Car news! Scion iQ Hatchback

Scion iQ Hatchback

Full 2014 Scion iQ Review

What's New for 2014

The 2014 Scion iQ gets a new audio display and the limited-edition Scion 10 Series trim level.

Introduction

Imagine you're going to a show late on a Saturday night, somewhere downtown. You've circled the block a dozen times looking for a suitable parking spot. There are a few places, but, after closer investigation, you find that they're just too small. Maybe if your SUV wasn't so big you'd be walking up to the box office by now.

For times such as this, cars like the 2014 Scion iQ are priceless.

Of all the cars on American roads, only the Smart Fortwo has a smaller footprint than the 2014 Scion iQ. But the iQ is a better car in almost every other measurable way. The Scion iQ has more interior space than the Fortwo, plus it has a rear seat. As such, it's possible to get four adults (hence the "3+1" passenger designation) inside the Scion. Two full-size adults can sit one behind the other on the passenger side, and you can still fit someone of meager proportions behind the driver. Of course, we're talking about short jaunts through the city, as the iQ really isn't intended for long-distance travel.

The more conventional powertrain on the iQ sets it apart from its rival as well. It's absolutely not fast, but it's significantly quicker than the Smart, and its larger four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) are better suited for accelerating in urban traffic than the Fortwo's tiny three-cylinder engine and automated manual gearbox. More important, when you're in the iQ, you feel as if you're driving a real car.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Scion iQ is a two-door, four-passenger subcompact available in base and limited-edition Scion 10 Series trim levels. Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels; a choice of two different plastic wheel covers; full power accessories; keyless entry; air-conditioning; a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; and a six-speaker Pioneer sound system with a 6-inch touchscreen display, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The Scion 10 Series is a limited-edition production run celebrating Scion's 10th anniversary. The iQ 10 Series comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, illuminated panels on the center console, illuminated badges, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob and floor mats.

The factory options end there, but a number of dealer-installed items are available. Besides such typical add-ons as a rear spoiler and various cargo-area items, dealers can install alloy wheels, foglamps, interior ambient lighting, satellite radio and an upgraded BeSpoke audio interface system with navigation and smartphone app integration.