Review Spec Price and Manual

Review 2012 Scion iQ

The Garage was present at the 2010 New York Auto Show for the reveal of the new Scion iQ. In a darkened room, the iQ was shown to the press with a well choreographed light show and typical thumping techno music, that yes, still raises the hairs on the back of my neck. Sold as a Toyota elsewhere in the world, our Scion iQ was exciting because it is actually the first micro car sold in North America in current times by a mainstream automaker. And Scion execs made it clear at the time New York City was the ideal setting to show such a tiny urban-focused car. Unfortunately, due to the catastrophic tsunami that ravaged Japan, and a very gradual roll out, it would not be until 2012 when the first iQs trickled onto the showroom floor. Was it worth the wait? Read on!

Naturally, the first thing you notice about the iQ is its extremely diminutive size. Its almost laughably small, to the point people feared my safety, and questioned my sanity about strapping in my six-year old son in the back seat. The reality is the Scion is stuffed with all the latest safety features, and no fewer than 11 airbags. Sure, at a party with my sons classmates I was a little out of place with minivans and SUVs, but the little iQ is solid. But back to its looks. For a tiny car the iQ does not overdue the cute factor, which they easily could have done. Scion also resisted the path for a retro look, opting instead for a thoroughly modern, contemporary design. Scion, after all, is seeking a younger market, so a repeat of some 1960s mini-Toyota would not resonate with this crowd.

As tiny as the iQ is outside, the cabin is surprisingly roomy. At 61 I had all the room I needed and then some. With some clever packaging Scion positioned the passenger seat forward somewhat without sacrificing room, with a rear seat to boot. Our small family of three were actually quite comfortable in the iQ, but there would be no way for someone to occupy the seat behind me. Scion calls the iQ a 3+1, which I interpret as seats three with a spot to place a bag. Interior design complements the exterior, meaning a clean, current look. The driver faces an analog speedo and tiny tach, flanked to the left by a small LCD screen with other vitals, and a large color display for the infotainment center, with a simple center stack below. All in all, the iQ is an easy place to get used to quickly. As expected, quality of materials and workmanship are bar none, even though are test car was a pre-production model. My only complaint is in Scions quest for ultimate interior volume, there is no glove compartment, or any concealed storage at all. Phones, cameras, iPods, etc had to be hid under the floor mat.

The Scion iQ comes in one flavor only, a 1.3L four rated at 94hp paired to a CVT (continuously variable transmission). European markets can have their iQs with a manual tranny, but not us, which is a shame, as I could only imagine how much more enjoyable the iQ would be to drive. With a car like the iQ, naturally one of the first questions that arises if that of fuel economy. The EPA rates the iQ at 36/37 MPG city/highway. Not bad, but when asked by others the response was typically Thats all it gets? And I agree. There are larger, more practical cars that can top 40 MPG on the highway.

You see, the iQ is an urban car, and I was living with it in a suburban environment. Instead of the hip 20-something urban dweller, Im knocking on 40 with a wife and a kid. So yes, I see things differently than Scions target market. But still, the Scion actually managed to be a perfectly functional car. Even with three passengers, I was able to load in a couple bags of mulch and some groceries. Invited to the 2012 Go Further With Ford media event in Dearborn, Michigan, the iQ was called upon for airport duty. Rear seats folded down, the iQ easily handled my luggage. After a grueling trip, the iQ, which takes its time getting up to speed, surprisingly was a peaceful oasis on the drive home from the airport, solid as a rock as I held a steady 80mph on a steamy late June evening.

The iQ is Scions least expensive offering, with a base price of $15,265USD. Bluetooth, A/C, power accessories and decent audio are standard. The iQ is no stripper, and was not built to a price. Our test car added a rear spoiler, fog lights, and 16 alloy wheels which definitely gave the car a sporty look. With an astonishing three separate floor mat options added, leather shift knob and Pioneer Premium audio system, our iQ rang in at $18,347, including delivery. No, the iQ is not cheap if you judge it by its size. For just over ten grand you can buy a Nissan Versa, but Scion is not after that buyer.

I find it ironic that after Ford flew me back to Connecticut, speaking to me about the future of the car industry and what future buyers desire, the answer was already awaiting me in the form of the Scion iQ. There is a profound shift in Generation Ys automotive expectations, a generation who grew up on the internet, whose right of passage was getting a smart phone, not a license to drive. This is a generation that is gravitating back to the city. Economy, small size, connectivity and thumping audio are greater concerns than 0-60mph times, and on that level the iQ excels. And if there was ever a car to knock out the Smart ForTwo, it is the iQ.

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1. Review: 2011 Scion tC
2. Scion Debuts iQ
3. Scion Annouces US Pricing for iQ
4. Scion marketing iQ with Babes, Donuts and Milk
5. Scions xB and xD on Final Lap