2012 Scion iQ First Impressions

The Scion iQ is billed as the world’s smallest four-seater and the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid car currently on the market, at 5 L/100km combined city/highway. In a bold move, Scion Canada made the iQ a “mono-spec” car, one without significant options.

Options in this case consist of a different stereo package and seven different colours. Scion also has a page of dealer-installed accessories that can be added to help personalize your new iQ.

The Scion iQ is billed as the world’s smallest four-seater and the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid car currently on the market. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com)

Conservative on the Outside
Ideally, Scion wants to get the 20-somethings through the door, but also admits that the 50-somethings will find the car attractive. To pull this off, the iQ has a flat front fascia with small grille openings that mimics the lower spoiler idea of “tuner” cars. Getting air up and over the front means a sloped nose with sculpted headlamps.

Once up to the passenger compartment, it is obvious that the A-pillars are farther forward than normal. This gets air up and over the high roofline and past the rear lip spoiler mounted on the rear hatch. Air on the sides flows along a slightly sculpted side that makes use of aerodynamic aids to direct it along to the rear and help fold it in behind the car.

Cool on the Inside
Once you open the large door with its large glass area, the cool factor starts to come into play. On the door itself is a grab handle that doubles as a stylish armrest extension and protection for the auto up and down power windows.

Premium front bucket seats keep you comfortable despite the limited range of adjustment. All iQ front seats move fore and aft and have rake adjustments for the seatback, but there is no adjustment for height.

An asymmetrical dash makes the simple instrument cluster prominent on the driver’s side while it drops away on the passenger side to open up extra space for the right-side occupant.

In reality, back-seat space is minimal and I doubt if anyone larger than an infant could fit in the back regularly. With the 50/50-split, flat-folding rear seat down, the area behind the front seats is large enough to hold the results of a trip to Costco. I suspect that a couple of hockey bags would fit as well, although getting the sticks in might be a challenge.

With the 50/50-split, flat-folding rear seat down, the area behind the front seats is large enough to hold the results of a trip to Costco. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com)