In testing at a Fuji Speedway course set in a parking lot, the Toyota i-Road swerved easily through corners, felt safe and fun too.
It seems an ideal commuting vehicle, emission free with an electric motor, able to go 50 km on a charge, with top speed of 60 km/h.
With one wheel in back, it looks tipsy but doesn't tip, as an on-board computer programs an instant adjustment.
Made of carbon-fibre, the body is sturdy. Inside, the single seat is comfortable. Operation is simple - push the D-botton on the dash to go forward, release the safety break, push the pedal and presto, off you go in near-silence.
A company engineer says the vehicle remains in development. Snow and ice represent a to-be-resolved issue, so even though the i-Road has been driven by the public at auto shows, it's not for sale. Yet.
Here it is in action at the Toronto auto show in February:
Like us on Facebook
Add us to your circles
Sign up for our weekly newsletter.