Toyota iQ Could Come to U.S.

Toyota unveiled a production version of its iQ microcar at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, and now AutoWeek is reporting that the company may import the iQ to the U.S. if it can meet federal safety standards, which are more stringent than those overseas.

The iQ is slightly larger than a Smart ForTwo and has rear seats that bump up against the rear hatch and glass. We’d guess those seats would have to go if the iQ were to meet safety requirements. We’d also guess Toyota will wait to see if the Smart is successful before making a business case for the iQ.

Comments

[Perkins]

I wish they would send it to the U.S. right away. I'm fine with only two seat, I would love to have a car that could get upwards of 50 mpg and not cost an arm and a leg. Plus, it's a better looking ride than the Smart.
I wish a U.S.-based automaker would be brave enough to provide a high-feature, high-mileage minicar.

[ziggy]

It seems that U.S. automakers don't want to be trend setters or test unknown waters. The big 3 tend to play it cautiously and play the wait and see game. Honda and Toyota were selling hybrid technology long before Ford and GM got on board. The Smart will have some success and so will the IQ. Also as long as they continue to make a profit selling large gas guzzlers, they will.

[Dave T.]

there are a few reasons you don't see microcars in the U.S. at least until now.

We have a highway infrastructure and the commute is getting longer not shorter.

They would be too expensive to manufacture to meet federal safety standards, or if they do they'd be too heavy to deliver decent performance or mileage.

Gas had been relatively inexpensive.

[M3]

I saw the smart in person for the first time at a car show in KC last week. I was hopeful, but I was NOT impressed. It seemed really flimsy and cheap with poor build quality and materials, yet the price was higher than many other entry level cars that seem better built. I think Toyota should definitely bring this car over. I'm sure they'll have much better quality than smart, and if they can beat the price then they'll have a winner. Plus, I hope Toyota has a true manual transmission in theirs, rather than the stupid auto-shifted manual in the smart.

[kwana]

I saw the Smart in Canada. It is a "smart" looking little car. I am glad Honda brought in the Fit and Toyota brought in the Yaris. What I don't like it that these cars are dimensioned to fit an "average size" American. Therefore, the car is tall and out of proportion. I am 5' 6" and I do not need the extra headroom or a sunroof. These micro cars are NOT intended for a big person. I wish they can lower the height to cut wind drag and weight and lower the center of gravity. I see new 5 door Aveos selling for $8000. I hope the IQ will be priced near that. Most buyers for this class size are concerned about their pocket books; although, some may want to load it up a little. I think the US will welcome this little gem and with 5 sp manual transmission.
As to why US is not making these kind of cars, blame it on the oil companies, they have control over our politicians. You can tell a few years ago, the The Highway Safety was actually advertising how a little car was demolished against big trucks. If that is their real concern, they should also stop Harley from making motorcycles.