I noticed that, in addition to a much nicer interior, that the Aston version is available with a 6 speed manula.
I noticed that, in addition to a much nicer interior, that the Aston version is available with a 6 speed manula.
I have to agree with Alan and Joe on this one. I havent driven one, but I sat in it at the dealership. While I was reasonably comfortable in the front seats, the back seats felt more like the 2+2s of old (Supra, Eclipse, etc). Funny, but while sitting in the back, I actually said the EXACT same thing to my wife about being in a crash: NO WAY I would want to be in the back seat in an accident. The seat is WAY too close to the rear window/bumper.
I didnt even notice the lack of cruise control, but that seems to be a big oversight on their part. THE big failure (and the Smart cars as well) is the lack of a manual transmission. In my opinion, a true manual transmission is the only way to get the most out of a tiny engine.... So, I bought a 2012 Yaris L, 3-door - In a 5-speed manual. PLUS I added OEM cruise control for $60. I dont see why ANYONE would chose the iQ, especially at its price point.
In Europe, the iQ is available with a manual transmission, don't know about cruise, and several European car magazines have STRONGLY suggested avoiding the CVT. The iQ is (apparently?) aimed at "drivers" who would appreciate being able to sqeeze into small spaces or jump into tiny spots in the next lane while commuting. The iQ seems to be marketted to drivers who are commuters only in mind, the so the lack of cruise control makes more sense (and really, would you want to drive this car in a situation where cruise would be nice to have?).
Toyota sells a slightly bigger car than this in Europe, smaller than a Yaris, but I imagine it couldn't be sold on it's "cutesy pie" looks...which it doesn't have, as easily as the iQ.
During trips to Japan we have seen a curious vehicle called the Toyota iQ. It can pretty much be described as the Japanese giant's version of the smart.
For a congested Tokyo, the iQ's tiny footprint makes sense. Could it fly in America? We're about to find out as the model has been added to Toyota's Scion lineup.
The iQ doesn't leave much for personalization, though, as it's only available with a 1.3-liter engine backed by a CVT transmission.
Want to have your mind blown? The iQ is also available through European Aston Martin dealerships as the Aston Martin Cygnet.
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