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Scion iQ for the US

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Toyota will be selling the iQ as a Scion in the US.
Motor Trend claims this will happen in late 2009.

It’s a really cute car, and more practical than a Smart.

I’ll report on this next month, when a Scion branded iQ might be showing up at the L.A Auto show.

Conversation 18 comments

  1. It will cost $ 16,000, which is a few too many hairs expensive, but a better and more practical ride than the Smart. The Smart only has a 2 yr power warranty while Toyota is much longer; and the parts seem kind of lame to me where as Toyotas generally seem more robust. Also, I can’t stand that flimsy basket-compartment thing facing the shifter in the Smart car and the ride is just bumper car horrid. Hats off to Toyota for thing of us loyalist in need for a real micro car and please equip this nugget with xeons.

  2. I like it. It has what will probably be a more efficient yet more powerful engine than the Smart, and the visual “tippiness” of the Smart is negated by the iQ’s lower height, added width and larger wheels.

    Toyota needed this in the US yesterday, shame they have to sell it as a Scion so they don’t step on the Yaris’ bargain-basement price.. I’m sure it will retail for $2-3k more.

  3. I saw the iQ last summer in the flesh.
    It is much more impressive in reality. And seems very wide for its size.
    Which helps make it look quite substantial.

  4. This will be great. I see its a first with having rear airbags which pop up out of the rear seats in a rear end collision. Its just trying to convince people to get out of large cars and SUV’s which will be the challenge.

  5. I am glad Toyota is making a bold and strategic move. The Smart has done very well in the US. The wait time is 1.5 years. With Toyota reliability and the iQ’s flexibility, the car will outsell the Smart. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Smart losing a few deposits when the iQ comes to our shore.

  6. Nice to know that my prediction was correct! Now they can get rid of the xD without fear since the US will have the 5 door Yaris now. This will beat the Smart w/o fail. It will be lower in price and will take REGULAR unleaded!

  8. I think the Scion iQ (please keep the name!) will be more expensive to market it as a fashion car…like the Mini or the Smart. The idea with Scions is to get as many aftermarket accessories as you can so you can “look cool” instead of getting a flashy (and more expensive) european car that makes you “look spoiled”. …expect buyers to put up to $21,000 into one of these pocket pals.

    I see a lot of HS kids in Scions lately. And the enviro-fashionistas will love them, too…just big enough for the anorexic models and their egos with gas mileage that is SO in this year.

  9. If they can get this in the US at a price close to the Smart it will be a runaway hit. Smart cars are everywhere in LA.

  11. How did I know everyone would sing its praises simply because it’s a Toyota? I don’t think Scion branding will help the attempt to cast it as green/efficient.

  12. How did I know everyone would sing its praises simply because it’s a Toyota? I don’t think Scion branding will help the attempt to cast it as green/efficient.

    What is your definition of green/efficient then soul brother??

  13. This is probably as green and efficient as they will come at the moment. Most other car makers are all talk but no action.

  14. “OMG call me slow, but I just got it. IQ = Smart. It’s synonymous!”

    LOL!! On that same note, don’t forget, Ford used to market a small electric called Think… could the Nissan Brain and VW Mensa be far behind?

  15. Trust, the car looks quite interesting (and actually pretty good for being so small, better than the Smart if you ask me).

    My points are:
    -the Scion badge doesn’t say “green” so much as “hip.” Not that that will necessarily scare away consumers.
    -Aw, who am I kidding, I simply was in a mood to go in on Toyota fanboys for slurping every new release as if it’s automotive gold.

  18. “OMG call me slow, but I just got it. IQ = Smart. It’s synonymous!”

    LOL!! On that same note, don’t forget, Ford used to market a small electric called Think… could the Nissan Brain and VW Mensa be far behind?

    Just so you know, I beat you to a similar joke:

    Soul Brother No. 7 said…

    What’s next? GM Genius? Honda Brainiac? Ford Clever? Chrysler Know-It-All?

    It looks nice simply because it’s a different look from the Smart.

    And with BMW thinking on another Isetta, a real race could heat up.

    August 19, 2008 7:11 PM

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