Scion iQ On Sale This September!

I have been holding on to the information for some time, I have looked around for other sources to verify the dates but I can’t find any additional news for a September launch. However, my sources are close to the action and they are telling me that the Scion iQ will be on sale in the US this September 2010 as a 2011 model. I have also been told that it will come with 10 air bags standard and will be a blend of the SEMA car and concept car visually.  The starting price will be $14,900 and make it the most affordable of the Scion line up just behind the xD. Scion is banking on this little wonder to reignite its flickering brand.  Despite very high ratings from consumer reports on the xD and the rest of the line up, the market has been soft.  Right now it’s not clear if that is a result of the slumping economy or an aging lineup taking on new competitors and now sharing a dwindling pie. It doesn’t matter to me why they are bringing the iQ, I will be excited to see one in person!

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The reports are streaming in and the IQ will be branded a Scion and should be on sale by 2010!  I hope that the IQ hits the streets with all the flair that the concept versions are emblazoned with. Toyota needs to retain the inroads it has made into the younger demographics with its Scion brand, and with a few soft years and an aging lineup, the Scion iQ could reignite the flame for Scion and Toyota.  The market seems ripe for the plucking with plenty of copy cats coming into the game recently ( Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Etc), but it will be a long time before we know if those are real competitors or short term claim jumpers to the young high tech small car market.

“Now it looks like the iQ will arrive by September or October of 2010. That’s a few months earlier than the previously-expected early 2011 date–and the confirmation that it’s coming is new too.” Link To Green Car Reports >>>

“Toyota’s sharp-looking and innovative iQ is already snatching up sales in the UK and Japan, offering an alternative to the somewhat pricier Smart ForTwo in the nascent urban mini-car segment. The Scion-branded version of the car has already been tipped for possible U.S. sale, but today reports are emerging that the decision may already be made - and that it could be here sooner than expected.” Link To Car Connections Article >>>

The press is heating up now that Toyota and Scion are getting closer to making the Scion iQ official. Have a look at this image featuring a very slick looking iQ concept, it now has Scion all over it…

5 Axis Scion iQ Concept

• Toyota new Electric Car Set For 2012 Launch - Link
  Auto news reports that Toyota is working out the details for a battery powered concept IQ, the front-drive FT-EV.
  
• US IQ Launch Date still undetermined. - Link
  “The Toyota iQ microcar being sold in Japan and Europe is another example of a world platform that we may want to adapt to the U.S. market,” Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations at Toyota Motor Sales USA.
• Make your Apple Macintosh as safe as an IQ. - Link
  Really unique screen saver and security for your apple laptop.
  
• Toyota Named Green Car Manufacturer Of The Year. - Link
  The IQ definitely helped Toyota reach this outstanding award.
  
• 2009 World Car of the Year Finalist Revealed, IQ On The list! - Link
  Respectable line up includes: Audi, BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen.
  
• 72 Mile Per Gallon Toyota IQ, Wow! - Link
  Hypermiling, the art of maximizing gas mileage on the road, is usually associated with owners of the Toyota Prius. Now the IQ gets tested.
• Hyundai IQ Rival - Link
  Hyundai clearly has Toyota in its sites.  They are bringing the fight anywhere Toyota has a market.

When? How Soon? Where can I get one?  Everyone wants to know when it will get here!  Rumors have been flying regarding launch date since the first press release.  The next big rumor was under what badge?  The first rumors of the Scion badging started around August of this year and hit a frenzy this October.  I have a confirmation from a source that say it’s a go and the IQ will come to the US market as a Scion!  Book it!  It’s solid! Look for confirmation at the upcoming LA International Auto Show Nov. 21st - 30th.

Alibaba has the most recent rumor report:

“The iQ moniker is spot on as well — a play off the Smart that fits Scion’s traditional two letter, lower/upper case naming convention. As for what would power a Scion iQ, it’s doubtful we’d see either the 1.0L three-cylinder gas engine or the 1.4L turbodiesel available in other markets. Our bet for the U.S.-spec iQ is the 1.5-liter engine found in the Yaris, combined with a five speed manual or optional Multidrive CVT.”

Quote Source: Vickey Shen Alibaba.com

Ive been pouring over the article at Motor Authority and they have some revealing  news about the IQ.

Its on sale in Japan and has a price tag at just over $13,000.  They also continue the rumor dropping that the IQ will show up in the US as a Scion.  Another photo of the Japanese Modellista iQs - the Maxi and Mixture and the full article can be read here.

I found these images over at the MotorAuthority.com website.  Great Shots!  The interior looks smart, comfortable and ergonomic.  It looks like the key goes in below the air conditioning controls and a start button is added near the lower right hand side of the steering column. Stylish use of colors and materials!  View the complete gallery here.

The review and prices page at Consumer Auto Guide has some good information on the upcoming Toyota IQ.  They have plenty of specs and speculations on what the IQ will come loaded with.  Much of this has been reported or discussed already, but they have put it all together in one place.  They do mention the Scion IQ rumor again and guess that US roll out would be no earlier then Autumn of 2009.

Poole, Chris. “2010 Toyota iQ Review and Prices.” 09 April 2008. HowStuffWorks.com. 08 October 2008.

Here is some fresh information from Auto Express. Link To Full Article and More Photos

“Power comes from a Yaris-sourced 1.4-litre D-4D turbodiesel or a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the Aygo. We tried the latter, which in Japanese spec is mated to a CVT auto – UK versions will have a five-speed manual. It should produce around 70bhp, return 65mpg and emit only 99g/km of CO2. The diesel promises 89bhp, 70mpg and 106g/km.”

They also posted  some new photos including this shot from the engine compartment.

Price: £8,500 (est)
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive
0-60mph: 13 seconds (est)
Top speed: 110mph (est)
Economy: 65mpg
CO2: 99g/km
Wheelbase: 2,000mm
Equipment: Nine airbags, push-button start, air-conditioning, electric windows

jalopnik.com is reporting that three new Toyota models will be a the next Paris Motor Show:

“Also on stage for the first time is the eagerly-awaited iQ production model, that was showcased in design form earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show. Measuring less than 3 metres in length, the iQ is not just the world’s smallest premium 4-seater ever built, it is also a serious driving machine with CO2 emissions levels starting at a mere 99 g/km. Important for a car of this size, the iQ will offer 360° protection to all occupants with high levels of active and passive safety, including the world’s first rear window curtain shield airbags.”  Full Article Link