Toyota iQ May Come to the U.S. as a Scion

When we first saw the production Toyota iQ at the 2008 Geneva motor show, we were emphatically told that the car – a four-passenger competitor to Smart’s ForTwo – was designed for European tastes.  Still, some suggest the city car is destined for the American market, albeit as a Scion.

If true, there’s some method to the madness.  Placing the iQ into Scion’s range prevents the small car from stealing the spotlight from Toyota’s gas-sippers, the Prius hybrid and Yaris.  One could also argue that the iQ, a small, trendy, and possibly affordable vehicle, would resonate well with younger buyers – the core focus of Scion’s marketing.

Details are still sketchy at this point, but Motor Trend suggests the iQ will use the Yaris’ 1.5-liter I-4 if it arrives stateside.  We’ll know more details this November, when Toyota may reveal its plans at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show.

Source: Motor Trend

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