2012 Scion iQ

Toyota's 2012 micro-subcompact Scion iQ features luxury car safety features, ample space for three adults and one child and gas mileage that rivals a hybrid car. Standard features of the 2-door hatchback include automatic transmission, electric power steering, airbags, anti-lock brakes and air conditioning. Designed for city use, its wheel base of 78.7 inches and turning circle of 25.8 feet make it easy to navigate and park.

Pre-release test drives report that although a small car, it gives a firm ride even on the highway. The 94-horsepower engine performs well in city driving, but loses power at highway speeds. In order to fit all of the mechanical elements into a small space, engineers redesigned major parts like shock absorbers and the engine, and found new places for the gas tank and air conditioning system.

For example, rear shock absorbers cant backwards, which frees up room in the rear passenger space, but reduces damping ability. The pancake-like, 8.5-gallon capacity gas tank, only 4.72 inches deep, is installed under the floor. When full, it weighs 52 pounds.

The 1.3-liter, 1NR-FE four-cylinder engine has 89 pound-feet of torque. Curb weight is 2150 pounds, with a front differential matched with a continuously variable transmission. Standard transmissions are not available on the U.S. version of the Scion iQ. Estimated gas mileage is 36 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 37 mpg for highway and combined driving.

One of the smallest cars on the road, the front-wheel drive iQ is 120.1 inches long, 66.1 inches wide and 59.1 inches high. Although small, its interior passenger space is made remarkably comfortable by redesigning the dashboard and placing the passenger seat slightly ahead of the driver's seat. This, in turn, adds leg room for the rear passenger seat. A small seat behind the driver is suitable for a child or can be used as cargo space. Front head room is 37.7 inches, hip room is 53.9 inches, leg room is 40.9 inches and shoulder room is 53.1 inches. The rear space is slightly smaller with 35.9-inch head room, 33.8-inch hip room, 26.8-inch leg room and 50.2-inch shoulder room. The interior cargo volume with the rear seats up is 3.5 cubic feet (cu. ft.) and 16.7 cu. ft. with the seats folded down.

Standard interior features include power door locks and windows, four-way front seats with headrests, cloth-covered bucket front seats, split folding rear seats, a tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The standard 160-watt Pioneer music system has an AM/FM/CD head unit with satellite tuner capability, four speakers, and RCA output jacks. Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free phone and auxiliary audio and USB input ports round out the system.

The Scion iQ is packed with safety features, including 11 standard airbags. Driver and front passenger bags include dual-stage airbags, knee airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and seat cushion airbags. A rear window airbag protects the back. Anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, traction control, brake-assist, smart stop technology and vehicle stability control enhance the driving safety features.