Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
It would be easy to say that the iQ is just one more example of buyers not always thinking with their heads (which would be ironic considering the car’s name), but I’m
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
As it is the iQ gets an ultra-efficient continuously variable transmission as standard equipment along with Scion’s one-trim fits all strategy, and a $17k-plus price tag to go along with all of its standard kit. And yes, the little car comes fitted out
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
MVAs in mind, the iQ was engineered with a particularly strong body structure designed to absorb and dissipate impacts rather than transmit outward forces into the passenger compartment. Case in point, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Scion four out of five stars for overall crash protection and three out of five for side impacts. Even better, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety endowed it with a “Good” rating (which is as “good” as it gets) for both offset frontal crashes and roof strength. So it might be small, but it’s certainly safe.
The iQ’s secure cabin is also brilliantly executed, with soft touch surfaces in front of
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Ergonomics are great, with all controls falling easily into hand, while the front seats are big and comfortable. The rears are pretty small though, but are certainly better than no seats at all. The one behind the driver offers more legroom, easily accommodating my five-foot-eight frame, while the seat behind the driver works for short stints or a longer haul with a small adult or child strapped in. I’m going to guess most will leave them folded flat more often than not, as luggage space in behind the seatbacks is tight when they’re upright, measuring just 168 litres (5.9 cubic
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
One of the reasons the iQ can carry so much is its upright rear hatch design, a look that makes it seem as if half of it is missing. This is common in the pint-sized city car class, the Fortwo appearing chopped in half too, and in this respect the iQ is much better proportioned than its French-built competitor. The iQ really commands attention, and it doesn’t hurt that Scion’s fitted it out with premium details like jeweled headlamp and taillight clusters plus those turn signals integrated into the body-color mirror housings. My tester featured a set of 175/60R16
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
This package, named 10 Series for Scion’s 10th anniversary in the U.S., also includes a solar-powered illuminated shift knob, silver seat belts, the Scion name illuminated on the dash before fading to reveal the number 10, a sequentially-numbered interior plaque, LED-illuminated exterior badges that light up when the driver unlocks the car, and special “Silver Ignition” paint. Astute readers might notice there’s an issue with my math, Scion having been born in the U.S. market in 2003 and this model being dubbed a 2014 by yours truly, and while it was built in late 2013 and therefore could have been a 2014 it’s actually a 2013 model year car. What matters is that this example is still brand new and available from Scion, and the iQ hasn’t changed one iota since it arrived here in 2011 as a 2012 model. From what I’ve been told there aren’t any changes for model year 2015 either, so I’ll
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
While a manual would no doubt sport up the iQ further, I’m guessing this 10 Series special edition’s lighter rims help the car feel a little better through the corners than the stock steel rims, but even the base car is very agile. On the iQ’s original launch trip way back in 2011 I took the tiny tot through a rally cross course and it performed extremely well, making the Smart car feel like a shopping cart and even leaving the Fiat 500 a bit limp, as the Scion remained flatter and more stable while hard-charging through tight corners. Likewise braking is very good, and as mentioned at the beginning of this review, the iQ’s more powerful engine makes a sizable difference. It’s a 1.3-litre four-cylinder, smoother and more
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The entire car made me feel good actually. From its impishly expressive styling, beautifully finished interior and full feature-set to its fun performance and outrageously good fuel economy, the iQ is a complete four-seat car shrunk down to inner-city size. It’s easy to drive, easy to park and easy to live with, the ideal car for urbanites. It truly deserves more attention and Smart car buyers certainly deserve a car as good as the iQ.
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