Toyota Yaris is #1 at MPG Marathon!

Toyota took top honors at the 2008 ALD Fleet World MGP Marathon, a 2-day, 400 mile cross-Britain test of fuel efficiency.  The Yaris diesel won with an impressive 84.66 MPG while the Aygo averaged 82.39 MPG to finish as the top gasonline combustion entrant. Second place in the overall category went to the Mazda 2 1.4 diesel at 84.58 MPG.

This is Toyota’s second year in a row finishing as best in class.  This feat is as much a testament to the engineers as it is to the two drivers, Andrew Andersz and Gary Luton.  Following is a re-print of Toyota’s press release. [click to continue…]

Toyota iQ coming to the UK in January

The highly anticipated Toyota iQ is coming to the UK in January, and for a price of only a mere £9,495 it can be yours.  If you haven’t put your name on the list yet, you may not be able to.  Rumor has it, the list is long and it could take Toyota some time to fill these orders.  Maybe its because the iQ boasts a solid 65.7 mpg, and is loaded with many standard safety and luxury features that you would not expect for such a bargain.

The iQ comes in two different trims, the iQ for the price listed above, and the iQ2 with a multidrive CVT transmission.  Each iQ comes with 15-inch alloy rims, heated electrically adjustable mirrors, air conditioning and a six speaker audio system with an auxillary socket.  The iQ2 will be fitted with high-gloss alloys, front fog lamps, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers.  Oh, did we mention it had a smart entry and start system WITH climate control?  Like I said earlier, its equipped with many standard safety features like ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control, and Traction Control. Nine airbags, including a rear window airbag (really.)

If you order before March 1st, 2009 it will come with a free metallic paint upgrade.

Other options include £700 leather seats and £950 for satellite navigation.   It’s too bad we may not see the iQ in the U.S. for sometime.