Other automakers have attempted to make a micro compact car, but only Scion has managed to do small right. The 2012 Scion iQ recently began pouring into dealerships, and the attractive micro subcompact will be available across the U.S. by early 2012.
The iQ is a premium hatchback that takes advantage of these advancements by providing a 3+1 seating with enough room for three adults and a child. This unique seating configuration was smartly designed to help iQ owners maximize their space without sacrifice. The 50/50 rear seats fold flat whenever cargo needs to be hauled, and engineers managed to leave enough room for a full-sized adult to occupy one of those seats.
Starting at an MSRP of only $15,265, the iQ is all about pulling off small while at the same time, making sure that vehicle occupants aren’t forced to sacrifice. How does Scion manage to create a spacious cabin when the iQ is only 120 inches long? To make more room for occupants, engineers and designers utilized a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor to reduce rear overhang. Further clever engineering led to a compact air conditioning unit that takes up very little room.
Power comes from a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 94 hp and 89 lb/ft of torque. This engine utilizes the Scion VVT-I technology to output as much horsepower as vehicles much larger than the iQ; however, the fuel efficiency is still impressive by any measure. The EPA estimates that the iQ can achieve up to 37 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
These innovations keep the footprint of the iQ small, but that doesn’t mean Scion sacrificed safety. The iQ features the Toyota Star Safety System with technologies that include Antilock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology brake override. These technologies help prevent an accident, but sometimes a collision is unavoidable. To protect occupants in a crash, the iQ comes with 11 standard airbags. Particularly impressive is the fact that Scion managed to add industry-first driver and front passenger seat-cushion airbags, along with side curtain, seat-mounted side airbags and more. Additional protection comes in the form of high-strength steel and crumple zones that divert crash energy away from the passenger compartment.
Small and safe are important attributes of the iQ, and so is high technology. Today’s car buyer demands high levels of creature comforts and an interactive infotainment system, and the iQ delivers on all fronts. The iQ starts with an amazing 160-watt maximum output Pioneer stereo system as standard equipment, that features HD Radio, CD and a USB port that interfaces with an MP3 player or smartphone. This stunning stereo also features an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen with a personalized welcome screen, iPod® connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) and a subwoofer RCA output.
The iQ also features Bluetooth® connectivity, providing hands-free phone connections and streaming audio capability. This adds up to tremendous value for iQ buyers.
If that’s still not enough audio for you, Scion offers an optional 200-watt Pioneer Premium audio system. This super stereo features the same features as the standard Pioneer system, but it adds a 5.8-inch LCD touchscreen display. The system also features iTunes® tagging, Pandora® Internet Radio connected through iPhone® and six RCA outputs to add external amplifiers.
A third Multimedia Package includes a 200-watt SNS 200 system with the same features on the standard sound system, but with the addition of a navigation system and DVD player that are accessible through an easy-to-use seven-inch touchscreen LCD display.
Luxury touches are another calling card of the iQ. Each model features a leather steering wheel with a flat bottom for impressive racing feel. That wheel also comes with standard audio controls, giving the driver access to all that wonderful technology without ever needing to remove hands from the wheel.
The 2012 Scion iQ is a revolution in small, but that doesn’t mean that Scion engineers didn’t think big. The iQ impresses with terrific fuel economy, unprecedented safety advancements and cutting-edge technology. Contact us today to set up an appointment to see the iQ for yourself.
