REPORT: Scion iQ headed for America by early 2011 with a few changes
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Jun 29th 2009 at 12:40PM 
Scion iQ Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
As expected, Toyota's youthful Scion division will indeed get a version of the diminutive iQ for the North American market, possibly by either the end of 2010 as an '11 model or in early 2011 as a '12 model. According to Motor Trend, the car will cost about the same as the Yaris and get the usual modifications for the American market, such as slightly extended bumpers and recalibrated airbags to meet U.S. safety regulations.
Fortunately, the Big-Wheels-esque body kit and rims that the Japanese automaker fitted to the conceptual Scion iQ that was shown off at the New York Auto Show earlier this year won't come to the States as standard equipment. We're not entirely sure what powerplants Toyota plans to use in the American iQ, but in other markets it's available with three engines displacing between 1.0 and 1.4 liters. No hybrid iQ is currently planned due to cost and packaging considerations.
Interestingly, MT also reports that the Toyota FT-EV electric car concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, which was based on the iQ minicar, will hit the market by 2012. At this time, the Japanese automaker may still be deciding between tried-and-true nickel metal hydride batteries or more powerful but unproven lithium ion units. Regardless, Toyota's aiming for a 50-mile range and an eight-hour recharge from a standard wall outlet.
Gallery: New York 2009: Scion iQ concept
[Source: Motor Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mehdi Cheddadi 12:47PM (6/29/2009)
"Fortunately, the Big-Wheels-esque body kit and rims that the Japanese automaker fitted to the conceptual Scion iQ that was shown off at the New York Auto Show earlier this year won't come to the States as standard equipment"
they just lost one sale there.
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Throwback 1:25PM (6/29/2009)
Toyota should offer it as an option through their dealers, I'm sure they won't mind some extra profit. I read in Autoweek Scion sells approximately $1,200 of dealer options per car.
Chris M 3:06PM (6/29/2009)
Toyota knows their marketing, and the Scion division offers a lot of customization for their vehicles. Even if it isn't "standard", it could be offered as an option, or as aftermarket customizing.
Rick 4:46PM (6/29/2009)
Exactly. The title 'with a few changes' should just read- a version of the car that no one will like which in line with the way everyone deals with the states. Let us get excited about something and give us the ugly, slower, non diesel (germany) versions.
216 12:56PM (6/29/2009)
they lost another sale when i looked at it
but i guess it fits with Scion's wierdo image
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RAN 1:22PM (6/29/2009)
"MT also reports that the Toyota FT-EV electric car concept... will hit the market by 2012. Toyota's aiming for a 50-mile range and an eight-hour recharge from a standard wall outlet."
50-mile range, huh? Let us know how that works out for you Toyota.
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majortom1981 10:37PM (6/29/2009)
Keep in mind the IQ is more of a city commuter type car. So most people wouldnt be driving it that far.
Also does a car have the room for the batteries required to drive father then that even if they are lion?
Pudgie 1:36PM (6/29/2009)
"Fortunately, the Big-Wheels-esque body kit and rims that the Japanese automaker fitted to the conceptual Scion iQ that was shown off at the New York Auto Show earlier this year won't come to the States as standard equipment."
I would be happier with the New York modifications intact, but I will likely buy the thing either way if the fuel economy is good. Here's hoping for start-stop.
No one is going to buy the FT-EV if it only has a range of 50 miles. The electric Ford Focus and the new Nissan electric car will both have ranges approaching or exceeding 100 miles, not to mention the Aptera 2e.
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SumideXE 2:17PM (6/29/2009)
Don't get me started on the aptera.
Very cool vehicle, but not practical. Thinking of what could happen to one in LA traffic makes me cringe. Someone's gonna run over those front wheels, no doubt!
I certainly hope this car gets start-stop too. I know some mazdas have it.. not sure why we don't have a single car in the states that implements this.
Anyway this is my favorite small car and i hope they don't mess it up. If it is as comfortable as the yaris, i'm game! and don't try to make the thing seat 4 people.. jesus christ!
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alexacoon 5:39PM (10/28/2009)
How could they leave it running outside the store for ten minutes every morning while they are buying lottery tickets and cigarettes?
I think it would be such a good idea if they made it perfectly legal to drive off in one of these cars as long as you just left it elsewhere just as you found it :)
Jasmine 11:49PM (6/29/2009)
Very Funny! MT also reports that the Toyota FT-EV electric car concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, which was based on the iQ minicar, will hit the market by 2012...
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Coco 11:57PM (6/29/2009)
I'm glad to see that! Toyota's youthful Scion division will indeed get a version of the diminutive iQ for the North American market...
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xvang_num1 9:22PM (10/13/2009)
Yea i would agree with some of you. If the look without the custom rims and wide bodykit is not allow here in america, then it totally kill the look big time.
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