Production Toyota minicar won’t be called ‘iQ’

2 cylinders! That should get 60mpg in the city easily

— Brembo (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 1:06:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

who the heck would even consider this as their next new car??

— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 1:16:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

Oh Please...

Toyota (and every other JDM vehicle manufacturer) have been selling vehicles like this decades before the Smart was even an idea as Kei-series cars.

Kei-series vehicles were conceived in order to exploit local Japanese tax and insurance relaxations, and are exempted from the requirement to certify that adequate parking is available for the vehicle. These standards originated in the times following the end of the Second World War, when most Japanese could not afford a full-sized car yet had enough to buy a motorcycle. To promote the growth of the car industry, as well as to offer an alternative delivery method to small business and shop owners, kei car standards were created.

I, personally, owned both a Suzuki Cappuccino and a Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ, and they were not only efficient, but insanely fun to drive.

Note: Do Some Research Next Time!

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 1:41:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 12   

I agree with Rosko2, Toyota is copying someone again! Get it? IQ...Smart...hmmm...Toyota needs to find some origniality. They think car buyers have low iQ's to buy this Smart copy. Didn't the Chinese automakers get in trouble for this?

— IVANURI97 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 2:29:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10   

"If I were Smart I'd sue the hell out of Toyota. "

Well We Can All Rest Assured That You'll Never Be Anything Approaching - SMART, So I Guess Toyota's Safe This Time Around...

ROTFL!

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 8:27:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 12   

Hmmm?

It's really rather pathetic that you persist in pursuing these LOSING BATTLES, But...

You apparently have never seen the similarly styled:

- 2004 Subaru R1

- 2003 Mitsubishi I

- 2003 Suzuki Twin

and Numerous Others That Are Very Similar In Concept To The Smart ForTwo.

Know This, I've not only seen them, but driven most as well (I was stationed in Japan for more than 10 years).

Additionally, the only Toyota MR2 that looked remotely similar to ANY Ferarri was the MR2 Second generation / SW20 (1990-1999).

Suggestion: You Should Really Educate Yourself More Thoroughly Before You Post Comments On These Matters, To Avoid Constantly Sounding Like A Complete Fool.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 11:36:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 12   

The Smart ForTwo is better.

— bmwfan1513 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 5:58:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

several reports i've read say the smart has to STRUGGLE to break into the 40 mpg range. heck, i've gotten 40 mpg with a Corolla LE automatic, which is a veritable LEXUS compared to this small but INefficient smart.

everyone i know with a Prius (generations 1 and 2) ALSO get superior mileage, with far more space and comfort.

the ONLY thing going for the smart, is the MB badge. except for that, even the mediocre chevy aveo would be a smarter buy.

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2008 2:45:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Who is this "Rosko2" ? he seems to have the utter hatred for Toyota/lexus like he's been r*ped in the b*tt by some Jap**ese guy..

— mpls (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2008 6:02:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Anywhere where there are articles about Japanese/ german cars.. he rears his ugly head..

— mpls (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2008 6:04:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Main reason Toyota did not call it iQ is because this is basically a remake of MBs Smart mini-car. Get it?? Smart...iQ. Anyways this looks likea Smart with a face lift...lol.

Can't wait for the comparo....lol...j/k!!!

— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2008 11:46:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

to quote DaHarder--

"It's really rather pathetic that you persist in pursuing these LOSING BATTLES, But...

You apparently have never seen the similarly styled:

- 2004 Subaru R1

- 2003 Mitsubishi I

- 2003 Suzuki Twin

and Numerous Others That Are Very Similar In Concept To The Smart ForTwo.

Know This, I've not only seen them, but driven most as well (I was stationed in Japan for more than 10 years)."


and OTHER japanese Kei cars were running all over the place from OVER 30 YEARS ago.

it is the smart which is a takeoff on original japanese minicars.

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/8/2008 2:51:21 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

if MB is "so original," then howcum under the hood, it's got a MITSUBISHI ENGINE!? HUH? answer that, benz badge whores.

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/8/2008 2:53:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2