Used 2012 Scion iQ Hatchback Trims & Features

Toyota equips the Scion iQ hatchback with 16 inch wheels with an optional multi-spoke alloy choice. However, the exterior might seem a bit frumpy when parked next to the Smart's stylish frame. The iQ sports a blunt face, snub nose and a square cut door on each side that bisects the entire car. With the oversized wheels, the iQ almost looks like a car in a cartoon, but it's all too real.

The iQ may weigh a mere 2,127 pounds, but this is still a bit of a reach for the 94 horsepower 1.3 liter 4 cylinder matched with a mandatory CVT. By comparison, the Smart weighs 300 pounds less, but has only 70 horsepower. In normal mode, the CVT has a strong rubber-banding effect. The car can rev by a bit in the S mod but it will not be best for those who want the best fuel economy at all times. The B is used for braking on downhill spots but it can improve engine speed too. It's not a perfect transmission but it is better than the single-clutch that the smart uses. The engine has a better sound than what the Nissan Versa has thanks to how a CVT works. Also, 0-60 words in eleven seconds, but the acceleration is sluggish beyond that.

Which is fine, since the Scion iQ hatchback is targeted at city dwellers who rarely have occasion to open up on the highway, and when tooling around city streets, the iQ is perfectly suited. It does what it was designed to do, which is zip around without costing an arm and a leg at the pump, while providing comfortable seating and the technology that today's young urban driver demands in a car. For this market, the iQ is top of its class, by far.

Safety features that come with the base model inlucde a total of eleven airbags. These inlucde airbags for the front people, side curtain, seat front, seat cushion and rear window bags. This is amazing considering the small size of the car. The iQ also has antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution system, brake assist, a traction control feature, electronic stability control, and brake-override.

Engineers putting together the smallest cars face the biggest challenge when designing a passenger cabin big enough to seat adult drivers without causing bouts of claustrophobia. The Scion iQ hatchback succeeds admirably in this area, offering a surprisingly airy cabin that rivals most other compact cars.

The front passenger seat is offset on a track that moves farther forward to give the passenger in the seat behind more legroom. To achieve more space, Scion did away with a proper glove compartment and instead installed a plastic box underneath the passenger seat that slides in and out. Thinner seatbacks mwuill create bonus legroom, but they are still comfortable. There are also rear seats in a 50/50 pattern that can fold to offer cargo space for suitcases.