As gas prices continue to climb, a new dimension of Scion in the form of the all-new 2012 iQ premium micro-subcompact is in demand for more reasons than just fuel efficiency. We spent a week driving a black iQ and had quite a good time in this spunky ride from Scion.
Exterior
The trendy look of the 2012 Scion iQ has a chance to define the premium micro-subcompact segment as the choice for new urbanites who want clever transportation without a sacrifice in style or new features. That starts with the iQ’s profile, defined by a strong and high beltline, which glides from the large, stout headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wraps around the rear, emphasizing the iQ’s geometric shape. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design. It takes a short time to get used to the small size of the car because when driving this machine there is so much more cabin space than most can imagine. Although the exterior is in the micro car category, that doesn’t stop the Scion iQ from being very stylish and aerodynamic. 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.
Interior
First and foremost, as we mentioned above, the cabin has much more space than most folks imagine when checking out the new Scion iQ. The front seats are wide and there is both elbow room and head room to spare. With the driver’s and front passenger’s seats being slightly offset, this innovative seating arrangement allows for one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package or pet behind the driver. A first for Scion, extra-slim front seat backs are utilized to provide rear passengers with ample legroom. The rear seats are extremely versatile, featuring a 50/50 split and the ability to fold flat, creating enough storage to accommodate up to two golf bags. The iQ comes standard with a six-speaker audio system and is available with multiple audio head units for various degrees of audiophiles.
All iQs will be outfitted with USB and auxiliary ports, allowing personal devices to be easily integrated into the car. Steering wheel-mounted controls command the audio system to adjust volume and shuffle through music sources such as CD, AM/FM, auxiliary input, or a library from your iPod or other USB device. After driving this car for a week, you really appreciate the feel of the iQ and just how fun this car is for the driver and passengers. I really liked the design and quality of the sturdy steering wheel as it gives a small hint of driving a race car!
Performance
The handling of the 2012 Scion iQ is as good or better than most micro car rivals. With a smartly designed interior for vision and comfort, we had a blast during our test week. The 2012 iQ is equipped with a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces over 90 horsepower and features the latest dual VVT-i, which allows it to be impressively efficient, providing a broader powerband yet requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. The iQ’s engine is combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The iQ is rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and delivers combined fuel economy of 37mpg.
Overview
The premium micro-subcompact market is heating up and the 2012 Scion iQ is right in the mix. At a tested price of $17,013, this new offering from Scion will find plenty of happy customers. The design of these micros have come a long way and the fit and finish of the iQ interior rates better than plenty of more expensive small cars out there. For those who think the car is just too small, do yourself a favor and take one for a test drive and see if you realize the roominess that we did along with a smile while taking tight corners. The 2012 Scion iQ is fun, smart and stylish!
