An all-new entry for the 2012 model year, the Scion iQ demonstrates what's possible when searching for capable transportation sporting dimensions smaller than a conventional subcompact.
The iQ is a new model from one of the industry's youngest auto divisions.Toyota Motor Company debuted Scion in 2003 as the answer going forward to the question of what Generations X and Y deem desirable. Interesting that during the week of testing, most unsolicited comments came from those with a touch of grey in their hair. At 10 feet in length, it's more than two-and-a-half feet shorter in length than the redesigned-for-2012 subcompact Toyota Yaris. Maybe iPod would serve as a more suitable name for this particular Scion if not for a potential legal battle from the ghost of Steve Jobs and Apple.
While designed for the wilds of urban jungles with their limited parking spaces and lower speed travel, the iQ is surprisingly versatile and more than capable of handling suburban Chicago wilds. Don't let the almost laughable dimensions dissuade a potential peek or test drive.
Comparisons to the Smart Fortwo immediately come to mind in this small but growing (ie number of models offered, not size) micro category. Smart's Fortwo has been available in the United States since the 2008 model year and has a four-year sales head start on the iQ.That's about the only advantage Smart Fortwo currently boasts when compared side-by-side with iQ save for Smart's lower starting price ($12,490) and available convertible body style. A rough-shifting transmission is still in need of tweaking and basic highway manners must be addressed; not to mention Smart's 70 horsepower 1.0-liter four cylinder engine requires premium fuel. The most ironic twist may be Smart's association with highly refined German automaker Mercedes-Benz. From the domestic side, Chevrolet jumps into the micro wave of sub sub compacts with the all-new 2013 model year five-door Spark; although Spark measures two feet longer than iQ.
iQ's trim level and engine selection couldn't be much simpler. Scion's front-wheel-drive iQ is available in one base, three-door hatch trim featuring a 1.3-liter four cylinder powertrain delivering 94 horsepower. Looking for oodles of factory options? Look elsewhere as the sole trim comes amply loaded from the factory, although iQ is expected to thrive in the aftermarket arena as owners seek to differentiate their purchase from one another. This marketing strategy basically holds true for all of Scion's four 2012 models as does a no haggle, one-price strategy. One question in need of answering concerns selecting one of three available audio systems with different nuances including Satellite Radio or navigation functions.
Standard equipment includes single-zone air conditioning, compact disc player with MP3 capabilities, USB port, power mirrors, power door locks, rear window defroster with wiper and power windows; not to mention 11 air bags, including the industry's first rear window air bag. Cruise control is not offered. Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for hands-free phone connection and HD radio, is also standard.
Starting price checks in at $15,265. Comparatively speaking, that's more than many subcompacts (Toyota's Yaris, for example, starts at $14,115 for a five-speed manual base edition). Scion, however, thinks its target market of young urban dwellers will view the truncated dimensions as a plus. The few extras in our white iQ tester included a $220 paint upgrade, $285 rear spoiler, $145 carpeted floor mats, a $65 cargo net and $479 premium Pioneer HD radio for a bottom line of $17,189 including $730 destination charge.
The sole transmission is a continuously variable speed (CVT) automatic transmission, requiring no manual shifting or foot-clutch activity. Instead of a set number of gears (4, 5 or 6), a CVT utilizes an infinite range of forward settings for a smoother sensation (no hunting for gears or lurching sensations). Fuel mileage checks in at a respectable 36 mpg city and 37 mpg highway; good but under Hyundai's compact Accent which reaches 40 mpg highway with automatic or manual transmission. The iQ is good to go with 87-octane regular unleaded.
Despite the small size, front seat riders get treated to above-average headroom, and cloth-trimmed front bucket seats situate higher than some compact sedans and manually slide back and forth with the aid of an outboard lever. Long, tall, relatively lightweight side doors swing out extra wide for pleasurable entry and exit. While the front windshield is ample sized, tiny rear side static windows create blind spot issues. The three-spoke steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope and includes a front-facing ignition cylinder on the right. The left side includes a secondary audio button controlling volume and station pre-set selection. The small instrument cluster borrows the profile of a hand-held hair dryer housing a speedometer and tachometer. Immediately to the left is a square digital message center including a bar-graph fuel gauge. The dash includes a two-tone flavor.
A hand-operated parking brake situates between front buckets along with a single beverage slot. Side doors also include single molded holders. Three large, easy-to-grab dials monitor ventilation; the only twist being their vertical rather than horizontal layout. Power mirrors from a push-pate on the far left side of the dashboard. The fuel-release lever resides on the floor left of the driver's bucket.
As the name implies, Smart's Fortwo is strictly a two seater; iQ, however, pushes the envelope, with a four-seat configuration. At first, this would seem akin to a familiar circus stunt where a gaggle of clown college graduates come tumbling out of a Vega or Gremlin. Surprisingly, iQ's back seat has more potential than many, considerably larger, four-seat convertibles. Large side doors aid maneuvering into the back row. For practical purposes, consider iQ a three seater with the third wheel usually positioned behind the passenger.
If the thin backrests are prone, little to no storage space is available behind, although managing to squish three thinly filled Jewel Food Center polyurethane bags into the area is possible with a touch of creative effort. More than likely most of the backrest's time will be spent folded forward onto the seat cushion where space is put to better use as a small cargo hole.
The brake pedal has a relatively long foot throw before activating. The short wheelbase does nothing to smooth out road imperfections, but other than occasional bumps, the ride is decent. The short, sloped front hood escapes the view of the driver. On I355 from Lombard north to Palatine, iQ was planted and in control. At no time did it feel overmatched while traveling at highway speeds with other vehicles.
Seven exterior colors are available. Long sloped A pillars flank a conventional-sized windshield that seems oversized for this vehicle. A truncated, half-moon-shaped hood gets flanked by large headlight housing that meets up very close to the aforementioned A pillars. Decent-sized side view mirrors smartly include secondary blinker bands. The 2013 edition remains virtually unchanged from its 2012 counterpart.
2012 Scion iQPrice as tested:$17,189
Wheelbase:78.7 inches
Length: 120.1 inches
Width:66.1 inches
Height: 59.1 inches
Engine:1.3-liter four cylinder
Horsepower:94
Curb weight:2,127 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five year/60,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 36 mpg city, 37 mpg highway