Scion dares to think and act a just a little different. From marketing to vehicle naming to selling, Scion moves to its own off beat.
The relatively young brand burst onto the U.S. scene in 2003 filling a gap in parent company's Toyota's long-term grand vision. Japan's largest automaker already had a full-line of mainstream cars and light trucks and its Lexus division took a huge bite out of the luxury segment once the domain of European and domestic automakers. Still, Toyota, felt the need to tap a younger demographic in North America; enter Scion.
The tC coupe now stands as the longest running vehicle in Scion's lineup, on sale since 2005, and its top seller for the past several years. The current 2016 model, based on a second-generation effort introduced in 2011, remains largely a carryover from 2015.
Scion's long-running cubist xB had sales totaling 61,000 in 2006, its best year since its 2003 intro. In the 2014 calendar year, that number dwindled to 16,500. Scion bids farewell to xB at the close of the 2015 model year, but not before a bit of marketing fanfare; 686 xB Parklan Editions became available at the end of September 2015. The 686 number was not chosen out of thin air; instead, it's a promotional tie in with a snowboard apparel company with identical numerical identification (686).
The trend-setting xB set the stage for a bevy of youth-inspired box sets including the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube which are still going strong. Another toaster-on-wheels alternative debuted in 2008, the Scion xD, which lasted until 2014.
Joining the lineup in 2016 Scion lineup are two new front drive models: the 2016 iA sedan and 2016 iM five-door hatchback now at dealerships. Rounding out the lineup is the two-door FR-S, Scion's only rear-drive offering built in cooperation with Subaru (and twin to Subaru's BRZ).
Like all Scions, tC's factory options are virtually non-existent, streamlining the purchase process. Each model boasts one all-encompassing trim. Exterior color and transmission preference remain the biggest factory-provided questions. However, once in-hand, accessorizing is greatly encouraged. An enticing array of dealership-ready add-ons awaits including body side moldings and rear bumper protectors.
Expect a marketing program far from the mainstream with a bevy of on-line advertising and event-style marketing. Scion dealers, ensconced within virtually Chicago-area Toyota brick-and-mortar structures, include designated Scion 'Ambassador' to aid customer satisfaction.
As of now, no pure electric, diesel or gas-electric hybrid power sources are offered. All Scion engines incorporate naturally-aspirated four cylinders. Powering tC is a 2.5-liter, 16-valve four cylinder generating 179 horsepower; not the most potent in the class but Toyota's long-standing reputation for durable four-cylinder engines is legendary and well chronicled. Expect decent fuel economy with 23 miles per gallon city and 31 mpg highway with both manual and automatic transmissions. Regular, 87-octane fuel fills the 14.5-gallon tank.
The front-drive Scion tC rates as a sporty-looking coupe, not a hunkered-down, 10-cylinder sports car by any stretch of the imagination; but financially attainable with a $19,385 starting price. While a higher base starting point than many competing compacts, the figure includes many bells and whistles since factory extras don't enter into the equation. Pioneer-brand high definition eight-speaker radio and panoramic, dual-section moon roof above both rows (with static second-row glass) come standard.
The $19,385 represents tC coupled with a six-speed manual transmission; opt for the six-speed automatic (our tester) and the price inflates to $20,535. Our six-speed automatic's bottom line ended at $21,330 when factoring in a $795 destination charge.
Interior wise, tC receives high marks thanks to its simplistic, clean and non-burdensome layout. Added to the three-spoke, manual tilt-and-telescoped, flat-bottom steering wheel last year; manual shift-point tabs with six-automatic transmission models, allowing additional driver input to the shifting process. This maneuvering may also take place from the conventional floor-mounted shifter.
Supportive front bucket seats with comfy side bolsters manually slide back and forth via an under-seat bar. While promotional literature insists tC seats five, row two consists of scooped out butt cushions tailored for two. As with most compact coupes, consider this a four seater. Also in back, adequate headroom exists for those six-feet two inches and shorter with decent leg room. Static rear glass provides a window to the outside world, but won't power down. Both passenger and driver seatbacks tilt forward and the cushion slides forward with the aid of a top-side pull-latch when exiting the back row. When not in use, 60/40-split seat backs fold flat onto cushions, nicely expanding hatch area cargo capacity.
At highway speeds, wind and road noise creeps into the cabin. Arrow-head shaped second row windows and a thick rear "C" pillar create the need for a double take when switching lanes due to pesky blind spots, all too common with two-door coupe designs.
Three, large, easy-to-grab tactile dials monitor single-zone fan speed, direction and temperature for quick changes when needed. Below is an open area to store portable electronic devices complete with USB and iPod plug ports and a 12-volt power outlet. Directly above the three dials, a seven-inch full-color touch audio screen. Missing is a rear backup camera feed, one of the few cars yet to incorporate this soon-to-be mandatory feature. In-dash navigation is also absent, but this one-time enticement has lost luster since many portable electronics now include this function.
Push-button start comes standard in 2016. As with most Toyota/Lexus/Scion family vehicles, a 5 0'clock square steering wheel appendage monitors cruise control functions. Large, secondary audio buttons and rocker tabs are found at 9 o'clock on the steering wheel.
In between buckets seats are in-line beverage holders and hand-operated mechanical parking brake. The deep-set instrument panel includes easy-to-read, large point-sized numbers inside two large, somewhat circular independent gauges resembling a deeply sunk pair of eyes with a thick upper brow staring back at the driver. Independent of both and between the eyes is a large analog display fuel gauge and digital odometer.
Exterior wise, a welcome helping hand...or arm... now comes standard. Rear wipers, a usual suspect with minivans and sport utility vehicles, but too many times missing in action with coupes, is now standard. It's mounted on the long, 45-degree rear glass window which connects up with an ultra-stubby deck-lid. In front, large trapezoidal air dam gets off-set visually with a narrow grille centered by the circular Scion logo. Wrap-around headline housing continues the slender theme. Side doors swing out wide, creating room to maneuver into row two, but extra-large sizing also increases door weight. A thick, interior grab bar aids in closing duties.
Pure pricing also sets the Scion experience apart from other automakers. Each Scion franchise sets their own one-price bottom line for all vehicles eliminating the back-and-forth negotiating process. While this dollar figure may differ slightly from the manufacturer's suggested retail price in national campaigns, dealerships have the final say.
As yet another added value, each new Scion includes a complimentary two-year maintenance plan and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance.
2016 Scion tCPrice as tested: $21,330
Engine: 2.5-liter four cylinder
Horsepower: 179
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Overall Length: 176.6 inches
Overall Height: 55.7 inches
Overall Width: 70.7 inches
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city 31 mpg highway
Curb Weight: 3,124 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles