Toyota plans to drop the Scion iQ in the U.S. market, axing the smallest model in the lineup of a brand aimed at young people, according to Automotive News. The model's size, price, and fuel economy figures were unable to attract a sufficient number of buyers in the U.S., with sales dropping by 50 percent in 2014 to just 2,040 units sold.
The iQ debuted for the 2011 model year and featured a 1.3-liter inline-four driving the front wheels, connected to a continuously variable transmission. The engine produced 94 hp and 84 lb-ft of torque, which was enough for it to keep up with traffic but not a whole lot more.
The iQ invariably was compared to the Smart ForTwo and the Fiat 500, its closest competitors in terms of size, yet the iQ has managed to find more fans than the ForTwo, which one Autoweek staffer described as "just about the most painful automotive experience that I've ever come across." Regardless, the iQ was smaller than it really needed to be -- the Fiat 500 is a real-life car by comparison (with real-life features like trunk space). The iQ has also suffered going up against the Toyota Yaris, which starts at $1,600 less yet offers a traditional interior and exterior. The iQ's combined fuel economy rating of 37 mpg also failed to attract enough customers, with many expecting more in exchange for its small size.
The departure of the iQ follows the end of production for the Scion xD, as the brand looks to revamp much of its model lineup in the near future. Scion has promised to field three new models in the next three years, starting with a sedan which will be revealed at the New York Auto Show in April.
Jay Ramey grew up around very strange European cars, and instead of seeking out something reliable and comfortable for his own personal use he has been drawn to the more adventurous side of the dependability spectrum. Despite being followed around by French cars for the past decade, he has somehow been able to avoid Citroën ownership, judging them too commonplace, and is currently looking at cars from the former Czechoslovakia. Jay has been with Autoweek since 2013.
