Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Hatchbacks, Scion

To no ones surprise, Toyota unveiled the Scion iQ concept today at the New York Auto Show. Ever since the iQ debuted in Europe last year, the expectation has been that Toyota would sell the micro compact car as a Scion here in the U.S. to compete against the Smart ForTwo. What surprised us were the modifications made to the iQ for its debut in the States. In keeping with the customization culture that is rampant among Scion owners, the concept features widely flared fenders and super-size 18-inch wheels.

Like the current production model, the concept iQ features 3+1 seating with a very compact air conditioning unit that fascilitates an asymmetrical dashboard. This allows the front passenger seat to slide forward so that one adult can fit in the back. The seat behind the driver, however, is strictly for the legless. One new innovation in the iQ is a rear window airbag that provides protection to rear seat passengers whose heads are butted up against the rear glass. The concept also features lots of special lighting and a pop-up 10-inch LCD embedded in the dash.

Scion is just evaluating the iQ for U.S. introduction, but we would be shocked not to see it sold here soon.


Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2009: The Scion iQ goes Big Wheels!

New York 2009: The Scion iQ goes Big Wheels! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I just hope that's what the finished production model looks like!! I'd buy one..

The Scion iQ is so cool!!!! I would own one.

That is a concept with a Five Axis body kit and wheels. The production model we will get will be nowhere near as cool.

This is a more accurate picture of the vehicle we will most likely get here...

http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_...index.html

I hope that's not what it is going to look like.. looks like the Yaris's little step brother...

Every Scion rep I've spoken to (and I'm VERY entwined in the Scion community) says that's what we're gonna be getting most likely. A vehicle like the concept would be priced WAY above what Scion buyers would pay ($28,000+). It'll have Scion badging and the body panels might be slightly different, but we are NOT gonna get anything resembling the concept car.

well I guess that's what aftermarket body parts are for...

yup! But this car will sell anyways. The xD never really fit the niche that the xA did. I think this will attract the micro-compact demograpic that the xA did. I like this better than the Yaris, actually..