2011 Scion iQ Overviews

The 2011 Scion iQ goes on sale in the spring of 2011. Scion iQ is a city car, a microsubcompact. City cars like the iQ are more familiar in Europe and other markets outside North America. Micro-subcompacts must meet all government crash-protection standards.

At a length of precisely 10 feet, the 2011 Scion iQ will be about a foot longer than the Smart ForTwo. Inside the iQ, Scion has devised what it calls 3+1 seating. Slim front seatbacks maximize rear-passenger knee room. Scion says there's enough cargo space for two standard golf bags.

2011 Scion iQ

Using front-wheel drive, the Scion iQ is motivated by a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine with Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing. Perhaps to address perceptions about extra-small cars, Scion will load the iQ with safety-enhancing features. Other airbags include front-impact airbags, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags, side-curtain airbags front and rear, and driver and front-passenger knee airbags.
The iQ’s profile, defined by a strong and high beltline, glides from the large, stout headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wraps around the rear, emphasizing the iQ’s geometric shape. The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style.

Engineering innovations like a compact air-conditioning unit, inverted front-mounted differential, and electronic power-steering system with compact steering column, all amount to significant decreases in front-end length. In addition, the Scion iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang.

The iQ’s functional 3+1 seating equates to the world’s smallest four-passenger vehicle. With the driver’s and front-passenger’s seats being slightly off set, this innovative seating arrangement allows for one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver. The Scion iQ is small in size but large on safety. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control , an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution, Brake Assist and Traction Control.

The Scion iQ will come standard with 10 SRS airbags, including the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver- and front-passenger airbags; driver- and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; driver- and front-passenger knee airbags; and a Scion-first driver seat-cushion airbag.

The Toyota iQ, the world’s smallest four-seater, is headed to the U.S., but not as a Toyota. To bring it in line with the other offerings from Toyota’s youth-oriented Scion brand, the Scion iQ will get a bit more flash and flare than the Toyota version, with sharper, beefier front and rear fascias and more-muscular fenders. Where the German-brand mini drives its rear wheels with a small 3-cylinder engine mounted in back, the Scion iQ has an up-front engine and front-wheel drive. The Scion is also larger than the Smart, standing some 10 inches longer, nearly 5 inches wider, and 2.4 inches lower on a 4.7-inch-longer wheelbase.Scion expects the iQ to return a combined-fuel-economy figure in the high 30s.Regarding pulsating-light-ring, door-mounted speaker-surrounds, Scion refuses to engage Kia, leaving that bit of chintz to the Korean Forte and Soul.