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2011 Scion iQ Preview

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Michel Deslauriers
XXS motoring
Two engines are available in other markets, but we’ll get a 93-horsepower, 1.3-litre inline-4 as the sole powerplant choice. Manual and CVT automatic transmissions are available overseas, but Scion only mentions the CVT in their brief product description, so we’ll see. Expect 0-100 times in the 13-second range, a top speed of 170 km/h and a combined fuel economy average of about 5 L/100 km.

Other mechanical highlights include 16-inch wheels, electric-assist power steering, an independent front and torsion beam rear suspension setup as well as four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

Inside, the iQ’s dash borrows several bits and pieces from Toyota’s parts bin, including the Yaris’ stacked heating and ventilation rotary dials. A 6-speaker stereo with USB port, iPod integration and wheel-mounted controls will be standard.

As for cargo space, you get 32 litres with the rear seatback is up, and 238 litres when it’s folded down. (Photo: Toyota)

For those who think that small cars don’t offer enough protection in the event of a collision, the iQ will feature traction and stability control systems. The car also counts on no less than 10 airbags, including a rear-window curtain that protects back-seat passengers in collisions from behind.

Scion calls the upcoming iQ a premium micro-subcompact, so we don’t expect the iQ to be a stripper. In fact, in the European iQ, you can even get plum-coloured leather upholstery, climate control, rain-sensing wipers, power heated mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows, rear park assist and navigation. We assume that most or all of this should be available in Canadian-spec models.

This is where it gets tricky. Unless Toyota pulls a rabbit out of their hat, they can’t really offer the North American version of the iQ for less than $20,000 CDN. You will get a loaded microcar for that sum, and something that’s a more reasonable size than those gargantuan Yaris and Corolla models. We’ll see how the iQ will turn out when more details surface.
2011 Scion iQ
scion iq 2011
2011 Scion iQ
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Michel Deslauriers
Michel Deslauriers
Automotive expert
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