Vehicle Overview The 2011 iQ, which Scion classifies as a micro-subcompact, will become one of the three or four smallest cars in the U.S. when it arrives early in 2011, joining the likes of the Smart ForTwo, Mini Cooper and — if Chrysler meets its promise — the Fiat 500. The iQ will deliver good but not great mileage — like the ForTwo but with more seats. The specifications suggest it won’t hold a candle to the Cooper in terms of sportiness.
At 120.1 inches from bumper to bumper, the iQ falls between the ForTwo (106.1 inches) and the Cooper (145.6), and its 66.1-inch width roughly matches the Cooper and is 4.7 inches wider than the ForTwo. With doors that make up most of the car’s side and no clear distinction between the front bumper and hood, the iQ is an attention-grabber.
The iQ’s engine is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder that Scion rates at “over 90 horsepower.” The sole transmission is a continuously variable automatic transmission, chosen for high mpg, which Scion says will be in the high 30s in combined city/highway driving.
The iQ is either a two-seater, a three-seater or a four-seater, depending on your perspective. Unlike the aptly named ForTwo, the iQ has a backseat, but there’s little room behind the driver. Scion acknowledges it’s meant for a child, a pet or a parcel. Because no pedals or steering wheel are needed, the front passenger sits farther forward than the driver, which makes the rear seat on that side more usable. The front passenger must slide forward and share legroom with the rear passenger, but it’s not unreasonable to consider it an adult seat. With its large doors, slim backrests and front seats that slide far forward, getting into the iQ’s backseat isn’t too difficult.
With the backseat raised, there’s practically no cargo space at all, but both rear seats fold flat, independently for cargo versatility.
Though it’s small, the iQ doesn’t look cheap. The cabin materials are high quality, and the interior design looks new and fresh, with wave shapes on the dashboard and armrests. The iQ comes with a six-speaker stereo, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and USB and analog jacks for MP3 players. Multiple stereo options will be available.
To address the typical concerns about small-car safety, Scion has fitted the iQ with 10 airbags, starting with two frontal-impact airbags and two seat-mounted side-impact bags in front and curtains on both sides. Both front occupants also get knee airbags. The two remaining include the first-ever rear-window curtain airbag and one incorporated into the driver’s seat cushion that’s intended to position the occupant optimally for impact.
Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control are standard equipment.
