The iQ’s chief designer, Hiroki Nakajima, has revealed that the city car will feature a rear airbag for passengers sitting in the back in order to make it safer. The iQ pioneers a unique 3+1 seating layout. While the Smart can provide room for only two people, the iQ will be roomy enough for three adults and one child. Unfortunately, the rear seat passengers sit just 12 inches from the rear window because of the 117 inches length.
For Toyota, the challenge is to achieve a five-star NCAP safety rating and top the Smart ForTwo’s four stars. The rear airbags would help to win the fifth star.
Due to be sold in 2009, it is thought that the iQ could be powered either by the 1 litre petrol engine already used in the Aygo or by a 1.4 litre petrol engine which would return more than 50mpg. No diesel engine has been planned even though the Aygo is sold with a 1.4 litre engine.
Source: News.com.au
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