Toyota iQ 1.3-liter to Debut at Geneva

In addition to the numerous high-performance, the less-polluting or fuel-efficient models to be launched at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, the event will also witness the public unveiling of a new Toyota iQ engine that brings more power to the tiny catch. According to MotorAuthority.com, the Japanese automaker will debut a 1.3-liter gasoline four-cylinder unit at the show, aiming to give a boost to the tiny car officially unveiled at the previous edition of the Swiss show.

At this time, Toyota iQ comes with a single engine configuration, namely a 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit that develops a maximum power of 67 hp (50 kW). Also installed on Toyota Aygo, this small-displacement engine achieves a fuel consumption rating of 55 mpg (4.2 l/100 km) in combined cycle. The top engine in the range is a 1.4-liter diesel variant that brings out 90 horsepower (67 kW).

The new 1.3-liter powerplant will boast around 99 horsepower (77 kW), the aforementioned source wrote, and will incorporate a number of fuel-saving technologies, including a stop-start function to save gas while not in motion. But more importantly, the new unit brings impressive fuel economy, with 59 mpg (around 4 l/100km) achieved in mixed conditions.

Toyota iQ was first unveiled to the general public as a concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, with the production version displayed next year at the Geneva Auto Show. Japanese sales began in October 2008 but US deliveries are expected to start this summer.

The tiny iQ recently gained a five-start rating at the new Euro NCAP safety tests, with a score of 91 percent (15.5 points for frontal impact and 15.6 points for side impact).