Toyota’s iQ – will go on sale in Europe in January 2009. Rumor has it that Toyota could market the iQ under the Scion brand name in the U.S. The iQ’s styling is quite like the SmartforTwo. The Smart, so far, has stood alone in this unique vehicle style.  But the iQ my offer some competition. Unlike the two-seat Smart fortwo, Toyota calls the iQ the world’s smallest four-seater, although it is really a 3+1 since the position behind the driver is best suited for a child or luggage. To make the iQ work space wise, the front-mounted differential is integrated with the transmission to create a very short front overhang. This allows large diameter 15-inch wheels to be placed at the corners, resulting in a 78.7 inch wheelbase for maximum interior space as well as enhanced stability. Rather than placing the fuel tank under the rear seats, flat tanks are located beneath the floor. 
                                                       
Additional space in the rear is achieved by angling the rear shock absorbers backward. A center take-off steering gear, placed higher in the engine bay, allows better positioning of the transmission, engine, and differential so engine compartment length could be traded for more passenger space. Slim back and lightweight seats are used. By using extruded pipe materials rather than high tensile sheet steel, ride comfort or safety is not sacrificed. A centrally located heater and air conditioning unit coupled with the iQ’s asymmetric dashboard provide more passenger legroom and allow the 3+1 seating arrangement. Toyota wanted to make sure safety was not sacrificed with this small car.  The iQ's multi-load path construction effectively absorbs and disperses impact forces away from the cabin, plus the iQ has no less than nine airbags. These include front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain shield airbags to guard the head and upper body of all four occupants, a driver's knee airbag, and an airbag built into the front of the passenger seat cushion. The iQ also has the world’s first rear window airbag. This airbag is deployed from the roof lining behind the rear headrests to reduce impact to rear passengers. Active safety features include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) with Traction Control (TRC).  There is also technology to help the driver drive more efficiently, including a Gear Shift Indicator on manual transmission models indicates when to shift up or down for best fuel economy, and a Current and average fuel consumption reading that is continuously shown.