When the first smart car hit the roads in 1998, there were mixed feelings about how well it would do. They then released a convertible making it a perfect fit for any queer and his dog, and since then nothing has really come close to touching the smart car when it comes to city driving.
Introducing the iQ, the latest in small car technology from Toyota.
Defeating the object of its nature, the iQ is a 9ft by 5ft four-seater city car that shouts style, practicality and most or all efficiency. However I can't help but think that Toyota have teamed up with Apple on this one, using a select 4 colours to release it in and only two trim levels, the iQ is certainly an acquired taste, although a lot more innovative than any city car we've tested.
The iQ certainly turns heads, but is it all it's cracked up to be when you get inside? Well as you may have already guessed from the title, the iQ isn't short of intelligence, although not in terms of in car entertainment or sat nav, no, the iQ hides all it's brains until you get in and start the engine. Toyota have included an array of standard features in the iQ and here's just a few: Keyless entry, Keyless drive, Dusk sensing headlamps, Rain sensing wipers…and a whole lot more!
What I particularly love about this little city car is Toyota's 'Optimal Drive' system, which also comes as standard throughout their range. It isn't an alien concept by any means, the system suggests the gear that the car will be the most fuel-efficient in, it does this by a simple arrow telling you to change up/down and also helps reduce emissions that the car produces. All this helps increase your fuel consumption to 65 mpg and decrease your CO2 emissions to a fantastic 99g/km, meaning it's a steal when it comes to taxing and insuring an iQ.
All this is fantastic, and an absolute song to all you city driver's out there, but where the iQ falls short is on the motorway, although fantastic on fuel, you'll have a hard job getting anywhere fast. It take 14 seconds to get to 60mph and unfortunately once you get there, there isn't much else there in terms of power. This does cause issues when it comes to overtaking, and it's a little daunting when you're sat in between two lorries in the slow lane, because you can't increase your speed quick enough.
On to city driving itself, and I have to admit there isn't a gap you cant get through, a road too narrow, or a space you won't be able to park in (unless you can't park).
The iQ has the smallest turning circle I have ever experienced, meaning that parking is a breeze, three point turns no longer exist and before you know it your facing the other way. It takes city driving to a whole new level of fun, and you'll find yourself gloating at all the other cars on the road searching for a space big enough to park, as you hop in and out side streets avoiding the traffic.
Overall, the iQ will certainly convert some if not most of the smart car generation, and is certainly setting new expectations from the small car industry. Arguably it isn't fantastic on the motorway, however I don't think that I can hold that against it, only being a one-litre petrol. The iQ is definitely a true city car, a comfortable four seater that will get you around town in style.
SR
The
Yaris is without doubt not only one of Toyota's best sellers, but also
one of the most fun super-mini's on the market, and its just become my
favourite super-mini to boot.
With its new bigger bulkier frame it's not just the Yaris body that's grown, so has its appeal and the audience to which it's aimed at. I won't lie and pretend that I've loved the Yaris since the day it launched, I never really liked the previous shape nor its handling, in fact I don't think I actually liked much about it. However times are a changing at Toyota, the new Yaris SR I had through on test was amazing! With more acres of airy space inside than Jodie Marsh's head and containing far less plastic and fake-ness than the aforementioned 'cele-bra-ity'.
Firstly let's talk about interiors, the Yaris feels solid and well put together, the use of the new high quality feel dash, console and trim make the SR feel even more upmarket and expensive. The dash is well laid out and everything is easy to find, however, one of my biggest pet hates is a centrally based Speedo (the instrument for showing your speed, not the tighty whitey swimwear), which unfortunately the Yaris is blessed with. Having quickly been irritated by the speedometer, and decided equally as quickly, that I shouldn't let this influence my opinion to much, I pressed the start button (nice sporty touch) and begin my road test.
It turns out performance is another area the Yaris SR doesn't disappoint, 0-62mph is dealt with in a swift 9.2 seconds, which although when put against the likes of the Fiesta ST and Corsa SRI makes it the slowest, it definitely feels sportier than the other two and its certainly more fun to drive, with in my opinion much better handling and ride comfort. The Yaris loves corners and dark country roads like a gay boy loves fancy dress and Saturday nights. The different between the two however is that on a Sunday morning you wont open the curtains, look at the Yaris, and then try and chew your own arm off to escape before it wakes up and makes you realise the terrible mistake you made taking it home the night before.
Sticking with comparing the Yaris to its Fiesta and Corsa rivals, equipment wise, the three are fairly evenly matched, however the Yaris is a nose in front having slightly more standard kit than the other two. Both the Yaris and Fiesta cost around £14,000, with the Vauxhall charging a grand more for the Corsa SRI.
Cabin feel wise the little Toyota eclipses both by giving the feeling of having way more interior space, feeling like a much bigger car, and its got more hidey-holes and hidden pockets to secrete your belongs away than a gay paratroopers cargo pants.
But here's the bit where the Yaris totally destroys the competition... Insurance rating - Fiesta ST: 13E, Corsa SRI: 13A and the Yaris SR…..7, yep the Yaris has an insurance rating much lower than the other two. So if you're in the market for a new super-mini, don't forget to pop down to a Toyota dealer and check out the Yaris before you spend your cash
Auris
Overview
The Toyota Avensis is loved by reps and Taxi drivers alike, hundreds of thousands brought the old model, for its frugal economy, ability to rack up mileage like the Starship Enterprise and interior that just wouldn't die (no matter how much you wanted it to). The Third and all new generation of the Avensis was released 6 months ago, huge changes had been made, for the first time ever it's actually a good looking car for a start! Up against the rivals, its stiffest competition comes from the Honda, the Volvo just isn't as strong and the Saab, well it just doesn't have the wide range of engine and body choices the two Japanese bring to the table.
Style
It's stylish in an odd way, bulky but with sharp lines, I think I actually really like the look, it's something different in an area of the market that has suffered hugely with 'same-ol-same ol' syndrome. The new interior is a massive improvement and much more upmarket and useable. Everything has a purpose and a feel quality feel about it, it's also laid out really well. Huge bonus is the ability to operate just about everything in the car via the steering wheel controls, overall putting you far more in control more of the time, than if you were fiddling with the air-con whilst driving. Which brings me nicely on to how hot the inside of the Avensis gets when its parked on the drive minding its own business. Getting in it during any form of warm weather is akin to walking out of the Arctic and into a sauna. Comedy sketches ensued whilst I frantically waved doors and opened windows just so I could get in and start the car.
Performance
It's not just the body that's new; my test car had the 2L 150bhp petrol engine from the new 'Optimal Drive' technology engine range. The performance was good, not great, but better than average. 0-62mph takes a slightly longer than I would have liked 10 seconds, however on the motorway, flick the automatic gearbox to Sport and the Avensis comes alive in a huge rush of overtaking power. It's got enough performance to keep you happy, but I'd good for a slightly beefy engine to really complete the package.
Economy
The new engines are designed to increase fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. I was getting around the 45mpg mark combined and over 50mpg over 60mph, so not too shabby on the economy front, especially when you consider I wasn't driving like an octogenarian on the way to Bingo.
Toys
Toyota's rep carrier / Taxi cab is one of the best equipped car, as standard, we've tested. Huge specification and electric everything, regardless of the model level you choose. I really liked my T4 spec press car, it had everything I needed (included an upgraded Sat Nav and kick ass stereo system) and at a very reasonable price.
Verdict
The Avensis is definitely great value for money, including actually running it. With its very lower CO2 emissions, good solid performance, great interior and stand-out exterior, it's a must try before you decide on your new motor. You'll be really surprised.