The iQ concept was created at ED2, Toyota’s advanced European design studio in the south of France, working under the Toyota design philosophy of Vibrant Clarity.

The inspiring concept was to create an ultra compact, highly space efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle that maximizes the urban lifestyle of Europe’s fashionable metropolitan dwellers.

At less than three metres in length (2980mm) it is 425mm shorter than the Toyota Aygo and more than 770mm shorter than the Toyota Yaris.

Yet, in width and height (1680mm x 1480mm) it is comparable to Yaris.

Managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation’s Design activities, Wahei Hirai, says: "The iQ concept is designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners.

In an urban environment, people want to express themselves through dynamic and on-the-edge design, but at the same time rational factors such as size, functionality and CO2 emissions cannot be ignored."

Exterior Design

The exterior is simple and daring with a stable and robust stance enhanced by the width of the vehicle contrasting with its short length.

In side profile the ultra-short overhangs and cabforward silhouette suggest a dynamic pose and at the same time maximizes the interior space.

"The confident character of the front juxtapositions with the small, yet strong structure give the vehicle an iconic value."

"Expressing the structure and construction of the vehicle is vital to keeping the design simple yet at the same time energized, it also serves to clearly express the concept of the car."

The structures around the 17 inch tyres form part of the minimal front and rear overhangs, a synergy that conveys both strength and agility.

The exterior surfaces of the iQ concept are almost mathematical in their cleanliness and precision, but at the same time have movement and emotion to keep the design fresh and unlikely to date.

The character lines of the window opening flow smoothly and harmonize with the surfaces supporting them.

The exterior colour is a pearlescent white with flecks of purple shimmer hinting at the darker interior treatment.

Overall, the iQ concept has an ‘on-the-edge’ style designed for the future urban environments.

Interior Design

Thanks to its 3 + 1 seating layout, the iQ Concept can transport four with space for three adults and a child – or the fourth seat can be utilised for luggage space.

The dashboard swoops away from the front passenger, thus giving this seat extra freedom of movement.

In regular use, driver and passenger sit side by side. But, to accommodate a third adult or adult and child, the front passenger seat can be moved in a more forward position allowing more room and easier access to the rear area.

The basic geometric structure of the instrument panel creates an open and wide environment, enhanced by the panoramic glass sun-roof.

The manta-ray-styled centre console, a simple yet flowing structure that envelops the instruments to create a clear and vivid focal point.

The air conditioning vents are constructed from a cylindrical form clearly relating to their function.

The freeform lines of the centre cluster are echoed in the door trim.

Interior details include the mock snake-skin steering wheel trim, purple interior trim accents and purple styling themes carried over into the seats, door trims and dashboard.

The three-dimensional, 3-in-1 display of speed, engine rpm and fuel status is mounted above the steering column while controls for audio and navigation functions are on the steering wheel itself.

A head-up display of the GPS routefinder is placed within the driver’s vision but is see-through when turned off.

(Source: Toyota)