Damon Lavrinc is at the media introduction of the 2012 Scion iQ, and he reports that the diminutive hatchback will be priced from $15,995 (including destination charges) when it hits U.S. showrooms. Scion now says the iQ’s U.S. launch, which has been postponed on numerous occasions due to various issues including the March 11 quake in Japan, is set for this fall. Officials say the microcar will actually be launched in four phases, with the West Coast getting the iQ in October, followed by southern states in January, then the East Coast and, finally, the Midwest.
In typical Scion fashion, word is that base models are well equipped and there are few options. The base stereo includes Pandora integration, and an uplevel model will be available with navigation. As with all Scions, loads of accessories (i.e. springs, body kits and wheels) will be available for the iQ.
For comparison, the iQ’s $15,995 price tag means that it’s slightly more expensive than both the $15,500 Fiat 500 and the $14,730 Mazda2, both of which off significantly greater utility. There’s still no word on EPA mileage estimates for the iQ.
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