[Jay]

...This car leaves the prius, all other hybrids in the dust, both with price and with its value/efficiency/operating costs...

Actually, for me, the upcoming Prius C is the main competition for the iQ. Too little is known about the Prius C so far, but it should be for sale next year. It's the smallest, lightest, cheapest Prius, and should better iQ gas mileage by 10mpg easy while having a little more room.