The tuner culture arose because people simply wanted more from their cars. Auto enthusiasts desired more power, better parts, different styling, a lower ride, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, the majority of auto manufacturers do not build cars based on these needs. Instead, we are presented with tame and safe vehicles which simply skirt the borders of what enthusiasts truly want. Of course, there are always the extreme exceptions but we’re generalizing it on the majority of affordable and attainable cars. When Toyota launched the Scion brand, we were finally presented a product that promised to speak to the tuner audience. It’s goal was to build cars which targeted the culture of modifying while supplying a catalog of OEM-backed aftermarket parts. This strategy has paid off as Scion has released a number of successful models ranging from the xB, xD, tC, the newly acclaimed FR-S, and now the iQ. As you may have noticed, the iQ featured here isn’t your ordinary factory floor model. Scion collaborated with renowned aftermarket tuner, Five Axis, to produce this special edition “Five Axis Edition Scion iQ“. For Scion, it was simply an exercise to showcase the modification potential of the diminutive compact. For us, it was simply awesome! We spent a week with the Five Axis Edition Scion iQ and we loved every minute of it!

Several other media outlets have already featured the Five AD iQ, offering their opinion and input on the car overall. We’re not going to waste your time with the same information. Stretch & Poke! has been and always will remain focused on aggressive fitment so it’s only fitting (no pun intended) that we’ll talk about the things that Five Axis did to make the iQ what it is.

So what makes the Five AD iQ special? The iQ received a full 5-piece aero kit which really gave the car an aggressive look. We loved the way the kit created accented lines on the iQ’s body without making it look out of place. The upgraded footwork included a set of gunmetal Five Axis S6:F wheels in 18×7.5 +45 trim, wrapped in one of our favorite tires – Yokohama S.Drives. Keeping it firmly planted are Tein High Tech springs reducing the ride height by 1.4″ all around. It’s not the most aggressive drop but its certainly a step in the right direction. When we saw the spec sheet of the wheels we didn’t believe it would match the iQ but after tossing the car around town it simply fits! The upgraded wheel size and sticky S.Drives are simply a must if you plan on having any fun with the iQ.

Performance and interior-wise, the iQ remains pretty much untapped. We would’ve loved to see a sport-tuned intake, header, and exhaust combo along with some reclinable sport seats like Recaro or TRD. The swift and precise handling is great for the iQ but terrible for the driver and passenger as I found myself sliding side to side in the un-bolstered stock Scion seats. Of course, I’m just nit-picking the smaller details but it would’ve made the car, which is already good, so much better.

If there’s one take-away regarding the Five AD iQ, it’s the fact that this car should come this way stock! But of course, we realize not everyone wants their iQ like this out of the box. However, if you have any inkling towards fun and spirited handling, the Five Axis upgrades should be on your shopping list. So what does it cost to outfit the iQ Five AD style? According to the Five Axis website, the car equipped as tested would cost you $3,230.00 USD MSRP. Not bad considering the Scion-backed warranty you would receive on the installation of these parts onto your iQ. Of course, we would step it up a notch and ditch the Tein springs for an even more aggressive coilover setup. We’ve seen a few Scion iQ slammed to the ground and yeah, we’re all about that!

Of course, what kind of review would this be without a quick drive through the eyes of our friends at Backstage Productions. Chris at Backstage recently featured the Scion FR-S so we thought it would be fitting to collaborate with him during our exposure with the iQ! Check out the video below!