Two News Cars in the City of Light

Paris, of course, is known as the City of Light, but this week it might better be known as the City of Headlights. That’s because this week, the action will be at the Mondial de l’Automobile, as the Paris auto show is known.

We’re introducing a couple of vehicles there today that we thought might interest you. One of them is the production version of our tiny iQ, first seen in prototype form last year. It’s our take on the concept of a city car. The other is the Lexus IS convertible.

Thanks to clever packaging, the iQ is one of those rolling contradictions that seems larger on the inside than it is on the outside. With an estimated base curb weight of 1,950 pounds, it is 9.8 feet long – shorter, even, than our Yaris – and is 5.5 feet wide and 4.8 feet tall. The iQ’s turning circle is about 13 feet, much less than that of the Yaris.

It contains seating for three adults, with a fourth seat that is suitable for a child, or that can be stowed to provide luggage space.

Power is supplied by a high-tech three-cylinder 1.0L engine that is, according to tests by Britain’s respected "Car" magazine, capable of more than 60 mpg. Larger 1.3L gas and 1.4L diesel engines also are slated as options for the iQ.

All the usual items – air conditioning, quality audio systems, a full suite of air bags, including the world’s first rear air bag, and other safety systems – will be available.

Our other new car takes us from the clever to the sublime. This new Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C convertible features a three-panel hard top that quickly folds into invisibility to treat driver and passengers to the joys of top-down motoring in traditional Lexus comfort, quiet and style.

Powertrains for the two IS convertibles are the same as for the IS sedans, and the convertibles share double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems with the IS sedans. Revisions to the convertible body structure and suspension enhance torsional stiffness and ride comfort.

The convertibles’ exterior features a design that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency, but never mind that. This car is gorgeous, with lines that look great from any angle.

The convertible’s interior features the luxury touch points associated with the IS sedans, while comfort and entertainment features provide a consistent atmosphere regardless of top configuration. Active safety features from the IS sedans transfer to the convertible as well.

The IS 250C and IS 350C will go on sale in the U.S. in late spring or early summer next year.

The iQ, meanwhile, goes on sale in Britain and Europe early next year.

So here’s our question for you: We all might greatly desire a Lexus convertible, but is there a place for cars like the iQ here in the U.S.? If the iQ became available here, would you consider buying one?

- Jon F. Thompson, Editor, Open Road

Comments

[Boris]

Absolutely a place for the IQ and similar vehicles here! I have been seeing Smart cars on the road. Small (which assists parking, accident avoidance, and diminishes congestion!), nimble, safe, roomy enough for "most" needs, efficient, freeway capable (if not exactly "fast"), and affordable. Heck yes, I want one!

[Paul Rivers]

You asked for a personal opinion - personally, I would not drive a Smart Car, an IQ, or anything that small unless there was a special lane on the highway just for cars that small. There are to many Tundra's, F-150's, Sequoia's and Highlanders on the road for me to take the safety risk of driving a car that small. Heck, I'd be afraid of getting hit by a RAV4 or a Camry.

Crash test ratings wouldn't change my mind, either (all crash tests are vs. a car of the same size and weight). I'd have to see this car collide with other much bigger vehicles without injury to the driver before I would even consider it.

Plus, the IQ looks like it has terrible rear visibility, with the rear pillar blocking your view when you look back. In a car that small, it's unacceptable to not be able to glance to your side to see if there's a car beside you.

[Joseph Poliakon]

There is a place for cars like the iQ here in the U.S., particularly, for a driver-customer like me who is focused on minimizing fuel consumption in my personal vehicles. I would strongly consider buying the iQ if it became available in the USA and was powered by an engine like Toyota’s High-Fuel Efficiency 1KR-FE 1.0 Litre I3 VVT-i.

I am currently driving a 2007 Prius Hybrid and running a 60± MPG lifetime average with the 1.5L I4/T-HSD combo. I had great expectations for even greater fuel economy in the gasoline engine to be used in the 2009½/2010 Prius and planned to purchase a 2009½/2010 Prius when it came out in Spring 2009. However, with Toyota expanding the new Prius gasoline engine from the current 1.5L I4 to a larger displacement, fuel thirstier 1.8L I4, I would welcome a conventional iQ powered by a fuel miserly 1.0 Litre I3 engine that could deliver 60± MPG.

[Nan Spring]

I'd buy one! I already have a 2008 Yaris and it is just a smaller version of my car. My car gets great gas mileage and so would the iQ. I'm sold on Toyotas and as long as they keep making small cars that get good gas mileage, I'll keep buying them.

[Bobby Brown]

Please, bring the small cars to the U.S.! Give me a 2009 iQ, please...?

Start the market someplace like Hawaii. There's a large enough population from Asia (where all the smaller cars are marketed and sold) that there could be a big demand.

Toyota's mistake with changing the Scion line should have been proof enough that we want smaller cars.

Test these cars out in the U.S., you won't regret it; AND, stop marketing SUV's and big trucks to American consumers.

[Jon Berry]

I'd be the first in line to buy one. I have read so much about this car. It has none of the "issues" the Smart has: premium fuel requirement, strange delay prone transmission, lack of interior space, 2 year limited warranty, poor gas mileage, questionable reliability and unstable ride problems at highway speeds.
The iQ looks so cute, is extremely well designed and intelligently well thought out. The fact that it's built by Toyota is a bonus. One of our vehicles is a Lexus. I tell anyone who will listen, what a wonderful trouble-free vehicle it's been. The iQ will hopefully be another Toyota addition to our family, and, I'm sure, I'll be telling anyone who will listen, about it, too. Please bring this car over here. There is even a website dedicated to the iQ (iQcolony.com), where people can blog about the wonders of this little gem (yes, I've already made an entry). Can't wait for you to make the announcement.

[Toyotageek]

I'd like to add a resounding YES to the line-up of responses! Most of the commentors have already given more than enough reasons for bringing this car to the US. I'd just like to add that in this day and age where American consumers are finally realizing that bigger isn't always better, that small cars and fuel efficient cars DO have a place on the American roads and in our cities. The iQ is not a case of "should it be done" but "when will it happen." It is my hope that we will soon see the iQ as the first of many small cars to be offered by Toyota (or as Scion)!

As far as safety, I can only say that we are never completely safe in any vehicle that we drive. It is true that motorcycles and small cars will not fair well in an accident that involves a substantially larger vehicle, but Toyota and other manufacturers do make their vehicles as safe as possible. Toyota has already announced the first REAR WINDOW Curtain Shield Airbag which will be used in the iQ. I do however agree that rear window visibility could use improvement, as this seems to be a problem in several Toyota vehicles and could be improved upon.

Aside from that, please bring us the iQ!

[Jon Cole]

yes the IQ fits in pefectly, but to me it looks very much similar to the smart car, even the name
smart=IQ
so its basically a knock off

[Sarah]

YES! I wouldn't "consider" buying it... I would buy it. Bring it here to the US!!! that car is so cute and I would love to have it as soon as possible at a great low reasonable price. Toyota should make cute little cars in cute colors like purple or baby blue or green (not pink). Everyone would want it like an IPOD.

[Rick Zmiejko]

Price should be aligned with the SMART, it's direct competitor.

[PJ McGinty]

I've been waiting for a few more small car options to be offered in the US. The iQ seems to have many of the features that I'm looking for in a new car---safety, energy efficiency, affordability and enough room for 2 adults and 2 good sized dogs, oh yeah, and it's cute! I'd love to buy an iQ.

[matt kreitz]

I have a 08 yaris and i love it! I love all toyotas, this one will be awesome also. please bring the iq here!

[Vincent]

I have been waiting for a Smart car for a while but there is no supply. Now that Toyota is coming out with the IQ, guess I have to wait a bit longer.

[Jürgen]

I'd be interested in purchasing an IQ. I had a Smart car already - but did not like it very much. The suspension was just too harsh for the rough streets of NYC, I felt like I was bouncing around in it like a ping-pong ball. Plus, gas mileage was not as great as advertised. Hopefully, the IQ runs more efficient, has more suspension travel and a smoother ride. A diesel would be great as well, and not only for the IQ.
The IS220 Diesel gets great reviews in Europe, so why not over here? People wait in long lines for the Jetta TDI. And if Mercedes can go Hybrid, why can't Toyota go Diesel?
Plus, if you guys bring the Diesels now, you won't look like you are trailing Honda ...
And one more word: the IS250 convertible is great, but a IS 250 AWD hardtop convertible would be UNIQUE. Neither BWW nor Audi nor Mercedes offers that combination. A true car for all seasons!
Food for thought?
Hit me up if you need more suggestions, I am a professional in the "Idea business"...
;-)

[cory]

PLEASE BRING THE IQ TOO THE USA!!!! SOON!!!!

[MSt-Jean]

I would consider buying an IQ. I have been impressed with the Prius I bought last year, although I saw one person mention getting 60mpg over the lifetime of their Prius. On one trip when I was trying, I got 52mpg. Usually I get in the range of 47-48mpg in the summer and about 8mpg less in the winter. I was considering purchasing a Yaris as a second car due to its lower price point and near 40mpg rating, but if the IQ were to come to the US, I think I would have more interest in it.

[Michael R. Tomkins]

Yes, I would definitely consider buying an iQ - regardless of whether it is branded as a Toyota or a Scion. I'm shopping around for a new car in the next year or so, and efficiency is a major selling point for me. I'm not interested in hybrids because the technology is too new, and I don't feel like being an early adopter who gets to test it (and deal with the problems). Smart's forTwo won't work because I need at least three seats plus space for a few groceries. The iQ looks like a perfect fit, using tried and tested technology and offering great efficiency in a four seater!

Seriously Toyota, PLEASE bring this car to the USA, ASAP!

[Mauricio]

I have a Toyota Rav4 for years without any problems. I was going to get a yaris as my next car because of the gas prices, but if the iQ is coming to the USA, I will get it instead. Is there a waiting list that we can sign on?

[Charlie]

I, too, would very much like to be on the list for an iQ when it arrives. Please tell your US dealerships when to expect the iQ! We want it NOW! Yeah!

[Robert in Arizona]

I just happened to be in Paris a week ago Friday and walking on the Champs-Elysees. I passed by the Toyota showroom and saw the iQ. It is a nice looking car, inside and out. I have taken a ride in a Smart, but it seemed like a glorified go-kart. I did not feel very safe. The iQ looked much more substantial, by comparison.

I have a Tundra and a 4-Runner, but need something that gets better gas mileage...I hope the iQ makes it to the USA soon.

[Cliff S]

Yes, we need the IQ in the USA.

Living in San Francisco means crowded urban driving, tight parking, high gas costs, and tight turns.

I am now waiting in the 11 month line for a SmartCar; I will drop out of this queue if the IQ becomes available. (Advantages of the IQ include 1 or 2 more passengers, superior suspension, and presumably better transmission!)

[Daniel]

YES! Bring the iQ to the USA!
I am a former owner of the original Scion xB, which I loved very much. My current vehicle is a smart fortwo, which I also like. I miss some of the Scion features (iPod integration, esp) in my smart. When I heard on a car magazine website that it was rumored that the iQ was coming to the USA as a Scion, I called my local dealer to get on the list!
PLEASE bring the iQ to the USA!

[ONEILL PR]

I cant wait for that car to come to Puerto Rico. I own a toyota yaris 2007' and its very comfortable, easy to drive and problem free vehicle. The cost of Fuel has been a major concern here, and with prices changing constantly makes you think twice before buying a car that has a low mpg efficiency. The yaris has been sold by the thousands here and if the IQ came to this market im sure it will surpass the yaris by far in sales. Im sure safety is also a major concern for everybody, im sure this car will have some good safety specs but that wont keep me from driving with 20 eyes on the highway. :)

[Jari Pylvänäinen]

AS a 2007 Yaris owner THE iQ or iQ2 suits my taste. The only issues here are the rear visibility and if the car is stable enough on slibery, icey winter rouds. In Finland the weather isn´t always that favorable.

[Liz J]

YES!!! PLEASE bring the iQ to the United States!!! I would definitely buy the iQ as my primary vehicle as long as it gets at least 45-50 MPG on the highway and has available cruise control. I'd prefer Toyota branding, but I would still buy it if it were a Scion. I currently drive a 2006 Prius, and love the mileage (about 44 MPG overall in the summer and 37 in the winter). I gladly would make do with less space if I could get that kind of mileage using a conventional gasoline engine--gas prices won't stay low forever. The styling of the iQ is great!

[Sally]

Bring it to the United States, especially California. People are getting rid of their gas guzzlers and are looking for something like this. Its more practical than a SMART and gets better MPG. Trust me, you could sell 50,000 of these in California alone.

[Sam DiAntonio]

When will the IQ come over to the U.S., and will it be sold under the scion brand?

[jafar]

I would love to purchase one as soon as it is availabe in the u.s. and also depends on the price tag and I'd definetly not pend $25k. on a smart car. regardless of 60k per miles when it can only carry two people.

[Marvin McCoy]

Would I buy an IQ? Yes I would. I now have a Smart Car and anything we can do to get more small efficient cars in the States is good. Looks like the IQ is a little more of a car then the Smart and should sell good here.

[Dan Fox]

I'm still driving my 1986 Toyota turbo pick-up every day as I have for the past 22 years but would love to be able to buy a fuel efficient car like the Toyota IQ. I'll still keep my old reliable pick-up for the odd jobs around the house but would settle for an IQ in a heart beat as my daily driver. Please bring the IQ to the U.S. soon!!

[marinjim]

I will buy an iQ as soon as a PHEV version is released. Most of my driving is local and I could avoid any gas consumption for days on end with a PHEV. I currently drive a 15 year old Lexus and our other car is a 2004 Prius and my teenagers both have older Toyotas.

[Larry]

IQ has the highest UK crash rating.
Stop screwing around IMPORT IT before my Smart is delivered! Why is Smart's LONG WAITING LIST the only tiny car Americans can buy?!
The CVT gets great reviews. I love my Honda Reflex scooter's CVT drive in traffic. It was the only "tiny car" Big Oil would let me own.
IMPORT IT - IMPORT IT!

[Brian]

I will buy an IQ the moment they are available in the US.

[Darrel H.]

I currently drive a Scion XA. I would like that to become my big car. I did have an order in for a smart car but didn't buy it. For me it wasn't the right time and it wasn't the right car. I do plan to purchase the Toyota/Scion IQ however.

[L G Wright]

Plez bring it to the USA!!! My '85 Toyota P/U (313,000mi)needs a rest. I've often considered a Pruis, but everytime I'm ready to purchase, the price goes up considerably. Waitin' in Texas!

[LisaGay Wright]

PLEZ BRING IT TO THE USA!!!
My '85 Toyota P/U (313,000mi) needs a rest. I've often considered a Pruis, but everytime I've been ready to purchase, the price has gone up unbelievably. The iQ's price will fit my budget perfectly. And being the size of a Texas mosquito, ol' Duke & I should fit in it just right!
Waitin' in Houston!

[Jay Rubin]

With ALL OF US saying bring the IQ to the USA market...what the heck is up with the TOYOTA folks? No response must mean they don't care.

[Vincent]

When is this car come to the US?

[Brake Hydraulic Hose]

I will buy an iQ as soon as a PHEV version is released. Most of my driving is local and I could avoid any gas consumption for days on end with a PHEV. I currently drive a 15 year old Lexus and our other car is a 2004 Prius and my teenagers both have older Toyotas.

[CDRom Manual]

I'm still driving my 1986 Toyota turbo pick-up every day as I have for the past 22 years but would love to be able to buy a fuel efficient car like the Toyota IQ. I'll still keep my old reliable pick-up for the odd jobs around the house but would settle for an IQ in a heart beat as my daily driver. Please bring the IQ to the U.S. soon!!

[Kadeem]

THE IQ NEEDS TO HURRY UP AN COME TO USA I CANT WAIT IM SURE GAS PRICES WILL GO UP, AND IM A CITY BOY ANYWAY THIS CAR IS AWESOME;-)

[Eric Spaeth]

Why, why, why, why.... does not anyone sell cars like this in the US?!

I don't own a car. The absence of a choice like this is the reason.

[Mark]

Come on Toyota! Bring the iQ to the USA.

Does anybody there remember the 1975 fuel crisis? Some of us do, and are stymied be the lack of SMALL vehicle offerings in this day and age. Hey Toyota, quit offering us bloated versions of last years model all the time. The biggest disappointment I’ve had in years was when the RAV 4 came back again, BIGGER THAN EVER. What are you guys thinking? A whole lot of us don’t want a bigger car! DING DING DING! Anyone home Toyota? You must have been infiltrated by GM because you seem to imitate them quite well the last few years.

Again, does anybody there remember the 1975 fuel crisis?
Volkswagen beat everybody to the punch and offered the Rabbit to the American public.
They sold every single one. They were fun to drive, handled well, only weighed 2000 pounds, and got 30-35mpg.

The Big Three are going away soon I hope. I haven’t wanted one of their cars since the early ‘70’s. All they care about is the larger profit margin that the huge cars, trucks and SUV’s bring in. I find myself in a similar situation with Toyota now. You seem to think we all want bigger, heavier, thirstier cars. WE DO NOT!!!!
You seem to think we want that infant, crappy, expensive technology called “Hybrids”.
Most of us do not!!! Electrics? Get real, and when you can offer me a viable one, I’ll buy it. Until then, no thanks.

Since the early 80’s, cars have gotten 50% more powerful and 50% heavier, Toyotas included. No wonder we can’t get 30mpg in a gas vehicle anymore.

Here is a concept for you.

A two seat, AWD, with minimal bells and whistles to save weight, 2.00 lbs, or less.

In the meantime sell us the iQ.

BTW, Honda, I’m talking to you too.

[Chuck Barone]

Please bring the IQ with the Turbo Diesel to the US! I have been in other countries where Toyota has a wide range of economical diesel engined cars. The Rav4 D4-D and the Inova are good examples of ecomonical diesel cars. Hybrid cars like the Prius are good, but with the battery cost and pottential issue of disposal, diesel power offers an excellent alternative.

[Chris Q]

I'll sell my 2000 Echo and get this as soon as it arrives in the USA. Otherwise, there's nothing wrong with the Echo - still runs like a brand new car. C'mon Toyota, bring the iQ here to the USA!

Considering Smart has a 1 yr + waiting list, despite other car sales across the board are at historic lows, Toyota ought to see the opportunity for tiny cars in the USA as the one segment for growth.