2008 Geneva Auto Show Preview: Toyota iQ and Urban Cruiser
Toyota is going to show a couple of production-ready small (as in
really small) cars at Geneva.
The
Urban Cruiser (top) is pretty much what it sounds like: a really small SUV, as in smaller than the RAV4, but playing it's family SUV heritage by using the "Cruiser" name. The
iQ (bottom) is a cute-as-a-button baby car, just a tad longer and roomier than the Smart. Hmmm...
. "iQ?" "Smart?" Is there some sort of "intellectual" word-thingy going on here between these two?
Of the two, my vote goes to the iQ, as it appears to be the most fun to scoot down city alleys and side streets in. Don't know anything yet on the mechanicals, and as of this minute, there are no plans to bring either over here.
Here's
Inside Line's take:
2008 Geneva Auto Show Preview: Toyota Urban Cruiser
- Permalink | Comments (7)
- Posted by: Bob Holland February 14, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Geneva Motor Show, Toyota
Is it just me or does the "Cruiser" look like an xD with a lifted suspension?
The iQ actually looks a little safer and "beefier" than the smart so I think it would actually probably sell here.
Not sure whyy, but the Cruiser reminds me of the Acura RDX :s
The Cruiser reminds me of a Highlander, only tiny.
The iQ looks like the old xA, only smaller.
If the Iq is priced lower than a smart car (around $10k) and it had decent powertrain, i think it would sell very well.
I hope it will sell well but I don't it will capture the same cult appeal of the Smart. It lacks the Euro-Cool appeal of the Smart and kinda looks like a chopped off Yaris.
Bet it has a better transmission then the Smart though.
That Cruiser is definitely a lifted xD. They should at least try to distinguish it a little, sheesh.
I guess they took a page out of the VW Tiguan book. Now if they can only fiddle with the lame new Xb, and make it interesting. On the other hand, the IQ has outSmarted the competition, me thinks. I like the "face" on that mug!