• Home
  • small-car
  • Toyota IQ 1.4 D-4D: Test of the three-meter-long diesel mini

Toyota IQ 1.4 D-4D: Test of the three-meter-long diesel mini

Hans-Dieter Seufert
Toyota IQ 1.4 D-4D in the test
Subscriptions & booklets

In 50 years we have barely progressed an inch. When Alec Issigonis came up with the ingenious concept of the Mini, around three meters in length turned out to be the minimum possible for a four-seater automobile. Toyota s new iQ shows roughly the same level . A real minicar that doesn't claim to be suitable for four adults, which the forefather of all modern small cars only managed to a very limited extent. Although he did not yet have to consider the crumple zone and crash safety like the T oyota iQ, which takes occupant protection very seriously, even through the presence of a large number of airbags.

Elbow room in the minicar

The cute Toyota cube represents a consistent further development of the smart idea. The stylistic relationship is unmistakable, especially in the rear area . At the other end, the cute bulldog face leaves no doubt that the iQ is significantly wider. This creates generous elbow room - two people don't get in each other's way, but sit just like in a grown-up car. The generously dimensioned seats also contribute to this pleasant impression.

Three meters in length are enough to say goodbye to the pure two-seater of the 2.70-meter Smart. At the back there is a foldable bench, the right half of which is reasonable for an adult. Because the dashboard swings far forward on the passenger side.

32 liters of luggage space when fully occupied

The second passenger can thus approach without loss You can also sit comfortably in front, creating sufficient leg room in the rear. However, there is at most space behind the driver for a child on a booster seat. If the iQ is used as a two-seater, there is even enough luggage space. When the rear seat is up, there are hardly any noteworthy 32 liters left. Because small cars are lifestyle products, the designers have let off steam in the interior in particular. In the middle of the cockpit hangs a huge plastic tongue, the design of which, according to the official reading, was inspired by the swing of the manta ray.

Too bad theelegant sea creatures cannot comment on this. In addition to the standard and perfectly working air conditioning, the monstrous attachment also houses the optional navigation system. Its operation and screen display, however, only deserve the rating 'average'. Because we are currently criticizing: A coarse backrest adjustment by lever is a thing of the past.

The pleasant outweighs

The rear wiper cleans the wrong half of the window. Cars in the fast lane disappear in the veil of dirt. Because in contrast to Japan we have right-hand traffic. But enough of the criticism: The positive outweighs. Above all, the impression of driving a full-fledged car, not just a makeshift solution suitable for the city. This is primarily due to the drive unit - a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel in the test car. It delivers enough steam to astonish the automotive establishment. 90 hp is enough for a lively temperament with just one ton of car. Overtaking maneuvers are easy, and with a maximum of 170 km /h you almost belong to the big group on the autobahn.

Average consumption

Despite the good performance figures, the consumption of around 6.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers is only average. Because the sixth gear of the easy-to-shift six-speed gearbox has a very long ratio, the engine only rotates just over 3,000 rpm and makes little noise. It is therefore all the more annoying that the wind rushes loudly around the body. Apart from that, the Toyota iQ proves a commendable long-distance suitability - also in terms of suspension comfort. Short wheelbase and short suspension travel are not hidden, but it is only the few, really rough bumps that come through as unpleasant bumps.

City operation is in the foreground

As can be seen here, it was not necessary to make concessions on comfort in favor of driving safety, as they proved to be necessary with the Smart. After all, the Toyota iQ uses the proven mini concept with front-wheel drive. Its possibilities do not seem to be optimally used, because the Toyota iQ is not as nimble as its stature suggests. With increasing lateral acceleration, the steering forces increase significantly, and the pronounced tendency to understeer also impairs maneuverability. The focus was clearly on city operation: The little Toyota steers playfully and looks very nimble thanks to the small turning circle.

The fact that the electric power steering provides little contact with the road is not a problem under these circumstances. ESP is standard, and that's a good thing. The electronic helper ironed it out when releasing the gas in fast corners brings unrest to the rear. TheThe intervention takes place emphatically, accompanied by annoying beeps. Curve escapades are a must for that reason alone. In the event of an emergency stop, the Toyota iQ does not stay on track as cleanly as it should, especially not on surfaces with different grip. Stability electronics are also required there. Although the situation does not become critical, this is more than a blemish because it can lead to shock reactions that are difficult to calculate in less experienced drivers. This rounds off the picture: a convincing concept that would benefit from further fine-tuning. Just like 50 years ago.

0 Comments

Leave a reply

Name *