iQ Coming to US as Scion

[Cruising n Coasting]

At 6-2 the Smart is easy for me to get into. the IQ looks like a std car and that will not work for me - I will stick with the Smart.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by BigWarpGuy

Like some have or want to do with the Fortwo?

Hey, if one were to take this article as a guide, giving the smart a Benz star would be appropriate since it is a "Mercedes-Benz-built Smart"

[saronian]

Originally Posted by rfernatt

FYI
Toyota Introducing Smart-Fighting Tiny Car to U.S. -- As a Scion

This made sense when I first read it. The iQ is not expected to be "inexpensive" which would make it a hard sell along side the Yaris in the Toyota lineup.

You would be comparing a 2009 Yaris liftback at 151" for $14,800 to an iQ at 118" for the same price or more. Only a fortwo owner would understand the concept of less for more.

BTW - I like the iQ concept, but would want to see how it felt inside before comparing it to the fortwo. I'm not convinced having the passenger so far forward, and rear seat so close to the hatch would feel as inviting as the smart.

[Gortok]

I'd have to take out the backseat...
Why would you want to carry around the extra weight?

[RLove]

I just love the unfounded speculation. I just returned from the Paris Auto Show, and I spent a lot of time in and around the iQ. For starters, it IS roomy inside...I'm 6'2" and not only do I fit comfortably in the front seats, but I had head clearance in the rear seat too. It's not ugly at all and the interior is trimmed just fine - it's no Lexus, but for significantly, (like 50% less)less money than an entry level IS, it's quite nice.

It will be stiff competition for the Smart as will the Fiat 500 when it makes it's appearance. The Fiat is very stylish and endlessly configurable much like the MINI. The iQ also has a rear airbag which should make people a little more comfortable sitting in those back seats.

I saw a cool limited edition Smart labeled "ten years". I don't speak or read French, but I would guess it's a commemorative edition of unknown numbers. I didn't see a lot that was different except for the white tridion with black body panels - very sharp looking.

I have pictures, but it's going to take a little time to get them up. I will post a teaser or two for now.

[fmaxwell]

Originally Posted by Krodista

They may make more sales under the trendy scion name, but I think it will be the reason I wouldnt buy it.

You lost me there. It's not like "Toyota" is some kind of prestigious brand name or that Scion is reviled. Did you catch you spouse cheating on you with someone who drove a Scion? Clue us in here.

[Suze]

Originally Posted by spikey01

Only one word for this car and it is U-G-L-Y!
Seen interior pics? You can get in the back seat if you take your legs off.

Toyota iQ - Part Two

yikes! ugly is right. no wonder they won't market it under the Toyota brand!

[bumblebee]

I sure like the Fiat 500 in yellow

[Rmichael1]

I guess I'm holding out for an electric version of the smart or some other equally as cool car (if that's possible). I hate the idea of carrying around empty passenger cargo space BUT with 4 kids a small backseat MIGHT be nice. Let's see in 2010, or after, when there are more options maybe I'll add to my smart car family with an electric version. In 5 years my oldest can drive, maybe I'll give him my smart and get an new ED version.

[DaveInTexas]

I doubt they ever bring the Fiat 500 to America, as it does not have an option for an automatic last I checked. If they did, it would probably be the Abarth model and sold at Alfa Romeo dealers.