2012 Scion iQ: The Brand’s First Micro Car

Highlights: This is Toyota's sister brand, Scion, first micro vehicle. The Scion iQ, which stands for "Intelligent Quotient" is being touted as the world’s smallest micro 4-seater, according to the folks at Toyota.

Test vehicle’s MSRP:  $15,995

Seating Capacity:  4 (according to Scion's engineers.... however, realistically this its a 2-seater).

Standard Safety Features: 11 airbags; ABS (front, side, rear, seat and the like); traction control; vehicle stability control; tire pressure monitoring system; and Toyota’s SmartStop technology to avoid sudden acceleration

Standard Equipment: 16-inch tires; power windows, power door locks; steering wheel mounted controls; a/c; and a remote keyfob

Standard Audio: an AM/FM/CD/HD Pioneer 160-watt stereo with 4 speakers

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty:  3 years or 36,000 miles

2012 Vehicle Watch: Three New Rides Expected to Shake Up the Car Market

Lexus is finally back in the game of offering a standout design. Not only does the design push the limits, this new grill represents the new face of the Lexus brand. Watch out Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5-series. By the way, the GS will be available in a number of variations, including a hybrid.

GM is kicking off the first quarter of 2012 with Chevy's first Malibu  hybrid, which uses the same engine as the Buick LaCrosse with the eAssist. This vehicle provides more luxury features too. Gone are the days of the six-cylinder engine. Not only is this vehicle more fuel-efficient, it offers a navigation system too. Look out for a 4-cylinder turbo to be added to the line up later next year.

No, its not a Matchbox car. Scion is expanding its line with the all new  premium subcompact, the iQ. The vehicle is currently being rolled out in the West Coast and will make its way across America over the next few months. According to the folks from Scion, this vehicle is capable of seating up to four.  Watch out smartCar.

During the month of December, we spent the past few weeks traveling the country test driving the aforementioned rides. All of these rides are expected to be a game changer. Lookout for our initial reviews over the next few weeks. Also look for our live scoop during the second week of January from the ultimate auto show, the upcoming 2012 Detroit Int'l Auto Show, the mother (or daddy) of all shows.