Having narrated almost 300 crash test videos in the past year or so, I must admit there is something compelling about seeing how the smaller models fare in tests. There is the old adage that there’s no fighting physics, but we’ve seen a number of smaller vehicles with strong structures and ample air bag protection hold up well in simulated frontal- and side-impact collisions. Then again, many haven’t. Queue up the latest microcar, the Toyota iQ.

Tiny is too long a word to describe the iQ, a cleverly packaged car that manages to provide four-place seating within its 116-inch overall length. The iQ measures about 10 inches longer than the Smart ForTwo, a car whose driving experience feels more like traveling in a phone booth built for two than a traditional automobile.

On sale overseas, the Toyota iQ was just evaluated in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), where it had a strong showing in a series of crash tests. Despite the compact size, the iQ achieved an overall weighted score of 79 percent, more than enough to achieve a 5-star rating.

Breaking down the results, the iQ was rated 91 percent for adult protection; 71 percent for child protection (based on 18-month- and three-year-old child); and 54 percent for pedestrian.

Positioned as a budget-priced, fuel-efficient commuter, the iQ boasts a generous roster of safety equipment, such as nine air bags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control.

It remains an open question if the iQ will come to the States, though Toyota recently displayed the car in an electric configuration at the 2009 Detroit auto show as the FT-EV concept.

So, for those who also find crash test performances interesting, a couple of my favorite tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highways Safety include the Smart and the Mini Cooper. These, and almost 300 others, can be seen in our crash test video player. Also, videos on current-generation vehicles are now available from the model overview pages (for subscribers).

—Jeff Bartlett