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At last year’s NY Auto Show, Scion brought the iQ concept, but this year they came packed with the production version. Known as the Toyota iQ on the European market, the Scion iQ is defined as the perfect car for the new trendsetting generation of urban drivers. The 2011 Scion iQ is powered by a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 90 hp. With a 78.7-inch wheelbase, the iQ offers enough interior room for four passengers. Despite being a very small car, the iQ is offered with a very long list of safety features including: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC) and 10 SRS airbags. Press release after the jump. Press release Meeting the needs of a new trendsetting generation of urban drivers, the iQ succeeds at taking big ideas and concentrating them into a small package. Made possible by intelligent and functional packaging, the iQ is a small car that offers the functionality and comfort that drivers expect from a car twice its size. The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the bumper’s rear diffuser-like accent, creating a substantial presence. With a 78.7-inch wheelbase and a unique suspension design – consisting of MacPherson struts up front, and a torsion beam rear suspension – the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. In addition, its overall length of only 120.1-inches, width of 66.1-inches, and short front and rear overhangs create a confident stance that still allows the iQ to fit into virtually any urban parking scenario. The iQ is small in size but large on safety. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control (TRAC). The iQ’s engine is combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The iQ will be rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II), and it is expected to achieve a combined fuel economy in the high 30s, comparable to similar vehicles that feature less passenger and cargo capacity. 4 comments: Scion iQ Interesting, almost 2 feet shorter than the 2nd gen Honda CRX, with similar engine output. A better compromise for the US market than the Smart IMHO. They had one at the Chicago show, but up high on a display, not on the floor.
I think that badging this as a Scion is a mistake. The Scion brand was created to appeal to the youth market, and this car is aimed primarily at practical adults who want a fuel-efficient daily driver for as little as possible. The car and the logos don’t match up in this case; were it badged as a Toyota it would hold greater market appeal.
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Posted on
02.17.2011 @ 23:22