Car Statistics: Toyota - iQ Series 09 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

Toyota has done an excellent job of keeping the iQ's proportions in check, despite its diminuitive dimensions. The wheels are pushed out to all four corners and, viewed up close, detailing is strong and classy.

Handling (3 stars)

Nobody should buy an iQ expecting a wildly exciting dynamic experience. The baby Toyota's relatively tall, narrow stance means that cornering limits are low, while the ESP stability can be felt working at relatively modest speeds to keep everything on track.

Comfort (4 stars)

Despite its size, the iQ drives with far more maturity than any of its city car rivals. The cabin is extremely well finished, and insulation from road and wind noise is impressively good.

Quality (4 stars)

Assembled with the sense of solidity you would expect from something wearing the Toyota badge. You have to pay a premium for the iQ over similarly sized rivals, but it's immediately obvious where the extra money is going.

Performance (3 stars)

The standard 1.0-litre petrol engine can only muster 67bhp, but the iQ still feels more than quick enough in town. Out on the open road it will struggle if asked to deal with a full load, though. The 1.33-litre VVT-i adds 30bhp but not much extra shove.

Roominess (4 stars)

Considering its modest exterior dimensions (it's 0.6 metre shorter than a Ford Ka), the iQ is a miracle of interior packaging. Three passengers can be carried in reasonable comfort, with the back-up of a fourth emergency seat. The boot is predictably tiny, but the extra seat can be used as luggage space when not in use.

Costs (5 stars)

The iQ should be one of the cheapest cars to keep on the road thanks to low insurance, 65mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km, meaning it qualifies for free road tax. The only real question is over depreciation, which might prove to be fairly steep if the secondhand market isn't won over. The bigger 1.33-litre engine pushes the iQ into VED band C.

Value (3 stars)

Viewed in terms of its size, the iQ looks very expensive compared to obvious rivals. But, to be honest, it's a cut above all of its mainstream competitors, and its pricetag should be seen in that context. Standard equipment is reasonable, but the toys are reserved for the more expensive '2' trim and the options list.

Stereo (4 stars)

The audio system puts in an excellent performance, helped out by the iQ's impressively well noise insulated cabin. Satnav is an option on the more expensive '2'.