Toyota iQ

Currently only available in Japan and Europe, Toyota’s iQ has a lot to recommend it to a U.S. market. The premium four-seater is one of the smallest Toyota models on the market, but the iQ could soon have you well convinced that bigger isn’t better. And with the focus in the U.S. on economy – both fuel economy and pocketbook economy – the iQ might be just what we need.

The iQ is targeted toward urban drivers who need to maneuver traffic easily and effortlessly. Its miniscule size (the iQ is less than three meters long) makes it fun to squeeze in and out of tight spots, and makes basic maneuvers like three-point turns and parallel parking almost a ballet of movement with a tiny turn radius.

The iQ also gets an unbelievable 54 miles to the gallon – that’s with a conversion from its Japanese measurements that may not be perfectly accurate, but even with a few miles’ difference either way, it’s a very impressive figure.

The design takes inspiration from nature, and has definitely broken out of the standard Toyota model with curves and textures that are unique to the iQ. Toyota hasn’t shifted its commitment to reliability and safety, however, with nine airbags protecting all passengers from all angles in case of a crash.

The model takes inspiration from many popular European models, who have been ahead of the U.S. in terms of adapting for fuel efficiency for some time. The value of a small, compact, speedy car that can handle all of the turns and twists of a difficult commute and squeeze into that tiny parking space without breaking the bank on gas may be soon realized here in Missouri Toyota dealer stations.