Yes indeed, good things do come in small packages. One of the newest and most dramatic examples of that: the 2012 Scion iQ, featuring head-turning looks, intelligent and functional packaging, and a go-anywhere size that are emblematic of a new kind of thinking in car design and engineering.

“Scion prides itself on being an innovative brand with a lineup of iconic vehicles that set automotive trends,” says Jack Hollis, Vice President of Scion. “The iQ is the fourth vehicle in the Scion family, and it will define the premium micro-subcompact segment as the choice for new urbanites who want clever transportation without a sacrifice in style or new features.”

Six engineering innovations are responsible for the iQ’s ability to be small in size, but large in capability. A front-mounted differential, a high-mount steering rack with electronic power steering, and a compact air-conditioning unit all amount to significant decreases in front-end length. Moreover, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang, slim-back front seats that optimize rear legroom, and a “3+1” offset seating arrangement that allows one adult to sit behind the front passenger and a smaller passenger or a child behind the driver, creating the world’s smallest four-seater. The car is just over 10 feet long, but it has the functionality and comfort that drivers would expect from a much larger vehicle.

The list of standard features is impressive and includes Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity and HD Radio™, an industry-best 11 airbags and enviable fuel efficiency. Here’s an overview of some of the features that help the 2012 iQ stand “tall” in a different way.

PLATFORM, POWER & PERFORMANCE

• McPherson struts up front, torsion beam suspension in the rear

• Powered by a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 94 horsepower and the latest dual VVT-i, allowing for impressive efficiency and a broader power band, but requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions (rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, or ULEV-II)

• The efficient power plant combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency

• EPA–estimated MPG: 36 city/37 highway/37 combined*, comparable to similar vehicles that feature less passenger and cargo capacity

EXTERIOR

• An eye-catching profile defined by a “high and strong beltline”—from the large, stout headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof, and wrapping around the rear, emphasizing iQ’s geometric shape

• Side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators accent the clean design

• The rear emphasizes the modern style; trapezoidal lines run toward wheels, from the hatch to the bumper’s rear diffuser-like accent, creating a substantial presence for such a small car

• Aided by its overall length of just 120.1 inches, and with short front and rear overhangs, the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic and conveniently fit into just about any parking spot

INTERIOR

• Functional and innovative “3+1” seating arrangement

• Rear seats are extremely versatile, featuring a 50/50 split and the ability to fold flat, creating enough storage space to handle two golf bags

• Amenities include a standard four-speaker audio system; USB and auxiliary power ports, allowing easy integration of personal electronic devices; and steering wheel–mounted audio controls

SAFETY

• Again, the theme is “small,” but the thinking is large; active safety features include the standard Toyota Star Safety System™ (Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist and the Smart Stop brake-override system)

• The iQ also comes standard with an industry-leading 11 standard airbags, including the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag and a Scion-first driver- and front-passenger seat-cushion airbags

Like all Scion models, the iQ is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. The iQ also comes standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles (whichever comes first), and three years of 24-hour roadside assistance. To learn more about the 2012 iQ—including information on the myriad special accessories and customization products available for dealer installation—see your local Scion dealer or visit www.scion.com/iq.

“iQ&A”
With Dawn Ahmed, Corporate Manager, Scion

The iQ is based on a version that carries the Toyota label and is sold in Japan and Europe. How has it been adapted for the U.S. market?
The iQ has been “Scionized” for the North American market. Both front and rear bumpers are different, offering a look that is slightly more aggressive. Personalization is also very important to Scion, and we hope that no two iQs will leave the dealership exactly the same. Personalization is simple with more than 25 genuine accessories for the iQ. We also know how much Scion owners love their music, so we made HD Radio™ as well as streaming Bluetooth® audio and hands-free standard as well. We also decided to offer only a CVT and the 1.3-liter engine. It makes the purchase process a lot simpler for the customer, and we determined that most potential iQ drivers would prefer this powertrain combination for their urban lifestyles.

Clearly, the car’s appeal—other than it being a Scion, of course—centers on its small size, fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. Who is expected to be the typical buyer?

Young urbanites will love the iQ. It can be parked almost anywhere, do a U-turn even in the tightest streets and gets amazing MPG. When we launched the iQ to the media in San Francisco, the locals couldn’t stop asking us questions about it. The iQ is perfect for the person who believes that a car doesn’t have to be bigger than it needs to be. iQ owners appreciate iconic design, reliability and fuel efficiency.

The “premium micro-subcompact” category isn’t yet a very crowded one, but what are some of the marketing challenges it poses?

Due to its impressive size, the iQ has a couple of marketing challenges in front of it. One of the challenges is people are concerned about their safety in a car this uniquely small. The marketing and advertising use a fun approach to call out its many standard safety features. Consumers will see that, even though the iQ is small in size, it is big on safety.

The other marketing challenge for the iQ is MPG. The iQ achieves a combined MPG of 37 on regular gas; we have yet to find another non-hybrid that can match that. In a sea of 40 MPG claims made by other manufacturers, the iQ’s 37 MPG figure might not seem impressive, especially given its size. The problem is that when analyzed closely, the 40 MPG claims are highway figures with unique engine/tire packages that are an extremely small percentage of the mix, and sometimes require premium fuel. Their combined MPG is lower than the iQ’s, and the iQ requires only 87 octane. In the city—where the iQ will spend most of its time—it will achieve 36 MPG, which owners will love.

There was a big emphasis on taking big ideas and putting them in a small package. What sort of engineering challenges did that pose?

The big challenge was to make the smallest four-seater—without sacrificing anything. Think about it: Nobody wants a really small car if it no longer has all of things that they expect in a car. It had to have 11 airbags, the Star Safety System™, a quiet interior, a smooth transmission, great MPG, a nice audio system, standard Bluetooth®, and it had to be able to carry more than two people. This all was made possible by the iQ’s 6 Engineering Innovations. Thanks to the car’s intelligent design, small size doesn’t require big sacrifice, which is a credit to the space-saving asymmetrical layout. The passenger seat can move slightly forward of the driver’s seat, providing more legroom for the passenger behind. To amass even more space, there’s no glove box; instead, a sliding tray is tucked under the front passenger seat. The rear seats split 50/50 and can fold flat, creating storage space. Other engineering innovations also enable the iQ to pair a small size with prodigious capability.