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Scion iM Concept bows, production version confirmed for US

Scion has officially pulled the covers off its iM Concept, which is, in reality, a slightly modified version of the Toyota Auris that is already sold outside the United States. It's also a model that is going into production for North America, says Scion, minus, we'd guess, a good bit of the overly aggressive ground effects bits, slammed suspension and oversize wheels. A production iM has been confirmed for the upcoming New York Auto Show, where Scion is also promising a second new production debut, as well. After a substantial lull in its new product cadence (barring the FR-S), it looks like Scion is once again intent on cementing its position as the entry point into the Toyota brand, promising three new models in the next three years. Scion tells us that iM's name is derived from the first letters of the words 'individuality' and 'modern.' More important details like price, powertrain and on-sale date should come later in 2015, but Scion has at least say it "anticipates that a price under $20,000 could make this car enticing to youthful customers," all of which makes it sound like the second coming of the Toyota Matrix to us. Feel free to read more in the press release below and gaze upon the concept in all its Incrediblue glory above. From Concept to Commitment - Scion Announces New Product Plans Production Version of iM Concept to Hit Showrooms Next Year TORRANCE, Calif., (Nov. 19, 2014) – Start planning that next adventure; a new ride is on its way. After revealing the iM Concept car today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Scion announced that a production version of the versatile five-door compact hatchback will be coming to dealerships in 2015. Fans will get a first look at the road-ready, sporty ride – and another new Scion model – at the New York International Auto Show in April. "The two models we're debuting in New York next spring are just the beginning for Scion," said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. "We plan to bring three new products in three years to our showrooms, offering a variety of exciting options for current and new Scion customers." As a test laboratory for Toyota, Scion attracts those with an independent spirit and desire to stand apart from the crowd. But many of today's consumers between 18-34 years old also value a degree of practicality to support their self-reliance and more mobile lifestyles. Faced with greater independence and less disposable income, they value fun and sensibility in a vehicle choice.

Toyota CEO Lentz still envisions Scion as a small premium brand

Ward's Auto has published a piece on Scion that further confirms that we really have no idea what to expect from the brand. In speaking with Toyota USA CEO Jim Lentz about what was once firmly intended to be a hip, experimental youth brand, Lentz said, "I still personally believe small-premium is the direction we should be going." We'll walk right on by Lentz's use of the word "still" and focus on "small-premium" with the question: How? As much as we dig the FR-S, nothing in the brand's lineup can get within a whiff of the word "premium." It's even further away from being able to sniff the lifestyle-powered exhaust of a Mini or Fiat 500, and the production version of the forthcoming IM Concept (inset) will only draw it closer to its plain vanilla parent. Of course, Scion could head the premium way, but the amount of time and money needed to make it work would seem to go against everything the brand currently stands for. The murk stays just as murky when Lentz's words are placed next to those of Scion brand VP Doug Murtha, who spoke to Ward's at a different time. Murtha's response to the "small-premium" note was, "He may be having discussions at levels I'm not," and that such intent is "probably a longer-term proposition than we're looking at right now," with planning under way out to 2025. We're already being prepared for the iM to come in under $20,000, which will ensure the "attainability factor" of the "younger audience" that Murtha still views as Scion's base. And at the moment, Murtha is probably focused on adding desirability to the current lineup, halting the 14-percent year-over-year sales slide to a point that's just over half the annual volume necessary for profitability, and making sure he and his dealers have the support necessary to make the required splash with new product. Aside from all that, what might we expect? We know there'll be another product shown along with the production IM at the 2015 New York Auto Show, and Murtha isn't against a small crossover if they can come up with "something appropriately Scion-esque." So... there's that.

Scion previews new iA sedan, iM hatch ahead of New York debut

Scion is preparing to revitalize its lineup with the debut of not one, but two new models at the upcoming New York Auto Show next month. That much we already knew, but now Toyota's more youthful counterpart has revealed teaser images of both. In one corner will be the Scion iM, a hatchback previewed in concept form at the 2014 LA Auto Show and based closely on the European-market Toyota Auris. In the other will be the Scion iA, which will be the brand's first proper sedan with an actual trunk instead of a liftgate. Though we'd generally call hatchbacks more practical than trunked sedans, Scion says the four-door iA will be more practical than the iM hatchback, and will be more aggressively styled as well. We'll have to wait a little longer to find out additional details, but Scion promises to reveal both at the end of this month before they make their live debuts in Manhattan. Related Video: Scion's Double-Take at New York International Auto Show World Debuts of Scion iM 5-door hatchback and Scion iA sedan March 18, 2015 TORRANCE, Calif., March 18, 2015 – One look at Scion won't be enough for guests attending the New York International Auto Show. It will take two looks (or more) to see the World Debuts from Scion. Both the Scion iM and the newly named Scion iA will be revealed on the eve of the show, March 31, 2015. The Scion iM is a 5-door hatchback that combines maximum versatility with a sporty design and a fun-to-drive experience. Meanwhile the Scion iA sedan is designed to appeal to young people who need a little more practicality, but still want engaging styling and outstanding driving dynamics. The "i" in the models' names can stand for intriguing, individual, and easy on customers' income. The "M" reflects the hatchback's modern style and multi-faceted uses. Meanwhile the "A" for the sedan denotes the accommodating trunk and the aggressive styling. "We've been eagerly waiting for this moment and are excited to introduce our new Scions in New York," said Scion Group Vice President Doug Murtha. "Both the iM and the iA are tremendous additions to our line-up and will appeal to young people with different perspectives and needs. These cars represent the evolution of Scion and are kicking off a new wave of momentum for the brand." About Scion Scion continues to be the test laboratory division for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. From its start in 2003, Scion's goal was to offer products and processes that stand apart from the crowd.