But, the diminutive Scion offers the potential for exploiting spaces most cars have to pass right on by, and herein lays one of the model’s primary strengths-convenience. Sized in between the Smart ForTwo and the Mini Cooper, the Scion readily fits into places even the Mini can’t. Further, it’s billed as being capable of seating four people where the Smart car will only accommodate two people-as its name implies.
Of course, anybody accustomed to the significant proportions of the cars typically calling
Of course, all of that is well and good, assuming the car doesn’t crumple like an aluminum beer can when its structure is compromised. To that end, the Scion’s engineering team endowed the model with an exceptionally strong structure; yet one designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces, rather than transmitting them into the passenger cabin.
In
In addition to its robust construction, the iQ is a very cleverly packaged automobile. Its minimal overhangs, forward windscreen location, maximized cabin space, and overall compactness are owed to a number of mechanical innovations. Employing a centre take-off steering gear enabled the iQ’s designers to fit an extremely compact steering rack, which meant the overall width of the car could be significantly reduced. The Scion’s differential was developed specifically for this installation and was designed to consume as little
It should be noted however, while the iQ is billed as the world’s smallest four-seat automobile-and it does indeed have four seats-the best you’ll manage for any significant distance is three full-size adults. While despite its deceptively small outward appearance, the Scion will hold four reasonably sized adults-in a pinch-it can much more readily transport three adults over moderate distances.
When
Another of the Scion’s strong suits is fuel economy. In fact, the electric Scion iQ EV uses no gasoline at all. Offering 80 km of range on a full charge of its 12kWh battery pack, the iQ EV can be fully recharged from depletion in three hours at 240v. The conventional internal combustion engined iQ uses a 1.3-litre four-cylinder with 94 horsepower and 89 ft-lbs of torque. Power is supplied to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Claimed fuel economy is
Small on the outside, but big on the inside, the Scion drives well around town, though it can be subject to buffeting on the highway at speed, particularly in crosswinds. At its essence the Scion is a Toyota, so reliability should be good, and while 5.9 L/100km would be better, 6.3 is pretty respectable. All in all, if you’re looking for city transportation, the 2014 Scion iQ is a car worthy of further investigation.
The well-equipped 2014 Scion iQ starts at $17,115 plus $1,495 for freight and pre-delivery preparation.
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