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#NYIAS The Scion iQ is the superlative and most absorbing Scion concept we've seen since the initial bbX.

Granted, you have to look over all the oversize fascias, skirts and blister flares Five Axis (a Huntington Shore, California-based aftermarket companionship specializing in Toyotas) has added to the New York showcar. But if you do that, there's a Toyota iQ underneath. And in marked contrast to the covered, current-generation Scion xB and the quite grotesque Hako concept, the iQ takes the Scion kind invest in to where it started: little for small's benefit and styling that's with it without pandering to perceived Generation-Y whims.

Mike Michels, communications executive for Toyota , tells us the companionship desire build a settlement whether to introduce the Toyota iQ to the U.S. as the Scion iQ previously the finish of the 2009 appointment book year. Since the iQ was designed for earth consumption, least modifications desire be indispensable to encounter U.S. fall standards.

Curiously, it strength not be the entry-level motor vehicle of the Scion kith and kin. The dot on this wouldn't be inexpensive, it would be chilly, Michels told us. I wouldn't state that it's smooth of intended to be the least costly motor vehicle in the Scion lineup.

More photos and details after the jump.

The iQ is fair above 10 feet extensive, says Scion, with a 78.7-inch wheelbase. That's a collection smaller than a Mini Cooper (145.6 inches extensive, 97.1-inch wheelbase) but quiet bigger than a Intelligent Fortwo (106.1 inches extensive, 73.5-inch wheelbase).

This is a front-engine, front-drive motor vehicle, and we'd anticipate a U.S-spec form to obtain the largest of the JDM engines — a 1.3-liter VVT inline-4 — paired with either a six-speed handbook or continuously changeable transfer (CVT). The concept motor vehicle has biggie-size 18-inch wheels, which build all the faculty in the earth in a motor vehicle that's illumination on low-end torque, right?

Accommodation is 3+1, sense three full-size adults can fitting in the motor vehicle, and single additional offspring or somewhat sized darling. A big 10-inch LCD partition is the first command interface. It's so big that the gauges are located appropriately on the left-hand side as an alternative of in the center. The seat cloth is irridescent verdant and grape honeycomb upholstery. And the outer color is Radioactive.

To allay safeness concerns associated with little cars, the iQ has nine airbags. Beyond the same array, the Scion/Toyota iQ has an airbag that would protect the back part window to defend back part occupants' heads in the occurrence of a rear-end mishap. There's also a driver knee airbag, and an additional invest in for the face rider place seat pillow. — Erin Riches, Elder Editor