We got a couple of hours of seat time in the first-ever sedan offering from Scion
Pros
Performance and handling
Interior sound levels
Price
Cons
Polarizing front end
No sunroof option
Smallish rear seat
Scion
Twelve years ago when the Scion brand was first introduced to the U.S. market, it was touted as Toyota's "youth" nameplate. To that end, vehicles that were marketed under the Scion banner were small, relatively funky for the times and, for the most part, affordable for most first-time new car buyers.
They were – and are - also available in only one trim level (what Scion's marketers call "monospec") and sold through Toyota dealers with a no-haggle price Scion calls "pure price."
But other than being small and maneuverable, they weren't much fun to drive. But that lack of a sporty offering is about to change as part of Toyota's quest to reverse the division's current market slide.
2016 Scion iA
The 2016 Scion iA, the brand's first sedan, shares the same platform as the next-generation Mazda Demio/Mazda2 (a vehicle which, according to Mazda, we won't be seeing any time soon, if at all, here in the States).
As such, the iA comes equipped with a much simpler suspension/brake setup than the iM hatchback that Scion will simultaneously roll into dealer showrooms. There are MacPherson struts up front, a torsion beam rear axle in back, along with a front disc/rear drum setup. Under the hood is a Mazda direct injection 1.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine producing 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at a fairly lofty 4,000 rpm. It can be mated to either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 33 city/42 highway/37 combined MPG for the automatic version and 31 city/ 41 highway/ 35 combined for the manual.
Like all Scions, the iA will be available in just one "monospec" trim. This translates to the aforementioned transmission options as well as the choice of one of seven colors: Frost, Sterling, Graphite, Stealth, Sapphire, Abyss and Pulse.
The single trim also features a veritable cornucopia of standard equipment that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a low-speed (15 mph and lower) pre-collision safety system and 7-inch display audio multimedia system with Bluetooth, voice recognition, six speakers and a remote interface, rear-view camera, Pandora, Aha and Stitcher. There's also air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors (with LED turn signals), keyless entry with push-button start, two USB ports and an auxiliary input jack.
Exterior
Except for a massive, Toyota-inspired, hexagonal grille that dominates the front fascia, the rest of the iA is another example of Mazda's Kodo "soul of motion" design language. Along the sides, two gently curving upper character lines accentuate the front and rear wheel arches, while a sculpted lower character line rises from front to rear between the wheel arches.
The rounded curves in back, along with nicely detailed tail lamp housings, also contribute to the overall impression that the iA looks more expensive than it is.
Interior
Mazda aficionados will recognize the design cues, but everyone else will notice the interior's soft-touch surfaces and silver brushed-metallic accents. The simple instrument cluster, situated behind a 3-spoke steering wheel (with remote radio, phone and cruise controls) is a central round speedometer bracketed by an electronic tach to the left and info/gas gauges on the right.
At the center of the dash is a 7-inch touchscreen that can be operated from the console by Mazda's command remote interface – a six button, two knob setup that can operate everything from the various radio options to the navigation system (a $400 option). Trust us when we say it's one of the best around.
With ten inches of seat travel, most adults will find plenty of leg, hip, shoulder and headroom in the front two seats. In back, headroom isn't quite as plentiful, while a third adult should only ride in the center position on short trips.
But while, unlike the iM, the lack of a leather interior option is probably not a deal killer at this price point, we still believe that the inability to order an iA with a sunroof could be a turn-off for a few buyers.
On the road
But if they are turned off that would be a shame, because this is the best sub-20K Scion we have ever driven. Although the engine only produces a hundred and six horses, you don't need any more in the 2,400 pound iA. The engine revs smoothly right up to its 6,000 rpm redline and the way the suspension handles corners and road imperfections will make you forget the fact that there's only a simple torsion beam out back.
Choosing the six-speed manual is also a good excuse to save $1,100 without feeling like a cheapskate. Shift throws are short and the light clutch engages quickly. The automatic is also excellent, as it's mapped for smooth launches before locking in for precise shifting. There's even a sport shift mode that will hold it in gear longer for a given position of the accelerator pedal.
Both the steering wheel and brake pedal return a great deal of feedback to the driver. There's also a nice initial bite to the pads and the brakes are easy to modulate.
Finally, although there were no similar vehicles there to compare it to, we did note that the level of interior noise in the iA appeared to be lower than most vehicles in this class – including the previous-gen Mazda2.
2015 Scion iA prices
In terms of pricing, manually-equipped 2016 iA models will be priced at $16,495, while those equipped with the 6-speed automatic will have an MSRP of $17,595. Both prices include a $795 destination and delivery fee.
Once again, buyers should also note that Scion's "Pure Price" policy means that the price you see in the dealership, on the dealership's website, or other dealer advertising locations (it may or may not be the same as the MSRP) is the "no haggle" price you pay.
