Some time in 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation will roll out a new and exciting model for the European market. Called the Toyota iQ, this new model "Achieves exceptional space efficiency and is perfectly tailored to the lifestyle needs and environmental concerns of Europe's modern metropolitans", according to the Japanese automaker.

The Toyota iQ was recently unveiled earlier this month at the 2007 International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, IAA) in Frankfurt as a concept model. The iQ features an ultra compact body with efficient space for three adults and an extra seat for one child. Toyota called this as the flexible 3+1 seating system. In addition, the Toyota iQ concept was designed and created at ED2, the Japanese automaker's European design studio located in France.

According to Wahei Hirai, Manager of design activities for Toyota Motor Corporation, "The iQ concept is designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners. In an urban environment, people want to express themselves through dynamic and on-the-edge design, but at the same time rational factors such as size, functionality and CO2 emissions cannot be ignored. Bringing these contradictory aims together in synergy was critical to the iQ concept, it's a way of thinking we call the ‘J-factor', a philosophy at the heart of all our activities."

In addition, Toyota said the iQ concept embodies the company's Japanese design theme, which is the "vibrant clarity, forward-looking, intelligent and energetic, with clarity of purpose and function"

The Toyota iQ is dubbed as the "world's smallest four-seat passenger concept car", according to the Japanese automaker. The iQ is shorter than the Toyota Aygo, but features the same dimensions as the Toyota Yaris in terms of width and height.

Toyota targets the everyday urban transportation of European people. The Toyota iQ not only offers a sleek and compact exterior appearance, but also a refined interior proving practicality and functionality for its occupants. Outside, the Toyota iQ comes with an ultra short overhangs and cab forward silhouette designs that creates a dynamic and aggressive look. The car also features 17-inch wheels and tires combination to complete the exterior packaging.

On the inside, this new ultra compact model can carry three adult passengers, and a luggage space that can be converted to a child passenger seat. The cockpit also comes with easy to read instruments and gauges for a pleasant driving feel. The instrument panel offers a simple geometric form with the centre console designed in a manta ray shape and chrome finished tail. Other interior features of the Toyota iQ include soft-touch door trims, pearlescent white paint finish, mock snakeskin steering wheel trim, purple accents in the seats, purple accents in the door trims, purple accents in the dashboard, ultra compact heating unit, single central dial display, panoramic glass sunroof, and three dimensional three in one speed, rpm and fuel level read-out mounted on the steering column. In addition, the audio and navigation controls of the Toyota iQ are integrated into the steering wheel, providing the driver with easy access on the controls.

Japan's Nikkei newspaper said that Toyota is targeting an annual production of 100,000 units of the Toyota iQ in Europe. Unfortunately, the report did not include the base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of this model. Car lovers should watch out for this model and other Toyota and Lexus models (equipped with Lexus air filter) bound for Europe.