The IQ was not shown at the LA auto show after quite a bit of news reporting that it was going to be there. I also haven't found it scheduled at any upcoming major US auto show which might say something about the chances of seeing an IQ anytime soon. Kind of reminds me of all the years the Smart was in Europe and not over here. The 54.707 mpg would sure be nice. I see gas prices are creeping up again this week and going over $2 in my area. It's only a matter of time before we're paying $4 again either because the economy picks up or the government raises the gas tax to "encourage" everyone to buy smaller cars (like us).
Yes, the absence of the iQ in the states is truly disappointing. It would be nice if Smart had some viable competition.
Granted, the iQ is a bit longer than a fourtwo. But that gets you...
provision for a third passenger plus luggage or a small child. Probably not practical for full time use, but a nice option to have in a pinch.
longer wheelbase and 175 width tires on all four corners, which should help stability at highway speeds
Toyota build quality, albeit with a decided cheapness in materials
likely similar or better mpgs than the Smart, along with more power. The likely engine for the states would be the 1.3L mill out of the Aygo, instead of the 1.0L that is being pitched for countries with C02 taxes.
a real manual or a CVT transmission
Dare I say it, the iQ addresses a lot of the issues I have with the Smart fourtwo, despite falling well short in the styling department. Pricing will likely be similar to the fourtwo. I think Smart wins on safety by comparison with it's security cell, despite the iQ's 9 airbags.
I can't post links due to my n00bness on this site, but Google: Honest John iQ (first hit). Be sure to check out the video review on the right column of the webpage.
"I predict city dwellers are going to go for it big time. And anyone who doesn’t think it’s good value for money can always go buy themselves an Aygo, C1, 107 or i10."
Toyota Motor Sales announced an expanded commitment to electric vehicles on Saturday, disclosing plans to manufacture an all-electric city car by 2012 and a wider fleet of gas-electric hybrids.
At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Toyota showed off a concept car called the FT-EV, a battery-powered four-seat compact car. Although it's concept car, Toyota said it will release an "urban commuter" electric car in 2012.
Based on an existing car sold in Japan called the iQ, the FT-EV runs entirely on batteries and has a range of about 50 miles. Like many all-electric cars planned for release in the next few years, the FT-EV is designed for commutes and short trips, potentially as a second car.
Toyota Motor Sales announced an expanded commitment to electric vehicles on Saturday, disclosing plans to manufacture an all-electric city car by 2012 and a wider fleet of gas-electric hybrids.
At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Toyota showed off a concept car called the FT-EV, a battery-powered four-seat compact car. Although it's concept car, Toyota said it will release an "urban commuter" electric car in 2012.
Based on an existing car sold in Japan called the iQ, the FT-EV runs entirely on batteries and has a range of about 50 miles. Like many all-electric cars planned for release in the next few years, the FT-EV is designed for commutes and short trips, potentially as a second car.
Wait until 2012 for an electric car with a 50 mile range? That's pathetic. The gasser had a lot of potential.
I overheard Bob Lutz of GM say something at the Detroit auto show to the effect of "Americans buy the biggest car they can afford". I suppose from what I encounter on the road it's true, but it would be nice to have some options.
I guess no one in Detroit pays attention to smart or Mini's sales rates.
I overheard Bob Lutz of GM say something at the Detroit auto show to the effect of "Americans buy the biggest car they can afford". I suppose from what I encounter on the road it's true, but it would be nice to have some options.
I guess no one in Detroit pays attention to smart or Mini's sales rates.
Unfortunately, Detroit is only going to care about what the government wants. If the government wants more Smarts and Mini's we'll get them. If the government wants cars with windmills, or solar panels, or grass growing on the roof, we'll get those too. The government bailout just bought Detroit.
Last edited by Smartdavis; 01-13-2009 at 10:01 PM.
I overheard Bob Lutz of GM say something at the Detroit auto show to the effect of "Americans buy the biggest car they can afford". I suppose from what I encounter on the road it's true, but it would be nice to have some options.
Its the same for houses. Or was. You buy the biggest house the bank said you could afford.
I think we all need to learn the lesson we should buy what we need and no more. Not buy the the bigest energy hog we can afford to purchase but can't afford to upkeep. This goes for houses and cars.
Its the same for houses. Or was. You buy the biggest house the bank said you could afford.
I think we all need to learn the lesson we should buy what we need and no more. Not buy the the bigest energy hog we can afford to purchase but can't afford to upkeep. This goes for houses and cars.
The problem we have is if everybody keeps buying "just what they need" the economy will continue downward. Our economy (jobs etc) depends on consumer spending. I don't disagree that as a philosophy it is better to live lightly on this planet, and buy only what you need, but that is not going to get us out of this recession anytime soon.
Even if Detroit starts making a whole bunch of energy efficient cars how many people really need a new one? There are a ton of perfectly good used cars out there that have years of use left in them. Whether you get 20 mpg or 40 mpg really doesn't make a whole lot of difference. Wouldn't it be interesting if everybody just stopped buying new cars? We are almost there now.
Unfortunately everybody needs to keep buying stuff and lots of it. Eventually we may be able to become less consumer driven and more savings oriented, but for now if people don't keep buying things a whole bunch of people are going to be forced out of their jobs.
For me I sure would like to see the IQ come to the US sooner rather than later because I think I want to buy one to keep my Smart company!
Last edited by Smartdavis; 01-14-2009 at 09:39 AM.
Reason: I keep forgetting to mention the IQ
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