Scion iQ Hybrid Possible - Report

In U.S. trim, the 2012 Scion iQ is capable of delivering fuel economy as high as 36 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are based on the iQ’s 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which is the only option for U.S. buyers.

European buyers can opt for a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder version, rated at the equivalent of 54.7 mpg in Euro-cycle testing (which tends to be up to 20-percent optimistic compared to EPA test numbers).

There’s even a 1.4-liter diesel version available in Europe, and this model returns a truly impressive 58.8 mpg in Euro-cycle testing.

While it’s not likely that either variant will make its way to this side of the pond, word is that Toyota is working on a hybrid version  of the iQ minicar that could potentially see global sales.



Details are sparse, but Britain's Autocar is confirming that Toyota has built a two-cylinder gasoline engine, mated to a hybrid drive system, that could see production before 2020.

Toyota Great Britain’s managing director, Jon Williams, confirms the powertrain had been developed for “an existing or future car.” Better yet, it “wasn’t just developed for a concept,” in Williams’ own words. That's backed up by our own Antony Ingram, who confirmed that a similar statement was made at the recent Yaris Hybrid launch.

Still, it’s premature to head to your Scion dealer with cash in hand, as Williams admits that no concrete plans are in place for the hybrid powertrain, at least for now.

+++++++++++

Follow GreenCarReports on Facebook and Twitter.