Have you noticed that the designations “smart” and “IQ” actually refer to the same idea? Brilliant, this marketing strategy from Toyota. But the fourth model to join the range this fall Scion (it’s a Toyota in Europe) will prove he too crafty …?

Few laps at Autodrome St. Eustache in midsummer can not suffice to elaborate and thorough critique of the new Scion iQ 2012 three-door hatchback. First, we have been driving on the highway, the question of whether short takes shape in the wind, as does the Smart. But the latter is as high as it is wide, whereas Scion iQ 2012 is wider than high. If the laws of physics do not lie, we should discover that Scion iQ 2012 is stronger at high speed than its rival smart.

More “normal”, but less secure Scion iQ 2012

Smart says his force transmission (to the rear wheels) with an automated manual transmission, which creates a kind of “rocking chair” for each gear change. The Scion iQ 2012 for its part, put on quite a CVT – no manual mode, but … with a “sport” mode! – For transmitting power to the front wheels. It is more linear, if not more “normal”. But, no surprise accelerations are noisy or hissing. And they are more vocal than they run, despite false reports to deceive virtual ear. The soundproofing of the cabin, moreover correct, is seriously undermined when pressing the pedal to the floor. It was the impression of driving a sewing mill. A mill that is still sewing the 0-100km / h and a half seconds faster than the smart, say it.

Ultimately, is that it takes more power under the hood? Should not, because the Scion iQ 2012 could then assume. Certainly we thought the chassis rigid, well assembled and direction (electric) does not blur in the center of the smart (yet rack). Either way, we like the big wheel of the Scion which is firmly in hand. And we love that its turning radius, a meter shorter (as if it were possible) than the smart, easy (a euphemism …) The parking maneuvers. But the fact remains that the short track and short wheelbase are not guarantees of assertive behavior. Instead, Scion iQ 2012 gave us the impression of not following the rhythm and it would pay unpredictably, even in tight corners if that. I rolled miles with smart and I have never experienced this feeling of imbalance, non-control.

Friends … with or without legs? Scion iQ 2012

You are tired of hearing us compare with the smart Scion iQ 2012? Sorry, but it is not finished yet. In fact, it continues unabated: the smart certainly has the advantage of a convertible variant, but the small two-door Scion has four seats, two more. And is a major asset.

To be honest, he would rather say that Scion iQ 2012 can accommodate three adults relatively comfortably … and a beast hair. Or luggage. Explain: because we made a clean sweep of the glove box, the passenger can slide the seat forward a good half franc offset with the driver. (For storage, there’s always that drawer that eradicates chugging along the underside of the seat.) Consequence: a third person can stand behind and even head and knees are cramped, it will not suffer too much time a short walk. Yet will he forget to 100km / h on the highway, the truck traveling at a few centimeters of the buttocks. And the presence of the first airbag hatchback in the world (which pushed the total to 11 bags aboard the Scion iQ 2012) may not be enough to reassure.

We should pledge, because this estimate is spot on: $ 16,760 that will be for Scion iQ 2012. It is almost $ 2000 more expensive than the smart fortwo basic, but it has more amenities. For the rest, it will be a matter of personal taste. And all those who opt for the Scion, whether for curiosity, the third “real” power up or a bit stronger, they will help to raise the Scion iQ 2012 which does not rise since last fall: the Scion sales in Canada …