Test Drive: 5 Things To Know About the Scion iQ

Thirty-six miles in the city from an 8.5-gallon tank. The Scion iQ lets you cruise comfortably with few unwanted pump stops while you go about your daily urban business. Hit the highway and you get about 39 mph. Basically, that means you can roll back and forth from New York to New London, CT-with a few tight country road diversions-on a single tank. In other words, you can have a sweet weekend drive.

Small cars are easy to park. Everyone knows that. No need to further that conversation. However, small cars can also provide ample bass pump. The iQ has a standard Pioneer stereo, allowing for full on blasting of Cruel Summer's "To the World" in celebration of squeezing into a super small spot and showing haters what's up.

No, seriously. The little iQ is also available as the Aston Martin Cygnet. What are the differences? Many. But most important, the bespoke interior makes the Cygnet the most luxurious, elegant diminutive car on the road. Can't afford the roughly 333 percent price hike from a Scion? No worries, the inspiration is free and the iQ is pretty customizable anyway.

The Scion iQ is the world's smallest four-seater. Does that mean everyone is comfortable? Of course not. We're children of massive SUVs and bucket seat-fitted Dodge Caravans. Still, in a pinch, the iQ allows three adults and a child to skip from Manhattan to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn to grab a meal at Rollin' Roaster without fear of missing a parking spot and in more relative comfort than public transport provides.

Scion is no stranger to art support. The brand has sponsored inventive touring exhibitions for some time. The iQ has recently become a platform for all sorts of artistic expression, with a sick selection of custom iQs unveiled back in September for the 10th anniversary of Scion's commitment to supporting the arts. David Choe's Mad Max-like tank flip of the mini car is a firm office favorite.