Toyota iQ Hits The Property Market In Derby
A trio of Toyota iQs have started work with Derby’s leading letting agent – and the city cars are proving a popular and green addition to the IMS Lettings fleet.
The boldly-liveried three-door hatchbacks, with 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engines and manual transmissions, have replaced a variety of vehicles, including a “gas-guzzling 4×4”, says Chris Griffin, the company’s Managing Director.
“We had a board meeting and decided that this was the way forward,” said Mr Griffin. “Staff just jump into the new iQs and buzz around all over the place. The cars are ideal for getting between viewings, valuations and inspections in the city. “The Toyota iQs are expected to cover between 15,000 and 35,000 miles a year.
“They’re efficient, easy to park, you don’t pay any road tax and they feel quite big when you’re inside,” said Chris Griffin.
“They’re meant to be safe too, and with this livery they really stand out on the road. You don’t tend to get accidents because you can’t miss them. They’re not likely to get stolen either, for the same reason. I think they’re brilliant!”
IMS Lettings has 20 cars on its fleet. The company, which serves some 4000 landlords and employs 50 staff at five regional offices, is based in Derby’s Pride Park – as is Inchcape Toyota Derby who supplied the vehicles. The new cars were bought outright.
The 67hp 1.0-litre iQ embodies Toyota Optimal Drive, the range of engines, transmission and design innovations that is introducing a step-change in fuel economy and emissions across the Toyota range, without compromising performance.
The vehicles as specified by IMS Lettings offer 65.7mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of only 99g/km.
Key features on the entry iQ model include air-conditioning, alloy wheels; electric front windows; electronically adjustable, heated door mirrors; leather steering wheel with audio controls, six-speaker RDS radio/CD system; ABS with electronic brake-force distribution; vehicle stability and traction control; nine airbags and remote locking.
ENDS
