Vehicle Reviews

Scion was previously a U.S.-only brand created under the Toyota umbrella to target the rapidly expanding Y generation. The edgy Tiny Scion iQ is only slightly larger than a smart fortwo, but it seats four. (Photo: Scion) new division launched nationwide throughout the U.S. in 2004, after being available only in California through 2003. Toyota Canada (TCI) introduced Scion in select urban centers in the fall of 2010, including Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, and expanded into other cities throughout 2011 as part of its overall rollout.

The 2012 Scion iQ slots in below the xD as Scion's smallest and least expensive entry-level model, and like the larger subcompact the tiny micro car is high on quality, performance and creature comforts. While the iQ model will be even newer to Canadians than the Scion brand, it should be comforting to know that this two-door hatchback has already been selling in other markets as the Toyota iQ and, oddly enough, as the Aston Martin Cygnet.

The Cygnet might cost British consumers £30,995 (a tad over

The iQ is designed to live in tight spaces. (Photo: Scion)

$50,000 Canadian), but Canadian Scion buyers can have the Scion iQ for a much more palatable $16,760, plus a $1,390 destination fee and applicable taxes.

Like the Cygnet and Toyota version of the iQ, the smallest Scion puts power through the front wheels via a 1.3-litre, 16-valve, DOHC, four-cylinder engine that makes 94 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 89 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, but unlike it's global market siblings that come with 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes, the North American version of the car only gets a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is the thriftiest of the three choices, however, so it appears that Scion is putting fuel-efficiency as priority one with this car. To that end the iQ achieves a non-hybrid industry-best estimated rating of 5.5 L/100km in the city and 4.7 on the highway, on regular fuel.

The inclusion of the standard CVT means that

Interior uses high-quality materials and standard features abound. (Photo: Scion)

Scion offers no iQ options at all, but rather the diminutive car comes with a very large assortment of standard features and then, at the point of purchase, can be optioned out with a full assortment of specialized dealer-installed accessories. Standard iQ features include a total of 11 airbags, including driver and passenger front knee airbags, a driver's side front seat cushion airbag, and an industry-first rear window airbag, as well as standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and brake assist (BA), plus Scion's new brake override system called Smart Stop Technology (SST) that automatically turns off the throttle (gas pedal) under braking, therefore eliminating the chance of unintended acceleration. The iQ also comes standard with electronic traction and stability control.

Additional standard features include auto up/down powered windows, power locks with keyless entry, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, manually-adjustable premium cloth front seats, air conditioning

Rear seat makes all the difference in the micro car class. (Photo: Scion)

with cabin air filtration, a 3-spoke leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with USB plug and auxiliary jack, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, outside temperature gauge, trip computer, dual vanity mirrors, map lights, digital clock, 12-volt power outlet, illuminated entry, rear seat heater ducts, 50/50 split-folding rear seatbacks, floor mats, and 16-inch steel wheels with full covers, which are large for a car of the iQ's size.

Being a Scion the iQ can be accessorized with larger wheels and tires that can be chosen at the dealership, as well as an upgraded audio system, styling and performance upgrades, plus a satellite radio accessory kit.

The iQ, which is only slightly larger than

Standard audio is good and dealer-installed option is premium-level. (Photo: Scion)

a smart fortwo at a mere 3,045 mm (119.9 inches) long and 1,680 mm (66.1 78.4 inches) wide, can nevertheless seat four adults in an innovative arrangement. An asymmetrical dashboard layout allows the front passenger seat to be moved slightly ahead of the driver's seat in order to increase rear legroom for the passenger's side rear occupant; the occupant behind the driver doesn't get this benefit. Cargo room is nominal when the rear seatbacks are upright at 31 litres (1.0 cubic feet), but when folded flat there's 473 litres (16.7 cubic feet) to work with.

The iQ is the third entry in a growing North American A-segment, which now includes the smart fortwo and Fiat 500. The ability to seat four, strong performance credentials, and the best fuel economy amongst non-hybrid cars should make the iQ appealing to subcompact buyers.

Specifications:

• Body Style: 2-door hatchback
• Segment: micro-car (A-segment)
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Drivetrain Layout: front-engine, FWD
• Engine: 94-hp @ 6,000 rpm, 89 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm, 1.3L, 16-valve, DOHC, I-4
• Transmission: CVT  
• Suspension (f/r): Macpherson strut / torsion beam
• Tires: P175/60R16 all-season
• Brakes (front/rear): disc / drum, ABS, EBD, BA, SST
• Active Safety: traction and stability control
• Passive Safety: dual front, driver's seat cushion, front side-thorax, front/rear side-curtain, dual front knee, rear window airbags
• Curb Weight: 960 kg (2,116 lbs)
• External Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 3,045 / 1,680 / 1,500 / 2,000 mm (119.9 / 66.1 / 59.1 / 78.4 in)
• Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row / 1st row): 31 / 473 L (1.0 / 16.7 cu ft)
• Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 in)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 5.5 / 4.7 L/100 km (51 / 60 mpg Imp.)
• Fuel Type: regular
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 basic - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: fiat 500, smart fortwo
• Assembly Location: Toyota City, Japan
• Manufacturer Website: www.scion.ca

Note: specifications and pricing are subject to change

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