First shown as a concept car at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the Toyota  iQ is making its world debut in production trim, ahead of its showroom debut late this year in markets outside of the U.S. The iQ measures less than three meters (about 118 inches) long, for comparison, the smart car is about 2.5 meters. Toyota says this compact urban vehicle can carry three people, with additional room to accommodate a child or luggage. The car's design was created by bringing together six linked, space-saving engineering techniques that the Japanese automaker says signals a revolution in its vehicle development. iQ is also designed in part to debunk the theory that small cars are inherently basic and less safe. On the stand, the iQ looked the part, meaning, it looked small. And up close, there are more than a few similarities to the Smart  ForTwo, especially at the rear. In order to maximize interior room for the 3+1 configuration, Toyota developed several innovative features, including a flat under floor gas tank and a differential designed to save engine compartment space. No mention was made of powertrains as of yet, but Toyota is looking to start production at the end of 2008 and hopes to sell some 100,000 a year.

toyota iq