Scion has always been known for its small, hip, and affordable vehicles targeted at the younger generations. But after new car finance deals became harder for those younger buyers, and Kia started cutting into that trendy action, the newest car in the stable while unique, is definitely not for everyone.
A four seated micro subcompact the new Scion iQ is priced at around $16,000. It's a car built purely around urban driving, but given its price and size, its hard not to look at new cars under $15,000 and go 'where's the rest of it'? Maybe Toyota will throw some new car rebates at it to bring it down, to the new cars under $15,000 range, but that's doubtful.
The other assumption you'll make is that a car that small must do over 40 MPG. But you would be wrong. While it does a more than respectable 37 MPG city, at only 38 MPG HWY makes this a bit of a disappointment if you commute any real distance with the number of cars that do get 40 MPG growing.
Still, if you decide you're interested in something that laughs at subcompact parking spaces and track one down using the Scion dealer locator, there are some pleasant surprises. Unlike any used car pricing on a Smart ForTwo subcompact, the iQ comes in plenty of attractive Scion styling options and paint colors.
And unlike its Smart competition, the iQ comes with more leg room up front and seating for four. Two contortionists maybe required however, to fit in those rear seats when you do use the locator to find the nearest Scion dealer. The new car rebates are likely to be equally small. Scions typically price to a fixed number.
Still, if you have a certain need for a small car and don't like the used car pricing options you're getting, the Scion iQ is probably the best new car finance option of a very small field. For the rest of us it's a bit of a head scratcher, but it will still be a head turner. It's that small!