Toyota Introduces IQ in US as Scion

Scion was founded by Toyota in 2002 to sell small, entry-level cars that were still stylish and youth-oriented. Its most iconic model in its short existence has been the box-on-wheels Xb. Now it is bringing an even smaller car to the US – the Scion iQ. 

With an overall length of just 120.1 inches, the iQ will be one of the smallest cars on sale in the US. To create such a compact vehicle the iQ uses a flat fuel tank mounted under the floor to reduce rear overhang. It also uses a special, compact front differential and high-mounted steering rack to shorten front overhang. 

Already available badged as a Toyota in Europe and Japan, the iQ will be powered in the US by a 1.3l four-cylinder engine making 94 horsepower and 89 lb/ft of torque and has a combined fuel economy rating of 37 miles per gallon. 

The iQ is just 10 feet long, but Toyota claims that it will be able to seat four passengers. It comes standard with 11 airbags, ABS, braking assist, traction control, stability control and tire pressure monitoring. It also comes standard with an mp3-enabled radio by Pioneer with Bluetooth and a USB port for connecting media players. There is also an optional navigation package. 

The iQ will roll out on the west coast in October starting at a base price of $15,265 (plus $730 for delivery, processing and handling) and will be available in the rest of the US by early 2012.