Scion iQ Concept: Up Close
The iQ Concept works. On one level it works because it's just audacious enough to attract the young buyers to whom Scion has always catered — the demographic that found appeal in the brand's early xB and xA despite their small size, modest power and distinctive styling. But it also works because of what it represents to any American buyer: a car that doesn't give up too much in exchange for its small size and presumptive fuel efficiency.
The iQ, which is based on the Toyota iQ sold overseas, came out the day after GM and Segway introduced their two-seat, scooter-in-a-bubble PUMA. That thing's a curiosity, but I don't think anyone will take it seriously as the future of transportation. (We've heard that a few times before.) The iQ is an actual car that can attain speeds above 35 mph. I'll go out on a limb here and say it will probably protect its occupants a little bit better, too. Americans are already concerned about driving a small car among SUVs and such, but many have already shown a willingness to take that chance with the Smart ForTwo.
When you get a closer look at the iQ, you see why it's a better option than the Smart. The front seats are plenty roomy, like the ForTwo's, the interior is pretty nice, like the ForTwo's. (I'd say it's nicer, but this is technically a concept, so the comparison isn't really fair). The iQ is available with a manual, which the ForTwo hasn't offered — which wouldn't be as much of a problem if the Smart's automatic weren't so awful to drive (see our review). And finally, the iQ's backseat is workable. It's not exactly a throne back there, but it's better than the ForTwo's by dint of its existence. As the ForTwo name suggests, it has only two seats. That's not the issue, though.
The issue is that the Smart has practically zero cargo space; the iQ has folding rear seats, so if you don't have your kid brother crammed back there, you get real, usable carrying capacity. That's the ForTwo's fundamental problem. For how much you have to sacrifice to drive it, the ForTwo's price should be lower and its mileage should be higher. Being a concept, the iQ would have to be adapted for U.S. safety and emissions standards. Scion vice president Jack Hollis says it would be at least a year away from U.S. dealerships if it does get the go-ahead. Regardless, it's the right approach. I like it. I like it a lot.
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Pictures show an automatic gear selector. Is there a second car with a manual?
I know this is just a concept car for now but a subcompact economy car with $600 worth of brakes and $1000 worth of tires is kind of funny.
H,
Thanks for catching that. Joe had his wording wrong. We fixed that.
Ermatthe,
Yes, the iQ was "customized" by an aftermarket company that works with Scion for show cars. That's the "concept" part of the car. The real thing would likely ride on similar tires and wheels as the xD.
The concept is over the top for me, but the regular iQ is brilliant! I want one! Finally, a Toyota where you don't have to apologize for the styling, and no center mounted speedometer!
I WANT THE CAR . PLEASE SELL IT.
What is the orange Pickup truck looking vehicle in the background of the iQ pictures?
If I'm not mistaken, I saw this car when I lived in Europe, though there it's known as the Toyota Aygo. I believe it's a model shared with Peugeot.
In any case, if it's the same car, it would be interesting to see another tiny car on our roads... in a good way, of course!
"FG"... Its acually called an iQ in Europe (, Japan and the rest of the world) also, though its sold as a Toyota. You can find more info on this car by google(ing) Toyota iQ.
The Aygo is a different car which is built in the EU as a JV with PSA. It is also sold as the Peugeot 107 and Ciroen C1.
I think it is bigger than the IQ but less expensive. The Aygo is a really basic small city car. Not something I tend to focus on to be honest...
I want one of these, maybe two. I love the green , blue or orange would be cool. Not getting my hopes up,as with most concepts, they stay just that, concepts. Or the final is so "weak" .
sigh
gb