- 2012 Scion iQ will be priced at $15,995, including destination.
- Only a single specification will be introduced, but 25 optional accessories will be available at launch.
- A rolling introduction across the country will take place from October to March.
SAN FRANCISCO — The 2012 Scion iQ will come to the U.S. sooner than expected, as Western states will get the car in October. The South and the Gulf states will get the cars in January, while the Northeast will get them in February. Midwestern states will have to wait until March. Given the ongoing impact of Japan's disastrous earthquake and tsunami, this is encouraging news for the country's car industry.
The car will be priced at $15,265, and the addition of Scion's $730 fee brings the total to $15,995. The price includes a program of complimentary maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, plus roadside assistance, notes Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion. At this price point, the Scion iQ is positioned against the Honda Fit and Mini Cooper, rather than minimalist cars like the Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Accent.
Only one well-equipped specification of the iQ will be available. It comes with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 94 horsepower and 89 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends the power to the front wheels. Scion says the 2,127-pound car will reach 60 mph in 11.8 seconds and top out at 100 mph. Fuel economy is rated at 36 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined.
The iQ coming to the U.S. looks much the same as the international version and measures just 120.1 inches overall. Scion is making much of a lively personality in the car's marketing plan, and a useful range of accessories will be available at the car's introduction, including shorter springs for a lower ride height and larger cast-aluminum wheels with summer performance tires. At the same time, it's clear that big fuel economy in a small size is what is actually on offer here with the iQ. A message of safety is also sent by the use of 11 airbags (count 'em!) for the 3+1 passenger package.
Inside Line says: The Scion iQ looks good in person, though it drives like a cut-down Corolla. But it's way better than a Smart Fortwo.
Add A Comment »
torokun says:
09:48 AM, 09/06/2011
Overpried.
xorbe says:
03:09 PM, 07/20/2011
Not a single photo towards the driver's seat. Is this a two or four seater vehicle?
blackdynamite1 says:
09:25 AM, 07/20/2011
There are only like 3-4 cars on the market that get 37 combined
It looks much better than the Smart of Fiat
The Fiat looks like a Beetle's bastard child
BD
lolxd says:
08:54 AM, 07/20/2011
Toyota's answer to the Fiat 500.
It may be more reliable than the Fiat but it lacks style.
The little Fiat though is more an expensive accessory as the Scion iQ is more of a domestic appliance.
johnmarco says:
08:53 AM, 07/20/2011
I actually like the style but I don't think it's compelling enough on either fuel economy or price. 37 mpg is now not that remarkable, and $15k is easily beat by other offerings. It seems like the car should really excel on one of these axes to make up for the perceived penalty of driving a roller skate.
soakee says:
08:51 AM, 07/20/2011
No manual transmission? MPG is only 37mpg combined? Priced at sixteen grand? And it weighs over a ton? I'm betting it sells on cute.
blackdynamite1 says:
07:38 AM, 07/20/2011
Way better than a SmartFortwo?
Well, it's a start
I really wanted 40MPG
I'm more interested in the EV model next year
BD
jay_sf says:
07:37 AM, 07/20/2011
Quite the little bugger, isn't it.