New York: Scion iQ Wows: Urban transport with attitude

Truly a micro subcompact in the vein of the smart fortwo, the Scion iQ Concept that Toyota introduced at the New York Auto Show looks like a tarted-up tuner machine right out of the box. But then a customization culture already exists around the Scion, so there's a point to the flares and 18-inch wheels. Urban transportation with attitude.

Seating is described as 3 + 1. Three we'll buy although it's a bit of a squeeze for the rear seat passenger. Anyone attempting to occupy the +1 position behind the driver must be a compliant pet, small child or Yoga master. However, the rear passenger(s) do have the protection of a unique rear window air bag.

The diminutive 3-door hatchback sits on a 78.7-inch wheelbase, is 126.9 inches long, 79.3 inches wide including side mirrors and 62.5 inches high including antenna. The roof is actually just 56.9 inches above the pavement.

The 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder, VVT-I engine pumps out 93 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque. Consider the post-WWII VW Beetle had but 34 horsepower.

A pop-up 10-inch LCD screen atop of the center cluster is the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. Front passenger leg room is enhanced by the compactness of the air conditioning unit located behind the center of the console. Despite the close quarters, the front seat occupants enjoy individual climate controls.

Safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA); and nine SRS airbags including the one in the rear window.

Check out our video of the Scion iQ Concept at its New York debut where it also scored two podium finishes in the World Car of the Year competition.