DRIVEN: Scion Touts Its Small iQ - AUTOMOTIVE on SPEED

Scion iQ is a tiny city car that appeared laughably inadequate on the wide-open streets of Phoenix, land of the giant pickup trucks and SUVs. Scion calls it a ?premium micro-subcompact? designed for clever urbanites, at least those living in denser cities than what we have out West.

There?s no denying the practicality of a 10-foot-long two-seater for the urban jungle (the back seat is purely for decoration, in my humble opinion). Parking would be easy, and maneuverability with its very tight turning radius would come in handy.

Scion iQ gets the best city fuel mileage of any non-hybrid sold in the U.S., but don't try putting your friends in the back seat. (Photo: Scion) There?s decent space for the two front occupants, even for this too-tall-driver and one of his too-tall sons; we looked pretty much like a clown act whenever we climbed out. The iQ elicited everything from happy smiles to critical smirks from onlookers.

Sitting up front and looking ahead, it feels like you?re in a regular subcompact car, until you turn around and notice that you can touch the back window.

Unlike the toylike Smart car, the iQ seems like a complete vehicle, with decent features and a more-substantial presence. Its buffeting ride does require some getting used to. It drives well enough on the freeway, although anything higher than 70 mph feels like you?re living dangerously. On the streets, the suspension crashes over road imperfections and the continuous road noise can become wearing.

The relatively high profile and very short wheelbase conspire to make cornering feel dicey, especially if there are bumps in the road. I was asked several times whether it handles a Mini Cooper, and I had to say, ?No, not even close.?

The iQ's styling falls decidely on the cute side of the equation. (Photo: Scion) But with the test car?s optional TRD spring package and rear anti-sway bar, the iQ handled OK on its 78.7-inch wheelbase and relatively wide 58-inch track. Actually, it?s kind of fun once you get over the anxiety.

Fuel mileage is pretty great for the city cycle at 36 mpg, the EPA?s highest rating among non-hybridized cars, although the 37 mpg highway is not as impressive. Despite that city mileage, one has to wonder why a driver would settle for such a tiny niche craft when there are such things as Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, the Fiat 500 or the new Chevy Spark that are proper little cars without such steep compromises.

But if a motorist were stuck in a dense city driving environment, iQ could have its benefits. The biggest plus, in my opinion, is its tiny turning radius. This thing can practically do U turns in a phone booth. I was impressed at how easily it got me out of a very tight situation in a parking lot without have to go into reverse.

I could see how that would be handy in the tight confines of, say, New York City. Plus, you could roll into parking spaces that other cars have to pass up.

Source: http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/driven-scion-touts-its-small-iq/

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