Howdy Webriders! Dr. VW here for this week’s Foreign Fridays! As I was trolling across the net reading up on the various bits of news coming in from across the globe, I came across an article on MotorTrend’s website about the new Toyota iQ. Now I’ve seen and read about the iQ before, but it was one of those quirky cars that just would never make it here in America. Or so I thought. Hit the jump for the story– I couldn’t make this stuff up folks.

Ok first off… just look at this thing.

Yeah. First bomb of the day? They’re bringing it stateside.

It’s weird. No question about it. It resembles a Smart fourtwo- and it should as it’s meant to be direct competition to the diminutive hatch. However the overall design is distinctly Asian, with awkward looking yet functional design elements that make for a good car in a strange package. I should mention first off, that while many editors are convinced this car would sell well in the US, I’m not so sure. Americans are fickle buyers, and if it doesn’t look just a certain way, it won’t sell. Most peoples opinions on blogs and forums, and mine as well, is that the car is simply to weird to fit in here. The size and safety factors aren’t really applicable, the Smart and Mini Cooper have proved that a car can overcome those hurdles here in America. No, in this case everyone is saying the same thing: its just too far out there. The body is funky and fun and dare I say hip, but it is so at odds with the usual cookie cutter design elements that are prevalent in nearly ALL US market vehicles. That’s not to say there isn’t a niche group of people that will love it– there always is– but as a mainstream vehicle (from Toyota no less!) I’m just not sure people will buy it in the numbers that are expected.

That being said, there is another bomb dropped. It won’t come here as a Toyota. It’ll come here as a Scion.

That.

Just.

Happened.

The iQ would be rebadged as a Scion and marketed as the smallest, cheapest, entry level Scion in the line up, offsetting the xD and its more traditional proportions. Furthermore, if rumors are true, they would attempt to undercut the Smart’s 16k asking price. The iQ comes loaded as well, base versions of the car include a surprising list of standard equipment: air conditioning, power windows, mirrors, and locks, a six-speaker stereo with MP3 player input, leather wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 15-in. alloy wheels– with the larger engine from the Yaris, as opposed to the engines being offered in Europe. (They are laughably small– for the US market anyway)

Supposedly the Scion iQ will be unveiled at the LA Auto Show along with the final price tags and options. Why though, remains beyond me, as I think this car is going to flop stateside. Only time will tell! In the meantime, check out the galleries on the iQ, and as ever, go on down to the forums- thanks to ClassyCruiser for the pictures! This is Dr. VW, signing off.