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Scion iQ in the US by Early 2011

The tiny iQ will arrive in the United States after all, with an estimated launch date going somewhere around early 2011. However, it won't arrive in the country as a Toyota as the Japanese manufacturer plans to debut the 3+1 vehicle as a Scion-based model, according to a report by motortrend.com.

“Scion’s iQ concept turns traditional auto design upside down,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just the opposite with its innovative features and iconic urban design, and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand. Our young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward thinkers, and we think they will appreciate what iQ has to offer.”

The car was officially revealed at the 2009 New York Auto Show in the form of a concept powered by a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder VVT-i engine that develops 93 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque. However, the future US range will include more engines as it follows: a 1.0-liter l-3 plus a 1.4-liter diesel.

As for the safety features, the car has nine airbags, according to the aforementioned source, with the production model expected to be longer by an inch and a half.

The concept's interiors featured illuminated door handles, illuminated iQ logo on the passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum interior panels. A 10-inch panel LCD screen provides access to navigation features and entertainment console. Furthermore, a multi-information display lets the driver browse through the odometer, the average speed, temperature and eco lamp.

Nevertheless, not all the features seen on the concept will make it to the production model but mode retails are expected to be released in the upcoming months as we get closer to the public unveiling.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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