Bug-Shaped Microcars

Tiny Toyota Scion iQ Has Big-Wheel Appeal

The New York Auto Show seems to have few surprises this year, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t see some cool cars unveiled. The Scion iQ concept is one of those. The suspicion is that the Scion iQ would launch in the U.S. to compete with the Smart ForTwo. Although this hasn’t happened yet, some body mods were made to appeal to the U.S. market, like giant 18-inch wheels!

The Ford Scion iQ still has 3+1 seating, in which the front passenger seat can slide forward to allow another passenger to fit in the back. Behind the seat, however, you need to be very tiny. A rear window airbag is a breakthrough engineering element to protect passengers in the back.

Bug-shaped Microcars
The trend of designing tiny, bug-shaped microcars may disrupt the market and appeal to those who want compact and eco-friendly vehicles.
18-inch Wheels
The trend of equipping small cars with giant 18-inch wheels may disrupt the market and provide new customization options for funky car enthusiasts.
Rear Window Airbags
The trend of installing rear window airbags in small-sized vehicles may disrupt the market and offer innovative safety features to passengers in the back of the car.

Sectors Adopting This

Automotive
The automotive industry can benefit from the trend of designing bug-shaped microcars by catering to consumers who prioritize compactness, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
Custom Auto Shops
Custom auto shops can take advantage of the trend of equipping microcars with giant 18-inch wheels by providing unique customization services to car enthusiasts.
Automotive Safety
The safety industry can benefit from the trend of installing rear window airbags in small-sized vehicles by introducing innovative solutions to enhance passenger safety in cars.
SCORE
1.8 out of 10
GENDER
70% Men30% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 41%
Activity 6%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X