New Photos - IQ

[burtandnancy]

There are 20 photos of the Toyota IQ from the NY Car Show. Lots of commonality with our smarts, lots of different ideas. Its interesting. Naturally there will be comments about the looks, but that's all in the eye of the beholder. Some people liked the Yugo. Let the fun begin...

[jmatero]

That's not the production version of the Scion IQ... its a styling exercise. I think the biggest improvements over our smarts will be the warranty, scheduled maintenance, MPG and cargo space.

[Bill Marshall]

Originally Posted by jmatero

That's not the production version of the Scion IQ... its a styling exercise. I think the biggest improvements over our smarts will be the warranty, scheduled maintenance, MPG and cargo space.

There will be no improvements in mpg over the smart fortwo. At the NY Auto Show, they were reporting mpg rating of 38 mpg, based on tests of the Euro version, which was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in February & which is going into production for the Euro market & elsewhere.

Remember that this is not he same iQ that has been on the road in Europe for the past few years. It is heavier bu 152 pounds & uses a bigger 1.33 liter engine.

I doubt that they will even get 38 mpg when it gets to the US. The dimensions of the concept car at the NY Auto Show are even bigger than the new model shown in Geneva, so it will gain weight if they use that same styling. It will gain more weight when they equip it with US required emissions & safety equipment. All of that will mean reduced fuel efficiency.

The car I saw at the Auto Show has virtually no storage space behind the back seats, so it will gain storage space over a smart when it's used as a 2-seater, but not when the back seats are in use. The reaql gain is flexibility of how space is used more than a significant gain in storage space.

There will be a better warranty, I'm sure, but I don't understand what improvements you expect in service other than access to more Toyota/Scion dealerships.

The concept car I saw offered at a lot of bells & whistels, video screens, high tech extras, etc. I think that tells us what their marketing plan is.

[jmatero]

I was fortunate enough to see a production version of the Scion IQ in Torrance and, again, what you saw at the auto show is NOT what's showing up at the dealers. It is virtually identical to the UK-spec IQ (inside and out). I would never really use the back seat so the additional space is great... we saw how with the front seat folded flat you can fit a mountain bike and close the hatch. Pricing will be below the Xd. Also, it will be available with a stick or CVT and while it will have the bigger motor, they're expecting MPG (city in particular) to be better than what you're hearing. On the outside, I have to say, it's slightly longer but in person it appears very masculine and on the inside it certainly feels wider.

I think the big deal here is that it's a proper car (as Americans know them) so there are few compromises besides the size: Engine in the front, HUGE dealer network, conventional transmissions, Bluetooth/Cruise/Nav/great radio. And in person its very attractive. These aren't hits on our smarts... just pointing out I suspect when it comes on the scene it will be much harder to justify a smart fortwo. And, yes, a convertible is on the way as well.

[BobDiaz]

I doubt that they will even get 38 mpg when it gets to the US.

Doesn't Europe have a higher octane gas than the US?

Would the lower octane gas in the US result in a lower MPG?


Bob Diaz

[2micro4u]

Originally Posted by jmatero

I was fortunate enough to see a production version of the Scion IQ in Torrance and, again, what you saw at the auto show is NOT what's showing up at the dealers. It is virtually identical to the UK-spec IQ (inside and out). I would never really use the back seat so the additional space is great... we saw how with the front seat folded flat you can fit a mountain bike and close the hatch. Pricing will be below the Xd. Also, it will be available with a stick or CVT and while it will have the bigger motor, they're expecting MPG (city in particular) to be better than what you're hearing. On the outside, I have to say, it's slightly longer but in person it appears very masculine and on the inside it certainly feels wider.

I think the big deal here is that it's a proper car (as Americans know them) so there are few compromises besides the size: Engine in the front, HUGE dealer network, conventional transmissions, Bluetooth/Cruise/Nav/great radio. And in person its very attractive. These aren't hits on our smarts... just pointing out I suspect when it comes on the scene it will be much harder to justify a smart fortwo. And, yes, a convertible is on the way as well.

If the IQ Convertible is released then I may consider the switch unless I go for the Smart Electric Drive arriving in 2012

[gniwok]

Has anyone actually looked at the backseat in the IQ's anyway? I mean really looked? Those things look like the comfort equivalent of sitting on concrete slabs! Might as well make it a two-seater and give it some cargo space!

[sato7]

the seating configuration is just for adverticing... we all know its just a two seater with a cushioned area for your groceries or backpack. I'm 6'3"... so far I have never owned a car that someone can comfortably sit behind me... even in a caddy cts.

[forestacademy]

[tbone28]

here's a link to photos of a widebody iq

Toyota And Scion IQ Car