Brenda Priddy says that after a long stakeout ("on a public street, of course") outside a top-secret Toyota facility, her spy photographers caught a quick glimpse of Scion’s upcoming New York International Auto Show Concept. The ”super-compact” hatchback, named IQ (like Toyota’s version), will debut as a Scion and is expected to be sold in the United States.

The IQ, the first real competitor to the Smart, will likely be powered by a 1.5L engine and will roll into dealerships with a sticker in the $15,000 range, Priddy says.

"Although our pictures were snapped through open doors of a car carrier and the lighting was extremely limited and filtered, we were still able to capture several details that weren’t supposed to be revealed until next week," she says.

"Scion’s version of the IQ is more stylish and appealing than Toyota’s, with exaggerated fender flares, unique wheels and a new front fascia, as well as an interesting scoop-looking detail behind the front wheels."

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited.