Scion iQ Concept

Much more likely than the GM/Segway P.U.M.A. to find its way into American garages during the next couple of years, the Scion iQ concept is already on European streets under the Toyota brand. Developed as a more practical response to the Smart ForTwo, it adds two tiny seats and a roomier interior for only a few inches of length. Sported out with low profile tires, ground affects, and cool colors, it would be a great addition to Scion’s line-up of youth-oriented cars.

If you saw it on the street, you might think a Smart and Toyota Yaris procreated. At 126.9” long and 71.4” wide, it should fit almost anywhere. A rear hatch and fold-down seats allow small children to ride in the hindquarters and provides versatile luggage space. In concept form, the iQ looks like a Hot Wheels mad scientist lost his entire mind and created Frankenstein’s city car. The Toyota iQ, sold over the pond, is rather conservative, but designers went for 20-somethings and added ferocious facias, 18” gray alloy wheels, LED driving lamps, Flash Gordon metallic yellow paint, spoiler, and body color everything.

Unlike Smart, the iQ is front-engine and front-drive, requiring a slightly longer snoz than its German-French competitor. In practice, this will keep costs down and make the car a little more normal from the driver’s seat. The 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine develops 93 horsepower and 89 lb.-ft. of torque. Vehicle Stability Control, brake force distribution, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes insure all of the power does not overwhelm the car’s wee chassis.

Inside, passengers will want to play with the LCD dash screen that can play music and videos. Brown seats are stylish with their honeycomb inlays. Much of the rest of the cabin, including three knobs for climate control, sporty three-spoke steering wheel, high seating position, and simple controls are very similar to the Toyota Yaris. Designers always trick out concept cars, but the basic design and space utilization are very good. The rear window airbag is also a pretty cool idea considering how close passengers sit to the hatch.

Scion’s iQ may only have one wheel in the crazy zone as it heads for American showrooms circa 2011. Toyota is even promising an all-electric version. Take a Smart, add a little more space, up power from a larger engine, while not making it too large seems like a great recipe for Scion success. If/when the Scion iQ makes it to production, expect prices to start at a youth-friendly $13,000.

By Casey Williams
MyCarData