Toyota shows a small future

Crowd pleaser or motoring teaser?

This one might be diminutive, but the iQ is a big hitter in the ExCeL centre. The three-metre long iQ is Toyota's vision of a small premium machine, which is designed to be as space efficient as possible. The space inside is maximised due to some clever engineering, the iQ featuring flat under-floor fuel tank and rear-angled shock absorbers.

Stand out features?

The cool looks are certainly appealing, but it's really the impressive engineering behind the iQ that astounds. Everything has been looked at to maximise interior space: the heater, engine, differential and all the ancillaries made as small as possible to mean that despite a tiny footprint the iQ offers plentiful passenger space. Even so there's really only proper seating for three, Toyota claiming a 3+1 seating configuration, but you'd need to be friendly and flexible...

Showroom soon or never to be seen?

Toyota is making this one, and unlike some of the concepts it's showing (particularly the LF-A on its Lexus stand) the iQ will be with us soon. Expect a production version to be in showrooms in the UK in spring next year, powered by a choice of a diesel and two petrol engines. All will be super efficient, Toyota timing the iQ's arrival perfectly - clever people that they are.

Kyle Fortune