Toyota's iQ at the Geneva Auto Show
Imagine living in a country where a car like the Toyota Yaris is big.
That is the direction America appears headed, as our panic-happy society demands immediate changes along with the ever evolving landscape of our economy.
When gas prices were down, Americans hollered for bigger, more powerful cars. Before we knew it, Toyota’s Tacoma expanded from a compact pickup to the size of a Suburban. Then gas prices rose and a backlash erupted against SUVs and pickups, as though the American people are insulted that car companies ever built such massive beasts.
Toyota is again a perfect example of adapting to public outcries and introducing the cars we say we want. So the Yaris isn’t small and efficient enough for you? How about the iQ- a miniscule “4” passenger car measuring 117 inches long (the Yaris is 150 inches).
Though not yet officially slated for a US release, Toyota’s iQ is set to hit the streets of Europe and Japan soon. Success there is assured, though I question whether or not the iQ would be successful in America, especially now that gas prices are stabilizing. Two months ago I paid $4.20 per gallon and just today I filled up for $3.01. Americans could very easily get used to gas that costs three bucks, and frankly I am not convinced that the iQ would sell here if gas remains at that level.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: American SUVs are not dead. What we’re seeing now is America in flip-out mode. Soon we’ll recover our wits, get used to the gas prices and resume our habit of relishing in the rumble of a good ol’ American V8.
The iQ, while a nice piece of engineering and a valiant effort in fuel economy, could become a laughing stock in America. I don’t think the answer to reducing our use of foreign oil is in miniscule gas-powered cars. I’m putting my money on Americans opting for larger electric powered cars, and forking over the costs of keeping their SUV tanks full while we wait for them.
I want to know: how much would gas prices have to fall in order for you to get back into your SUV?
-tgriffith
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