeds, and the three-cylinder unit is eager under acceleration. It does without the stop/start technology fitted to the 1.3 iQ, but still produces 99g/km.

Rating: ****