Toyota iQ, Toyota iQ

If you've driven a small Toyota for a few years it's likely that there's very little wrong with it, but the arrival of the iQ is reason enough to consider a change. If you're upgrading from an Aygo be aware that the iQ has even less rear legroom, but it's a more enticing proposition all the same that really stands out from the crowds.

A glance at the Toyota iQ would lead you to regard it as a direct rival to Smart's equally diminutive ForTwo model. However, there are distinct differences that separate them. The claimed number of seats is one, but the way the iQ drives is what really sets it apart. Obviously it's tiny enough to be of use in a crowded city, but it also manages to tackle regular roads with aplomb and doesn't feel out of its depth on the motorway. Dare I say it: it's fun to drive - and not just in a darting into gaps in traffic kind of way.

The model range consists of 1.0- and 1.33-litre petrol engines, with a healthy 97bhp produced by the latter and CO₂ emissions of just 99g/km by the former for exemption from vehicle excise duty. There's even an automatic option for real urban dwellers.

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Shane O' Donoghue