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Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced on November 6, 2008 that its new “iQ” ultra-compact vehicle has won this years’ Good Design Award Grand Award, the top prize in the Good Design Awards competition held annually in Japan.

The “micro-premium” iQ, with a package that seats four in a vehicle 2,985mm long by 1,680mm wide by 1,500mm high, aims—through its unique styling that creates a sense of sophistication and presence that belies the car’s size—to dispel conventional notions about small cars. The vehicle delivers outstanding cruising and environmental performance with a high degree of safety.

The iQ was praised for being “a vehicle which has delivered on its aim to dispel conventional notions about small cars. Combined with its cruising stability and safety, the iQ is certain to breathe new life into the compact vehicle market worldwide.”

This is the second time that TMC has won the Good Design Grand Award, the first time being in 2003 for the “Prius”.

This year, 1,067 of the 3,023 entries received awards. Seven of the best 15 entrants then became candidates to receive the Good Design Grand Award.

The Good Design Awards have been run by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization since 1998 and represent Japan’s only comprehensive design evaluation and commendation system. Their origin is in the “Good Design Selection System” (“G-Mark System”), which was instituted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1957.

2009 Toyota iQ – Hi-res Images