Scion iQ may lead new microcar revolution
In San Francisco, a city known for cable cars, crusty sourdough and intense competition for curbside parking, a tiny car that's a bit more than 10 feet long might sound perfect for commuters.
Toyota's new Scion iQ will test whether Americans are ready to put aside more-is-more thinking in favor of a model that will be the second-shortest car sold in the U.S. market, after the Smart ForTwo.
Just as road monsters such as General Motors' late Hummer and Ford's yawning Excursion pushed the upper extremes of sport-utility mania, microcars such as the iQ and the Smart show how far at least some consumers will go for a low price, high gas mileage and two-to-a-space parking.
Smart was an 8-foot, 8-inch sensation when it rolled out in 2008, but sales have melted. Mercedes-Benz, whose parent Daimler makes the car in France, took back control of the U.S. operation this month, vowing to reinvigorate Smart's dealer network and marketing.
But for Smart and now Scion iQ to get here the kind of acceptance the tiniest of cars have found in cities elsewhere in the world will be a challenge:
Americans "don't really appreciate very small cars," says David Champion, automotive director for Consumer Reports magazine. "What they appreciate is something that is inexpensive and has really good fuel economy."
The iQ will start at $15,995 with shipping when it goes on sale in limited areas this fall. If Toyota's estimate of 36 miles per gallon in city driving and 37 on the highway holds up with the Environmental Protection Agency, its official rating could be one of the highest on the road for a non-hybrid or electric vehicles.
To get the big fuel savings, though, motorists will have to embrace a car so tiny that it's described by Toyota as a "3 plus 1" — two relatively roomy seats up front and a cramped back seat for a third passenger, plus an almost non-existent fourth.
Parked in San Francisco's busy Fisherman's Wharf tourist district last week, a stubby iQ in "Hot Lava" orange drew stares but not necessarily raves from the kind of young people Toyota considers prime targets to drive one.
Kelsey Riley can't see herself in the iQ. "I'm claustrophobic," the 17-year-old from Modesto, Calif., explains. Besides, she says, "If you're a girl like me, you need some place to put your luggage."
But Viola Stoyan, 18, from Utica, N.Y., finds the sportiness and the space "pretty cool."
Toyota's original timing to show off its microcar for the U.S. market seemed ideal. The iQ made a splashy debut as a concept at the 2009 New York Auto Show, lowered from the ceiling in a haze of fog. Gas prices had peaked at an all-time high of $4.11. And the Smart was looking, well, smart.
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"The Smart car driver was a pregnant woman," he said. "I was stunned; she wasn't hurt at all." He went to a dealer and ordered a white Smart immediately. The Smart ForTwo, the smallest car for sale in the US market that year, received the top rating of
Is America ready for a car that takes up half a parking space? Judging by Smart's slow sales, right now it's a toss-up. Down the road, the marketplace will answer that question, and we do tend to like vehicles that are inexpensive, reliable,
Smart was an 8-foot, 8-inch sensation when it rolled out in 2008, but sales have melted. Mercedes-Benz, whose parent Daimler makes the car in France, took back control of the US operation this month, vowing to reinvigorate Smart's dealer network and
The Clarkes are travelling with a Smart Car team from Victoria to Newfoundland and Labrador. (Sandi Krasowski) A Thunder Bay car dealership on Wednesday showed how far the company and the automotive industry have come since the first car hit the
This diminutive car is not just clever in name only; targeted at the Smart Car crowd, it's a few points up on the Mercedes-built offering with a hyper-efficient engine and seating for four. The iQ has already been doing quite well overseas,
The Auto n Sports Blog Smart Car Dealers in America
Smart cars are compact and fuel-efficient vehicles. They are designed for occupying minimum space. One of the main manufacturers of the smart cars is the German automotive company Daimler AG. Smart cars are available in both gas and electric engines. They have the unique feature of interchangeable exterior parts.
The increasing demand for the fuel efficiency and less available space has boosted up the sell of smart cars in many countries. The smart cars are the small cars usually designed for the homes having fewer parking spaces. These cars are fuel-efficient and more economical. These cars can be most suitable for the small homes with less family members.
If you are thinking of buying a smart car for your home, the used smart car dealers can provide you with the better options for buying a smart car, instead of going for a brand new one. The smart cars dealers in America provide you with the number of options for smart car models and numerous offers and great discounts. If you are thinking of becoming a smart car dealer, it can be much lucrative deal once you have established the contract with the distributor and had the proper licensing and set up required.
Smart car dealers deal in brand new cars as well as used smart cars. You can choose the car depending on your budget and affordability levels. Many car dealers also provide financing facility on the new as well as used cars. Following are some tips for buying a car from the smart car dealer.
Tips for Buying Car from Smart Car Dealers:
Look for the smart car dealer nearest to your place so that you can easily approach him for any further assistance. Make sure that he is a reputed car dealer and provides good after sales service. Crossblade
Smart fortwo is a rear engine car suitable for two. The above mentioned models of Smart fortwo are widely sold in America. It is also available in detachable roof versions.
Tehengine of these cars is turbo charged with three cylinder motors. Smart cars offer 599cc petrol engine. The newer models are available upto 698cc, 799cc and 999cc engine capacities.
Smart Car Dealers in America:
The good features of the smart cars and its economical affordability led to boosting of smart car dealerships in America. Today the smart car dealers are spread throughout America. The first smart car dealer was located in Puerto Rico. Currently, it is the part of Penske Automotive Group and Triangle Automotive Group. Most of the smart car dealers have their own websites and can be contacted on the same.
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