The 2011 Scion iQ will go on sale this summer, rather than in March as was originally planned. The Scion iQ will be a minicar designed to compete with the smart fortwo. Toyota, which owns Scion, says that the delay is due to prototypes from Japan being delivered late, according to Green Car Reports.

Toyota is also delaying the launch of the 2011 Scion iQ so that it can focus on marketing the new redesigned 2011 Scion tC, according to Scion Spokesman Greg Thome. The 2011 Scion tC is already on sale at Scion dealers.

The 2011 Scion iQ, which may be sold as a 2012 model since it will be launching so late in the year, will feature seating for three adult passengers plus a smaller additional seat designed for children. The smart fortwo has just two seats.

Safety is a priority on the Scion iQ. The 2011 iQ will have nine airbags, including the world’s first rear curtain airbag designed to protect the back of the occupants’ heads.

The 2011 Scion iQ may be joined eventually by the Aston Martin Cygnet, a version of the iQ that is reworked inside and out by the luxury car maker. The Aston Martin Cygnet is designed to help Aston meet fuel economy standards that are based on the average mpg rating for an entire lineup of cars. The Cygnet is mechanically identical to the iQ, but costs quite a bit more and includes luxury features like heated leather seats, keyless entry and start and satellite navigation. Aston Martin has said that it hopes to sell the Cygnet in the United States.

Image via Autoblog.