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New for 2011 

Toyota, Scion's parent company, unveiled a concept car at the 2009 New York Auto Show that could challenge Smart ForTwo fans' ideas about city driving. The two-door, three-passenger Scion iQ is already sold in Japan as the Toyota iQ, and the automotive press reports that response to the concept's design and features could put it into production in the U.S. as well. 

If you can't wait for a Scion, the automaker currently has three affordable options for you. Both the Scion xB and Scion xD have a boxier look and feel, while the sleek Scion tC coupe has a sportier appearance.

Similar to the Japanese version, the Scion iQ concept has 3+1 seating (two up front, one in the back), and a four-cylinder engine that makes 93 horsepower. However, the iQ concept has 18-inch wheels and flared fenders not seen on the Japanese model. 

What the Auto Press Says 

With the memory of 2008's gas crisis still fresh, reviewers recognize the Scion iQ's potential marketability in the U.S. They also point out certain features that set the iQ apart from the similar Smart ForTwo. This Scion's 3+1 seating opens the possibility for a third passenger in the tiny cabin, and the reported nine airbags should appeal to those who were concerned with other small cars' crash protection features.   

Here is what the press has to say about the 2011 Scion iQ: 

• "Based on the Toyota iQ, the creatively named Scion iQ Concept is over two-feet shorter than a typical subcompact. Scion calls is 'Fierce.' You tell 'em, Tyra. ... Scion says it will gauge response to the concept and possibly put it into production." -- Jalopnik
• "By American standards, the iQ is indeed tiny, but Scion thinks there is an emerging market for small urban cars for young people who increasingly eschew the suburbs where they grew up for hip city centers. At only about ten feet in length, the three passenger iQ sure would be a snap to park." -- Automobile Magazine
• "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 Scion features widely flared fenders and super-size 18-inch wheels." -- Autoblog
• "What does the 3+1 seating mean? Basically, there's room for only one adult in the backseat behind the front passenger, and the other seat is big enough to hold a small child or cargo. If that doesn't sound safe, Toyota adds nine airbags, including a rear-window airbag -- the first of its kind. It also comes standard with stability control and antilock brakes." -- Kicking Tires
• "In stock form, the iQ is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder producing 93 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The New York concept should have a little more spring in its step, thanks to the Five Axis custom stainless-steel exhaust. Handling is sharpened with a Tein coil-over suspension system." -- AutoWeek 

Key Details 

The Scion iQ concept features a pop-up 10-inch LCD navigation screen that doubles as a DVD player when the car is parked. The upcoming iQ could also feature as many as nine airbags and a rear window airbag to protect a rear passengers head in a collision. As with other Scions, Toyota is also sure to offer plenty of customization options for the tuner crowd. 

Stay tuned for more details on the 2011 Scion iQ.