Scion, like fabled explorer Ponce de Leon, is obsessively searching for a fountain of youth.
Started a decade ago in 2003 as a division of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Scion performs a steady balancing act for Japan's largest automaker. While the namesake Toyota division does an amiable job of appealing to a mass audience, its Lexus luxury division tackles an upmarket moneyed crowd with an average age generally skewing north of 45 years. The upstart Scion division shifts focus to the wants and needs of a younger demographic. The brand remained a United States phenomenon until 2010 when Scion dealers began opening shop in the wilds of Canada.
Since its inception, only fuel-friendly, four-cylinder vehicles have been served. Part of the appeal has been exterior styling deviating front the norm. Scion dared to be different with box-on-wheel designs found on the xB and xD models. The idea struck a nerve and performed so well, other manufacturers began offering efforts of their own. When time comes to visit the showroom, a no-haggle experience helps diffuse negotiation angst. While the number of factory-available option packages is purposely kept low, the quantity of dealer extras is plentiful; providing shoppers the opportunity to customize their own ride.
To help keep its relevance with an audience raised during an age of fast-paced computer games and constant Facebook updates, Scion has vowed to keep its lineup fresh with new product introductions occurring at a faster clip than the industry norm. Scion rings in its 10-year anniversary, with its first ever rear-wheel-drive offering, the all-new 2013 FR-S two-door hatchback. The sharp-looking, lightweight hard top began arriving this past summer.
The rear-wheel aspect is of special note. While performance-inspired vehicles have opted for a rear-drive platform over front-wheel drive versions for eons, many times these rides sport large dimensions. When rear-drive finds its way into smaller body styles, chances are it's badged with German nameplate or priced out of reach of the Generation Y pocketbook. Rear-wheel drive spreads overall weight in an even fashion when compared to front-drive vehicles where drivetrains and engines are both front loaded.
There is some rhyme and reason to the FR-S designate, at least in the eyes of Scion nameographers. The 'F' denotes 'Front engine, 'R' Rear-wheel drive and 'S' Sport; add 'em all together and FR-S is born. The FR-S is one of five Scion models in the 2013 lineup and the most expensive, although the $24,200 starting tab is still reachable by most budgets. Hands down, this is the most fun-to-drive Scion ever to roll off the assembly line.
Not since the underappreciated two-seat Honda S2000 convertible (produced from 2000 to 2009) has compact-sized rear-wheel-drive been this competent and affordable. It's also well balanced thanks to a 200 horsepower, four-cylinder longitudinally-mounted boxer engine developed by fellow Japanese automaker Subaru. Subaru and Scion partnered together to create the FR-S and the all-new, similar-in-nature 2013 Subaru BRZ (BRZ name deconstruction will have to wait until its own review). Different from conventional designs, pistons are laid flat at 180 degrees and ride shallower in the engine compartment, lowering the center of gravity for improved agility. The advanced fuel-delivery system, developed by Toyota, helps maximize horsepower output from a naturally-aspirated engine by incorporating both direct and port fuel injection. The 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine is the sole powertrain. No turbo-charged offering is available. Take note that premium fuel is required to fill the 13.2 gallon tank. Automatic transmission delivers an acceptable 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Like all Scion models, the FR-S comes well equipped with a simple ordering strategy from the factory. No grouped option packages, but a handful of individual options, most notably a six-speed automatic transmission in place of the six-speed manual are available. Our tester included automatic transmission and a $25,300 starting price with no factory options and a bottom line of $26,030 with $730 destination charge. A FR-S with manual transmission starts at $24,200. Available factory options (not in the tester) include an upgraded stereo, lowered suspension, larger brakes and 18-inch wheels replacing standard 17-inch varieties.
The FR-S provides a sports-car-like atmosphere especially with its low-to-the-ground seating position. Front bucket seats, with red pin striping sport a suede-type material rather than a straight cloth. Side bolsters grip hips enabling them to stay planted during spirited cornering. The red piping also makes its way onto the steering wheel and door interior. Power window, outside mirror and lock controls are found on the driver's door at a 45-degree angle. The leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel manually tilts and telescopes for optimal driver comfort. On the right of the steering column is the ignition cylinder. The trunk release button is found on the dash left of the steering column while the fuel-release lever remains floor-bound left of the driver's seat. Between the front buckets is a hand-operated parking brake next to a long narrow region holding removable dual cup holder templates.
The flat instrument panel includes a twist of sorts with the center circular gauge home to the tachometer and a digital square window with a miles-per-hour readout. A more traditional analog speedometer resides in a three-quarter gauge to the left. Flanking the right side is a three-quarter analog gauge with fuel and temperature displays. The ventilation system is monitored in the lower center column by three, easy-to-grab dials. Above is a digital clock and hazard button. Below are USP and auxiliary ports for portable electronics and a narrow inlet for stowing the gizmos. Automatic transmission models include 'sport' and 'snow' push-button modes (located near the floor shifter) which alter shift-pattern programing depending on road conditions.
While Scion markets this as a four seater, row two should only be utilized for dire situations. Leg room is next to nil. Toyota's traditional two-doors generally include easy-slide seats with high-mounted tilt mechanisms on front buckets, but FR-S requires folks to bend a bit and lift the floor-bound lever. Save any hassles and just view this as a two seater with second-row seat backs that fold down for access to the cargo area. Small, rear static windows are for show and not able to power down.
The high level of standard equipment includes air conditioning, rear window defroster, power windows/doors/mirrors and an eight speaker stereo (with CD player, high-definition AM/FM and pre-wiring for Satellite radio). Safety nuances include front-seat mounted air bags, side curtain airbags, traction control, antilock brakes stability control and brake assist.
Short overhangs in front and back create a compact profile while high arched front wheel wells extend up above the hood. The long, slanted 45-degree rear window, meets up with a short deck lid. The shallow but long trunk region includes strut-like hinges conveniently set up outside the cargo area. The two strap-like side door handles share body color with the rest of the vehicle. Chrome dual exhausts come standard.
The firm suspension absorbs road imperfections while not completely illuminating them. Drivers feel connected to the road with good steering wheel feedback and a moderate turning effort. The 200 horsepower is more than adequate for this light-weight rear-wheeled warrior.
If Ponce de Leon desired a youthful driving experience other than his ocean-bound transport, he just may have chosen Scion's FR-S.
2013 Scion FS-R
Price as Tested: $26,030
Engine: 2.0-liter four cylinder
Horsepower: 200
Length: 166.7 inches
Width: 69.9 inches
Height: 50.6 inches
Wheelbase: 101.2 inches
Fuel Economy City/Highway 25/34
Curb Weight: 2,806 pounds
Powertrain warranty: five-year/60,000 miles
Built: Japan
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