Scion gets touchscreen audio across the board

Fri, 16 Aug 2013

On a constant mission to court younger buyers, Scion will be adding some new in-car technology to its lineup for the 2014 model year. All Scion products will now come standard with a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio head unit that we first saw on the 2014 tC (as shown above).

In standard form, this head unit will feature HD Radio, Bluetooth and auxiliary and USB ports. Opting for the $1,198 BeSpoke Premium system brings navigation, integrated social media apps, geo-located POIs and Aha internet radio.

Other changes announced along with the new touchscreen include new two-tone paint schemes for the 2014 xD, a limited-production iQ and pricing for the 2014 lineup. As shown in the gallery, customers can now choose from silver-on-blue and black-over-grey paint combos. The iQ Monogram gets a burgundy-over-silver paint job with a limited run of just 150 units, and it goes on sale in October starting at $16,520 (not including $755 for destination).

As for the full line pricing, all models have had minor price hikes with the 2014 FR-S up $200, the 2014 xD up $175 and the 2013 xB up $170. Pricing for the redesigned 2014 tC was announced back in May marking the biggest increase for 2014 up $485. Scroll down for Scion's official press release.

Scion Makes Touchscreen Audio System Standard for All Models
New Features and Pricing for 2014 Models and 2013 Scion xB

TORRANCE, Calif., (Aug. 15, 2013) – Scion is the first non-luxury car brand to feature a touchscreen audio system as standard equipment across its entire lineup. Scion also announces new features and manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2014 FR-S and xD, 2013 xB and the limited-production 2014 iQ Monogram Series.

All 2014 Scion models will come standard with the Scion Display Audio System featuring a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/HD Radio™ technology, hands-free phone capability, music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology and AUX/USB port with iPod® connectivity. In addition, all 2013 xB models that begin production in August or after will also come standard with the new audio system.

"A standard touchscreen audio system across the entire Scion lineup stays true to the brand's innovative nature and responsiveness to the desires of its youthful drivers," Scion Vice President Doug Murtha said.

Available BeSpoke® Premium Audio System
Beyond the base audio system, all new models will offer the Scion BeSpoke Premium Audio system featuring Aha™. This upgraded system features GPS navigation services, integration with popular social media applications and smartphone-compatible access to 30,000 free audio stations, including sports, news, entertainment and Scion's own signature station featuring a lineup of its 17 music channels. The available BeSpoke system has a MSRP of $1,198. More details on the BeSpoke system can be found at www.scion.com/BeSpoke/.

2014 xD Offers New Two-Tone Colors

In addition to including the new Standard Display Audio System, 2014 xD models will be available in two new two-tone color options, Black Sand Pearl/ Magnetic Gray Metallic and Classic Silver Metallic/ Sparkling Sea Metallic. Vehicles will be available in dealerships in September. The MSRP for the Scion xD will be $16,720 for the automatic transmission model and $15,920 for the manual transmission. The two-tone paint options on the 2014 Scion xD are available for $500 above MSRP.

2014 Scion FR-S Features Added Comfort
The Scion FR-S rear-wheel drive sports car has attracted a following for its sporty handling and aggressive design. New for 2014, the FR-S will offer added comfort for both the driver and front passenger from new sport knee cushions that are located on the door panels and the sides of the center console. The MSRP for the Scion FR-S will be $25,800 for the six-speed automatic transmission model and $24,700 for the six-speed manual transmission.

2014 iQ MonogramTMSeries Packed with Value
The iQ is one of the world's smallest four-seaters, perfect for urban efficiency and parking. The iQ Monogram Series focuses on taking the iQ to the next level by adding premium features at a great value. The limited-production iQ will feature the stylish two-tone paint combination of Black Currant Metallic/Classic Silver Metallic, color-keyed exterior mirrors and spoiler, along with a premium alloy wheel package and floor mats emblazoned with the iQ logo. Only 150 iQ Monogram Series models will be made. They will have a MSRP of $16,520 and arrive in dealerships in October.

2013 xB Now Features Standard Display Audio System
2013 xB models that begin production in August or after will come standard with the new Scion Display Audio System. In addition to its iconic shape, the xB offers lots of utility with its generous passenger and cargo space. Available now, the MSRP for the Scion xB is $17,920 for the automatic transmission model and $16,970 for the manual transmission.

Scion MSRPs do not include a $755 delivery, processing and handling (DPH) for all Scion models. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary. The complimentary Scion Service Boost includes normal factory-recommended maintenance services up to two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for up to two years from the date of purchase.

Scion Pricing Chart
Model MSRP
SCION iQ Monogram Series (CVT-i) $16,520
SCION xD (MT) $15,920
SCION xD (AT) $16,720
SCION xB (MT) $16,970
SCION xB (AT) $17,920
SCION FR-S (MT) $24,700
SCION FR-S (AT) $25,800

By Jeffrey N. Ross