| Week at the Wheel | Toyota iQ 1.33 |

Inside & Out:

It's hard for the aesthetics of the Toyota iQ not to be dominated by its diminutive size. The appearance is very much of the four-square, wheel in each corner school of design; indeed the overall width is only a foot or so less than the wheelbase and less than that margin shorter in height. It's not far off cubic. Regardless, there is enough in the general appearance and the details to make it interesting.

Of more significance is the interior that proves to be as clever and practical as it is high in quality. In practice the rear seat is only really good for one adult to sit across rather than for two to sit side-by-side. This aside the lasting impression is one of an efficient use of space and an underlying commitment to making it a pleasant environment in which to partake in the daily grind of the urban drive. Flowing surfaces comprising of fine materials, multifunction controls - such as the air conditioning switch that executes three operations - and a good hi-fi mark it out as an excellent cabin. Only the weak interior light and lack of stereo controls (integrated into the steering wheel and therefore not accessible to the passenger) go down as flaws in the package.

Engine & Transmission:

The iQ is available with two different engine sizes, a 1.0-litre and the 1.33-litre unit tested here. Performance is adequate for everyday use with a bias on low-speed pep rather than a screaming high-end delivery. Indeed, whilst the small motor is happy to spin to the upper reaches of the rev band 4,000rpm is more than enough to make progress, coupled with judicious use of the six-speed gearbox, which shifts smoothly and quickly through the gate, engaging with a pleasing positivity. Oddly, the 1.33 doesn't feel as peppy as it should, which is as much a reflection of the relative poke of the 1.0-litre model as it is a detrimental issue.

Ride & Handling:

As you'd expect the iQ is not a serious driving tool in the hardcore sense. Limits are low, but not to the detriment of safety or fun. Just driving the iQ is a feel good experience thanks to the small car novelty and the ease with which it settles into urban life. From its miniscule turning circle to the quick witted nature that enables one to find a gap in traffic, and the ability to find spaces in the car park that are inaccessible to any car other than a Smart, the little Toyota is good fun. That's not to say that the iQ is a one trick pony - during its time with us it ably demonstrated its ability to cope with motorway conditions, though the relative lack of power does blunt its performance in this environment.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

We couldn't get near the 58.9mpg combined figure, instead managing nearer 40mpg. However, as with all cars of this ilk, that 40mpg should be considered worse case given the week's driving we did and would be obtainable in any environment - most critically in and around town, aided further by the stop-start functionality. Equipment levels in the iQ 3, the range topping model, are comprehensive with climate control, full electric pack and no less than nine airbags.

Given the numbers on the price ticket, Toyota may have missed a trick in not badging the iQ as a Lexus - certainly the package, innovation and price are in line with its technological slant and the image of the brand (it's no surprise that Aston Martin has seen the potential and entered into a joint venture for a luxury iQ derivative). At the same time, it's possible to see how the iQ can actually be a halo model for Toyota, despite the fact it rests at the bottom of the model range - in terms of size at least.

Overall:

It comes at a price but the iQ shows hints of the way forward for Toyota. It says something about the relative lack of flair in the rest of the range that this car is probably the standout model in the Toyota line-up, but that's not to say that it's very good in its own right. The new head of Toyota (Mr Toyoda) promises to bring excitement to the brand's models. If the fun, quality and innovation of the iQ can be embedded into other models he stands a very good chance of delivering - they just need to keep a check on the cost to the consumer.