Smart's first competition?

[timhood]

From Autoweek, February 25, 2008:

Fortwo meet iQ

"The Smart Fortwo will have competition when Toyota introduces the iQ urban car at the Geneva motor show. Toyota will begin selling the small car in Europe this year; U.S. plans haven't been announced.

At less than 118 inches in length, the iQ is about 32 inches shorter than a Yaris hatchback. However, the iQ still over-shadows the Fortwo, which measures 106 inches. iQ carries three passengers (the Fortwo carries two) and has an area that doubles as a seat for a child or luggage space."

When I saw the picture that accompanied this new item, I thought it was a picture of a smart. I had to look three times before I realized it's a picture of an iQ. It's strikingly similar. If this link doesn't show the picture: http://cwimg.sv.publicus.com/apps/pb...ef=AR&maxw=350 then try this link to the article: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...FREE/146070530

All I can say is if this car comes to the U.S., smart has serious competition: Toyota brand reputation and reliability, Toyota sales and dealer network, a car that attracts the same buyer with a very similar look and form factor yet a little more useful with room for an additional passenger. If the iQ meets or beats Fortwo's fuel economy and/or horsepower, it would be a very competitive alternative. Right now the big unknown is that Toyota hasn't committed to selling the car in the U.S. But realistically, if there really are one-year waits for a Fortwo, who thinks Toyota wouldn't join the race? They already have the dealer network, they're already planning on building the car.

[E-SMART]

whole thread on production Toyota iQ over in the 'lounge' forum, take a look

production toyota iQ

[Westfield 11]

VW also has a car coming to compete in this class. This one has an innovative 3 seat design to maximise comfort for two while still allowing an occasional third passenger.
There is too much potential growth in the micro-car segment for any world-wide mfg. to sit it out. We are in for a fun few years as fuel prices rise and our choices for alternatives expand. The smart is just the 1st here.

[august8pm]

Originally Posted by timhood

All I can say is if this car comes to the U.S., smart has serious competition: Toyota brand reputation and reliability, Toyota sales and dealer network....

All that may be true, but if the same target audience are unhappy the smart buying experience thus far, I can only imagine what their fan forums will look like after dealing with volume dealerships whose salespeople can work 12-hour days without making a penny....

[timhood]

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

VW also has a car coming to compete in this class. This one has an innovative 3 seat design to maximise comfort for two while still allowing an occasional third passenger.
There is too much potential growth in the micro-car segment for any world-wide mfg. to sit it out. We are in for a fun few years as fuel prices rise and our choices for alternatives expand. The smart is just the 1st here.

What's the VW's name or codename?

[E-SMART]

see link below, that ones been around for awhile (this past Sept)


http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publi...cle_2052.shtml

[eqwalker]

My goodness, I just don't see how these are better looking than the smart. The iQ and this VW Up! are just plan butt ugly to me. The iQ's front end is simply horrid wedgy and the VW Up!....well, I can't even describe how bad it looks. The smart is way better looking with it's lines and curves. Oh well, I thought the Scion Xb looked like a cardboard box. Wasn't there a car commercial where people were driving around in cardboard box cars except for this one? I guess different strokes for different folks.

[SmartBob]

Hehehe People have driven "cardboard boxes" for years. There called SUVs!
I like the look of the VW and IQ but Smart will be way ahead of them by the time they get them selling here in the U.S.

IMHO The Smart buying experience is in it's shakedown phase. This is something new and they haven't done that badly considering they have 40k reservations without any advertising. We all new we had to wait. Some of our dealers were slow on the uptake getting their facilities built. Some of us live in areas very denseley populated. Some of us live in the boonies.
Back in the day we were entirely at the mercy of the Car dealership. At least now we have forums and instant communication as to our vehicles whereabouts and progress. To some of us this is NOT an advantage it seems but just frustrating to know what's going on but not be able to do a thing about it. Not looking to debate or argue here...just summarizing the last several months and those yet to come. Drive Smart! ______