Toyota Confirms that it's Considering bringing the 55-mpg iQ to the US

Corroborating earlier rumors that the new iQ will make its way into the States after its introduction in Europe, Toyota's Chief engineer Hiroki Nakajima told Automotive News today that the company is investigating introducing the three-door city car to the U.S. market. Nakajima said that if the iQ gets official clearance to come to the States, it will most likely be launched in the midterm, before the first model update. as Toyota needs time to develop different airbags and improve bumper strength for the iQ to pass U.S. safety standards. -Continued

The iQ which was recently unveiled in its final production form at the Paris Auto Show is based on an all-new platform and it features a number of innovations to allow a four-seat layout (3 adults plus one child) in a car measuring less than 3meters (117.5-inches) in length. As one would expect, the innovating packaging comes with a price as the iQ starts from a hefty £9,495 ($16,400 or €12,000) in the UK.

When it goes on sale in Europe in the beginning of 2009, the iQ will be offered at launch with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine capable of achieving a fuel economy of 54.7 mpg (4.3lt/100 km) in the combined European cycle, followed latter on by a more powerful 1.3-liter gasoline and a 1.4-liter turbo diesel engine.

Click here for a complete gallery of the iQ and here for the official video that contains driving footage.

Via: AN (Sub. Req)