The Toyota iQ has won Car of the Year Japan. It beat out the Nissan GT-R, which we just crowned the 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year. We'd better take it seriously then.

Actually, we already did. In our recent preview of the vehicle, we explained how the iQ is one of a whole new generation of Toyota compacts that utilize six major packaging advantages. It will enable the company to build a seven-seater in the footprint of a Yaris.

But to demonstrate just how remarkable these innovations are, they're launched first in the iQ, a four-seater at an unfeasible 117.5 in. long. It goes on sale in Japan about now, and in Europe in December. While U.S. sales haven't been officially announced yet by Toyota, we recently told you Scion is slated to get a version of the iQ to sell here in America.

Okay, it's not exactly a four-seater. Only if a short driver pulls his seat forward can a very short passenger be squeezed behind. But because the fascia is scooped away ahead of the front passenger, it is tenable to seat one person in the rear behind them. So let's call it a 3+1. The trunk is also tiny, unless one or both rear seats are folded.

In crowded European cities, having a car this short can bring genuine advantages in finding a curbside parking space. And its turning circle of just 308 in. can be wonderfully useful when you've taken a wrong turn. But the iQ isn't especially narrow, so it can't dart into gaps between blocked traffic like a motorbike can.

Because it's the same width as a normal small car, and somewhat higher, the iQ feels spacious and airy from the driver's seat. Out on a highway, it drives like something bigger too. The ride is comfortably loping, and the thing is stable and not badly affected by truck eddies. It's much better than a smart.

On the other hand, in tight twisting mountain roads, the iQ is no fun. The steering has a good, natural feel to it, but it doesn't take long for the little front tires to surrender purchase and leave you in ESP-slowed limboland. During our recent drive of the Ford Ka, we found it roomier than the iQ for the same price, and far more fun.

Article key :  Toyota iQ Review, Toyota iQ, Toyota, iQ, Future Cars, New Car, Hatchbacks, 2009, 2010