Geneva is here, and that effectively correlates to us looking at a slew of brand new vehicles (and losing valuable designer beauty sleep). Toyota graced us with the production debut of the iQ, its new small-car.

What did we think of this styling exercise-in-a-dento-box? Read on for the scoop!

Exterior

Let us be the first to inform SMART that their iconic little car has nothing to fear (styling-wise). Where the SMART created a new graphic and aesthetic for small cars, the iQ goes in the opposite direction. The best way to summarize the iQ is to say that Toyota grabbed a Corolla, placed it in a vice-grip, and squeezed the ends together. They have tried to mask the fact that this is a unique segment by taking the form and styling of a conventional-size vehicle and compressed it onto a small car.

Now, I will say that this vehicle is by no means “ugly.” Maybe just a little over-done. Toyota’s design effort isn’t focused on calling attention to this vehicle as a unique concept… They are aiming for that “baby Matrix” that won’t be out of place next to the Citroens and Opels that it will be driving next to. Where SMART has a definite unique flavor, the iQ is definitely playing it safe.

Toyota is at least taking the opportunity to explore some new shapes for this vehicle. From the “X-Men” inspired front face, to the edgy curves, the iQ must have been a surfacer’s dream.

Interior

The interior is also “out there”. The use of materials (which we can be safe to say probably won’t be showing up in production) is next to gawdy. The form language appears piece-mailed and the seating is the blah-est of blah.

One part of this vehicle that really interested me is the door panel. In fact, it so tantalized me that I dare say it is too elegant for the vehicle itself! Especially the gracefulness of the lower lines… they remind me of the calming waves of an ocean, except in pseudo-metal plastic.

Final Thoughts

Back from my spirit-journey in the iQ door panel, I can safely say that this car won’t win any beauty pageantts. But, at least they took a shot at making a potentially unique vehicle look like an everyday car.

[Images courtesy AutoBlog]