BOSTON — Reacting to the trends and fads in the auto industry takes several years, as product development takes longer than a committee meeting or an extended session of Congress. The proliferation of new small cars now appearing is a result of the financial collapse and rapid run-up in fuel prices from 2008-2009.
One of the smallest of these new arrivals — actually, the smallest four-passenger car in the world — is Toyota’s new Scion IQ. This Scion has been on sale in other markets for two years, but is now headed stateside to perhaps a mixed reception.
Small, subcompact cars have not enjoyed the robust sales found elsewhere in the world, hence some trepidation about injecting a lot of these vehicles into the North American marketplace. With little adaptation needed for American safety and insurance standards, the IQ did not require a lot of extra research and development.
The IQ is 120 inches long, 66 inches wide, and has a turning radius of only 26 feet — the smallest radius of any car sold in America. Unloaded, the IQ weighs just over 2,100 pounds.
The front passenger seat sits farther forward than the driver’s seat to help access to the decidedly snug rear bench seat. Toyota claims, and it was demonstrated at the 2012 New England Auto Show, that four 6-foot-tall adults will fit in the Scion. Yes, they can, but going farther than a short run to the local pub would be less than tolerable as this defined ‘city car’ is best suited for two-plus-two functionality, with rear passengers possible in a pinch.
From the driver’s seat, the IQ has all of the amenities that drivers seek. Push-button ignition, upgraded stereo, even the industry’s first rear window airbag are part of the portfolio. There are 11 airbags in total in the IQ.
Pricing starts at just under $16,000, including delivery fee. The IQ uses a 1.3-liter engine with 94 horsepower and has EPA mileage ratings of 36-city/37-mpg highway with a CVT automatic transmission.
Scion also will add its first rear-drive model to the lineup this spring, a new four-seat sports car called the FRS. Developed with minority partner Subaru — which will also sell a version — this American-designed model promises more brand penetration for Scion as Toyota works to recover from its recent missteps.
Source: Fence Viewer
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