Toyota’s microcar heads to the U.S. under the Scion banner.
The Toyota iQ, the world’s smallest four-seater, is headed to the U.S., but not as a Toyota. Scion finally confirmed what we’ve known for a while and announced at the New York auto show that it will be sticking its badge on Toyota’s tiny iQ when it comes stateside. To bring it in line with the other offerings from Toyota’s “youth-oriented” Scion brand, the iQ will get a bit more flash and flare than the Toyota version, with sharper, beefier front and rear fascias and more-muscular fenders.
At 120.1 inches long, the Scion iQ is a few inches longer than the Toyota version and just over a foot longer than the two-seat Smart Fortwo, but it’s still two feet stubbier than a Mini Cooper. The iQ’s 78.7-inch wheelbase is five inches longer than the Smart Fortwo’s, which makes space for the iQ’s innovative—you might also say “compromised”—rear seats. Scion calls it 3+1 seating, as it made room for an adult in the back by placing the front passenger’s seat closer to the windshield than the driver’s seat. Behind the driver, there’s room for a small child or a house cat—hence the +1. Rear-seat headrests are set right against the back glass, but don’t fear a rear-end collision; there’s a curtain airbag that deploys between the headrests and glass. The rear seats fold independently and with both folded, Scion says there’s enough room for two golf bags.
Keep Reading: 2011 Scion iQ – Auto Shows
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Original Post By Google News Jared Gall
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