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Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, Lightweight
click the Toyota iQ for high res gallery
We got to see Toyota's iQ in production form at the last Geneva Motor Show, and so far, we like what we see. We're still waiting for specific details regarding what will power the "small yet premium " 3+1 and whether or not it'll make it over to the states. Already, though, we are hearing that there could be a larger version of the vehicle built on the same platform. Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose? Maybe, but it could also help Toyota to defray the cost of the vehicle, which shares no major components with other Toyota models. The larger model could allow Toyota to compete with both the smart fortwo and the Mini, not to mention VW's upcoming up!.
In other iQ news, Toyota is reportedly not planning on adding a hybrid option to the iQ, instead relying on a choice of two gas and one diesel-powered engine options. The reasoning behind not offering a hybrid relates again to the size of the vehicle. There's just no room to store a battery. Plus, the battery would add too much weight to the little car. Stop/start, though, is expected to make an appearance here.
[Source: Autocar]
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