Scion is Toyota’s brand that was introduced to lure in younger buyers, mainly Gen-Y. Instead, most of the models like the xB (a.k.a., “The Box”) and xD have cruised to driveways of about as many empty-nesters as pre-nesters. The sporty xC, however, hit its target and became the darling of younger drivers looking for style and performance in a practical package. A new model, recently shown at the New York Auto Show, should make new drivers even happier.
“The all-new tC features styling that is both refined and aggressive, appealing to a sports coupe owner who wants to make a bold statement,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion. “The tC has had the youngest median age buyer in the industry, and with more power, superior driving dynamics, and increased fuel efficiency, that should remain the case with the new tC as well.”
Styling is based on recent concept cars like the FUSE, which came from Toyota’s California studios. It has more aggressive style, a sleek grille, projector headlamps, and more faceted rear roof. The interior is snazzed with a three-spoke steering wheel with a race car-style flat bottom, V-shaped instrument panel and center console, and rib-gripping bucket seats. Dual front knee airbags and USB input for MP3 players will be standard. Everything appears simple, safe, and fun.
Under the buff hood is an all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower, up 19 HP from before. The engine routes energy to the front wheels through a shorter shifting six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A new sport-tuned exhaust system promises to give the little car a throaty rumble. Nobody is going to race top-grade sports cars with the tC, but for a compact sport coupe, it should provide plenty of fun with renowned reliability.
Scion has been taking a lot of heat lately from entry-level competitors like Kia, Hyundai, Ford, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Honda, Smart, and Mini. Bringing on a new coupe with refined style and spirited performance should be just the card to get younger trendsetters behind the wheel. I suspect they won’t be disappointed. Expect prices to start under $20,000 when the tC reaches showrooms later this year.
Scion, the young-at-heart arm of Toyota has just introduced a new version of their tC. The tC is their very popular 2 door hatch coupe. I describe it as a high quality yet simple machine with superb reliability. The fact that it’s also stylish and fun to drive adds to the appeal.
Scion describes their approach to the tC as selling a blank canvas that the buyers can personalize by choosing from the 45+ accessories offered by the dealer.
The new tC follows the same theme and improves and expands upon it. Though familiar and similar in many ways, the new tC possesses many improvements. The car is about the same size but the styling is now crisper and more angular. The sweeping curves have become straight line and angles.
The new tC is now powered by a 180 horsepower 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine. Buyers can choose from either a 6 speed automatic or a 6 speed manual transmission. 70% or more will choose the automatic with its improved drivability and 31 EPA highway fuel economy rating.
Standard equipment on the new tC includes air conditioning, keyless remote locks, tilt/telescope steering wheel, power locks and windows, cruise control and sport front bucket seats. The standard flat bottom steering wheel now houses audio controls. A 2 panel panorama sunroof is also standard. 3 audio systems are available but even the base unit is a 300 watt monster that they lifted from the Lexus LS luxury sedan.
Likewise, safety systems have also been beefed up. Standard equipment includes 4 wheel ABS disc brakes, traction control, stability control, brake force distribution, brake assist and a complete suite of airbags plus front knee bags for the driver and passenger.
The press preview was held in Austin and we invited a couple of young single guy who were checking out the cars to ride along with us as we tested the car. Both were very familiar with the past tC and both were mightily impressed with the new one. They spoke highly of it and gave it the thumbs up.
The new tC is still totally relevant and offers the same compelling advantages as before. For the younger buyer it’s still a very cool, configurable car. For others the value proposition is powerful and the fact that it happens to be cool too doesn’t hurt.
