Okay, so it’s not really going into competition with the Tata Nano (more likely it’ll be a competitor for mainstream petite vehicles like the Smart Fortwo) because it’s aimed at a different audience with different demands—heated door mirrors on the iQ3 versus no passenger door mirror whatsoever on the Nano—and a vastly different car budget, but the Toyota iQ3 that is now for sale in the U.K. could one day be headed across the pond as a premium small car for U.S. buyers and it’s already garnered plenty of excitement.

The Toyota Stop and Start system in the iQ3 offers increased fuel efficiency and lowered carbon emissions, which could help put the cute (or should we say QT?) car in competition with hybrid auto choices, but the hefty price tag it’s being sold at in the U.K. (about $19,000 USD) would likely be problematic if it were to come to America and be pitted against the Smart Fortwo, which starts at $11,990—even with the iQ3’s extra seats (one regular, one jumpseat).

Still, the Toyota iQ3 is impressive with its six-speed gearbox, 49 mpg (U.S.) gas rating, and aesthetic features like 16-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels and chrome detailing. On the performance end, zero to sixty can be achieved in about 11 seconds and the iQ3 can hit top speeds of 106 miles per hour. Toyota is marketing it as a small car that’s not only well-designed for city driving, but as a vehicle that’s fun to drive and capable on more demanding roads.

No word yet on when exactly there’ll be an iQ available here in the States (a concept U.S. iQ did show up at the New York Auto Show) but when it does it will very likely be as a Scion.

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