2006 Scion Xb Base Wagon 5-door 1.5l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2016 Scion iA First Drive

Leading up to our first test of the 2016 Scion iA, we're actually really excited to drive it. A string of "if A, then B" logic tells us this car ought to be pretty good. We drove the new Mazda CX-3 and loved it. The CX-3 is based on the Mazda2 platform. The Scion iA is a rebadged Mazda2, built in Mexico as part of Toyota and Mazda's joint venture. Following that line of thought, we should like this Scion a lot. And we do – mostly. Parts of the Scion iA experience feel a lot more Toyota than Mazda. Scion executives tell us that Toyota had a lot of influence in the engineering of the Mazda2, since in addition to being the iA in the US, the car will be sold as the Yaris in other markets. Unfortunately, that Toyota-ness comes through in the driving dynamics. The iA uses Mazda's 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine with 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. On the canyon roads near Malibu, CA, we're putting pedal to the metal; uphill acceleration is unsurprisingly poor for a car with meager output numbers like these. Around town, 106 hp and 103 lb-ft is perfectly fine for the 2,385-pound iA. And it allows the car to return impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers of 33 miles per gallon city, 42 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined with the six-speed automatic transmission. Should you choose the six-speed manual, those numbers only drop to 31, 41, and 35, respectively. The six-speed stick is all Mazda, and we love it. You should choose the manual, by the way. The six-speed stick is all Mazda, and we love it. Gear throws are short and snappy, and the clutch has a nice weight and crisp action. Driving the manual iA back to back with the six-speed iM really points out that Mazda makes a far better manual transmission than Toyota. Great gearbox aside, on these canyon roads, we're feeling a bit let down. Never mind the acceleration issues, the iA just doesn't feel like a Mazda in the turns. Credit where credit's due: the steering is really nice, with a solid feeling on center and crisp turn-in and lots of feedback throughout the entire range of motion. But we're remembering the solid, planted feeling the CX-3 exhibited when we hustled it along the mountain roads of Arizona. And we aren't feeling it here in the Scion iA.

2014 Scion tC with updated styling priced from $19,210*

Scion has released pricing information for a number of models, the most important of which being the updated 2014 tC that debuted at the New York Auto Show in March. The cost of entry for the tweaked coupe is now $19,210 with the standard manual transmission, or $20,210 if you'd rather the car did the shift-work for you (*both prices exclude the $755 destination charge). These numbers represent an increase of $485 versus the 2013 model with either transmission.
We have yet to drive the refreshed tC, but Scion says it ought to provide a much more engaging experience from behind the wheel. Automatic-equipped models now enjoy faster shift times with dynamic rev matching, and regardless of transmission, the tC is said to have improved handling dynamics thanks to reworked shock absorbers, stabilizer bar hardware modifications and retuned electric power steering.
In addition to the obvious re-schnozzing of the tC, other updates for the 2014 model year include a new standard auto display, featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, HD radio and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Leaked Toyota FT-86 Open concept images preview droptop Scion FR-S [w/video]

Here it is, folks - the highly anticipated Toyota FT-86 Open concept, a precursor to what could become a road-going Scion FR-S convertible. A full smattering of images and video have leaked onto the internet, and thanks to the folks at FT86Club.com, we can now see the new hotness that Toyota will be unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next week.
These images confirm details that were first seen in spy shots captured a couple of weeks ago - namely, the larger wheel/tire package and the inclusion of the Toyobaru coupe's decidedly useless rear seats. These new photos, however, show a two-tone leather interior with goodies such as an iPod/iPhone mount on the dashboard. The concept car is also fitted with the coupe's six-speed automatic transmission (boo!) and FT86Club.com reports that the folding soft top is operated electronically.
We'll have the full details live from Geneva in just a few days. For now, click through our attached image gallery to see lots of pretty pictures of the topless wonder, and scroll down for a video to see the concept in motion.