The quirky looks and diminutive dimensions of Toyota‘s little iQ aren’t exclusively for manual gearbox drivers – there is an automatic option too.
The plus side is that everyone can enjoy what is a fantastic take on the city car sector. Despite being less than 300mm longer than a two-seat Smart car, it can fit three adults in comfort and four at a push.
Sadly, the luxury of not having to change gear comes at a cost. While the manual version enjoys emissions of 99g/km, the auto kicks out over 10% more at 110g/km. To make matters worse, it is 0.7secs slower to 60mph and is 5.6mpg less efficient, managing 60.1 to the manual’s 65.7mpg.
Thankfully the automatic box doesn’t compromise the driving dynamics of the iQ – it is a smooth changing set-up that allows the driver to choose between two high-revving settings.
Neither helps the economy of the car, though, and on a financial basis it is hard to make a case for the auto over the manual.
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