Model Strengths:

• Room for Four In a Tiny Package
• Decent Power for Its Size
• Excellent Fuel Efficiency
• Great Highway Manners
• Easy To Maneuver

Model Overview:

The Scion iQ is tiny, with a wheelbase of just 78.7 inches. However, it's amazing what Toyota engineers have been able to pack into the allotted space.

Up front is a 94-hp 1.3L inline-4-cylinder with variable valve timing. The unit is mated to a continuously variable transmission that can propel the iQ to 60 mph in just under 12 seconds. More importantly, the iQ returns 36 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

The iQ rides on 16-inch steel wheels, which are suspended by MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam in the rear. Braking is courtesy of ventilated front discs and rear drums.

Seating for four is technically possible, but the rear 50/50 split-folding seats are often better suited to carrying a small payload. Cargo capacity is 16.7 cubic feet of space with the seats down. Front seating, on the other hand, is quite ample, with nearly 41 inches of leg room.

Standard exterior features include keyless entry, a rear wiper and folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators. Inside there are standard amenities such as air conditioning, 4-way front seats, outside temperature gauge and power locks, mirrors, and windows, with driver and passenger one-touch auto up/down. Also included is a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, a 160-watt Pioneer CD stereo, auxiliary audio and USB inputs and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

Optional equipment for the iQ includes exterior body moldings and rear spoiler, fog lights, special door sill overlays and illumination, interior lighting, Toyota Racing Development sport suspension components and alloy wheels.

As in all Scions, safety has been engineered into the iQ. The car includes eleven airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, traction control, stability control and a tire pressure monitor.

Model Changes:

After its introduction last year, the Scion IQ is mostly unchanged for 2013. It receives minor updates to its standard equipment, adding a rear speaker and some extra storage space. Both pieces of equipment were optional on last year's car.

Model Value:

The Scion iQ, similar to Smart's offerings, goes above and beyond the similarly sized Fortwo. The iQ is an engineering powerhouse, with excellent freeway manners for such a small car, as well as an in-the-city demeanor that makes it a snap to maneuver. Its turning radius of 25.8 feet out-performs the Smart by nearly three feet and interior materials are top-notch. When the ways that Scion allows for personalizing its vehicles are factored, the iQ shows itself to be a popular choice for urban dwellers who need to get around.