Whats iQ doing? - Toyota Yaris Forums

Kal-El · 10-31-2010, 02:04 PM

As cool of a novelty these micro cars are, when you weigh all characteristics, they make little to no sense to buy. Especially in wide open America. New York City, maybe.

Here's how I would run my buying criteria comparisons. We're are talking about the Smart and iQ.

Price?
........They are no more affordable than the sub-compact class. This is perhaps their greatest downfall because this would probably be the best argument for such extreme downsizing. $9K for a new iQ? Sign me up!

Fuel economy?
........We know the Smart gets about 40mpg combined. No official EPA estimate on the iQ yet but I bet it will best the Smart even though it's bigger. Again, no real big advantage over sub-compacts. The Fiesta has a 40 mpg/highway EPA rating. Many of us average around 40 in the Yaris. Even the next size up - new Focus, Cruze, and others are supposed to hit the magical 40 figure. The cars are twice the size as the micro's. Not to mention cars like the Prius, which has mid-size volume inside and gets 50+ mpg.

Size?
........The only argument in favor of such size is to fit and maneuver anywhere/park anywhere especially on the tight and narrow roads throughout Europe. Still, it's not required. Europe is still filled with large cars and trucks that manage. The argument against can be a very long list but I'll try to keep it short. Obviously, they're primarily just for two. The iQ, however, makes for more useful space with actual space behind the front seats. Sub-compacts carry 5 adults + a healthy portion of cargo. Twice that of micro's. This may greatly effect your real life usability which may require you to own 2 or more cars. Just as with owning a pure electric vehicle, a micro car is only practical as a second vehicle. With a sub-compact, it is perfectly fine as your only vehicle.

Styling?
.........There's definitely a "cool/hip" factor to these cars. Although, you either love them or hate them. Many, in America especially perhaps, the Smart is often laughed at. I say they look good, but a larger car will almost always look better with it's classical proportions. Micro cars look like they've been chopped.

Safety?
.........The Smart has proven not to be a death sentence. However, there's no question that physics still rule. Bigger objects win, plain and simple. The Smart, and surely the iQ, have amazingly strong safety cages but have very little, if any crumple zones. They simply bounce and are thrown in the air off the larger vehicle. Severe whiplash is the inevitable result. Many people are weary of even driving sub-compacts or even compacts with safety concerns, again mostly in America. Never mind a micro-car.

Performance?
.........Well, we know these cars will be nimble in tight areas and at low speeds. However, push them at high speeds and on the highway, and another weakness reveals itself. First, they're usually only moderately powered, but their lightness helps them get up and go. Still, probably only matching but most likely falling behind even basic sub-compacts. Their main problem is quietness and stability on the highway. Or cornering at high speeds.

The result? I just cannot find any logical reason why someone would buy one?

Anyone have a very compelling reason to buy one?

10-31-2010, 02:04 PM	#5
Kal-El Drives: 07 Yaris S Sedan 5-Speed Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,179	As cool of a novelty these micro cars are, when you weigh all characteristics, they make little to no sense to buy. Especially in wide open America. New York City, maybe. Here's how I would run my buying criteria comparisons. We're are talking about the Smart and iQ. Price? ........They are no more affordable than the sub-compact class. This is perhaps their greatest downfall because this would probably be the best argument for such extreme downsizing. $9K for a new iQ? Sign me up! Fuel economy? ........We know the Smart gets about 40mpg combined. No official EPA estimate on the iQ yet but I bet it will best the Smart even though it's bigger. Again, no real big advantage over sub-compacts. The Fiesta has a 40 mpg/highway EPA rating. Many of us average around 40 in the Yaris. Even the next size up - new Focus, Cruze, and others are supposed to hit the magical 40 figure. The cars are twice the size as the micro's. Not to mention cars like the Prius, which has mid-size volume inside and gets 50+ mpg. Size? ........The only argument in favor of such size is to fit and maneuver anywhere/park anywhere especially on the tight and narrow roads throughout Europe. Still, it's not required. Europe is still filled with large cars and trucks that manage. The argument against can be a very long list but I'll try to keep it short. Obviously, they're primarily just for two. The iQ, however, makes for more useful space with actual space behind the front seats. Sub-compacts carry 5 adults + a healthy portion of cargo. Twice that of micro's. This may greatly effect your real life usability which may require you to own 2 or more cars. Just as with owning a pure electric vehicle, a micro car is only practical as a second vehicle. With a sub-compact, it is perfectly fine as your only vehicle. Styling? .........There's definitely a "cool/hip" factor to these cars. Although, you either love them or hate them. Many, in America especially perhaps, the Smart is often laughed at. I say they look good, but a larger car will almost always look better with it's classical proportions. Micro cars look like they've been chopped. Safety? .........The Smart has proven not to be a death sentence. However, there's no question that physics still rule. Bigger objects win, plain and simple. The Smart, and surely the iQ, have amazingly strong safety cages but have very little, if any crumple zones. They simply bounce and are thrown in the air off the larger vehicle. Severe whiplash is the inevitable result. Many people are weary of even driving sub-compacts or even compacts with safety concerns, again mostly in America. Never mind a micro-car. Performance? .........Well, we know these cars will be nimble in tight areas and at low speeds. However, push them at high speeds and on the highway, and another weakness reveals itself. First, they're usually only moderately powered, but their lightness helps them get up and go. Still, probably only matching but most likely falling behind even basic sub-compacts. Their main problem is quietness and stability on the highway. Or cornering at high speeds. The result? I just cannot find any logical reason why someone would buy one? Anyone have a very compelling reason to buy one?