Skirting the line between microcar and subcompact, the Scion iQ mini compact made its debut in United States auto dealership showrooms in December of 2011. Branded as a Toyota iQ outside the U.S. (Toyota Motor Corporation is the parent company of Scion), the 2012 Scion iQ has room for 4 passengers (although the passenger's knee space is so limited that Scion itself refers to the car as a 3-1/2-passenger vehicle) and makes for a good city car, especially if you need to park on busy streets.

The Scion iQ is available in a single Base trim, which is front-wheel drive, runs on premium gasoline and is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The iQ is fitted with a 1.3-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine that reaches 94 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates that the iQ will get 36 mpg city/37 highway.

Air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power door locks, power windows, power steering, a leather-trimmed tilt steering wheel with audio controls, leather-trimmed shift knob, intermittent front windshield wipers, rear defogger, rear window wiper, 50/50 split fold-flat rear seats, power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, a 4-speaker 160-watt Pioneer standard audio system (with AM/FM/HD radio, in-dash single CD player and MP3 playback capability), Bluetooth, Sirius XM satellite radio connectivity, a USB connection, auxiliary audio input (with iPod integration), projector beam headlights and 16-inch steel wheels with 5- or 7-spoke wheel covers and all-season tires are all standard equipment for the 2012 Scion iQ. additional equipment options include a 4-piece aero kit, rear spoiler, mudguards, fog lights, a navigation system and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires.

As far as safety features are concerned, the 2012 Scion iQ comes standard with 9 airbags (front side airbags, front side-curtain airbags, front knee airbags, front seat-cushion airbags and a rear-window airbag) as well as a 4-wheel antilock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, a vehicle stability control system, traction control system and smart stop technology, which reduces engine power when the brake pedal is depressed.

Competing against the likes of the Smart Fortwo (which lacks a back seat) and Fiat 500, the 2-door hatchback Scion IQ went on sale in the western region of the U.S. in December 2011, with sales expected to begin in the southern, midwest and northern regions during the first quarter of 2012. With a competitive price point, ample power for its size and a decent amount of standard options, the mini compact market just got a little more competitive.