2014 Scion Xd on 2040-cars

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2016 Scion iM is the return of the Corolla Wagon

If you were expecting the Scion iM Concept to magically leap into production unchanged, well, you're a lot more optimistic than most. Predictably, Scion has toned down the production iM, revealing a vehicle at the 2015 New York Auto Show that's is only slightly spicier than the Toyota Auris on which it's based. Gone are the swollen wheel arches and center-exit exhaust of the concept, but the production version is still a handsome five-door hatchback. Compared the Euro-market Auris, first seen in 2012, the iM gets a more aggressive front end treatment. The angular grille and larger lower intakes and grilles are home to hexagonal inserts and gloss-black accents. Fitting with Scion's single-spec single-price sales model, 17-inch wheels come standard. The alloys are are wrapped in low-profile tires, which Scion describes as "fat." Flared side skirts run into the rear bumper, which sits well below a prominent set of taillights and a smallish rear window. The iM's sole engine is a 1.8-liter gas-powered four-cylinder. If that sounds familiar, it's because it's the same 2ZR-FAE engine found in the Corolla Eco model, and features continuously-variable valve timing and lift. With 137 horsepower, the iM cedes 3 ponies to its Toyota sibling, although we don't know if the torque figures are the same. Fuel economy, estimated at 37 mpg highway, is actually 2 mpg better than the Corolla Eco. Again, like the Corolla, the iM can be had with a continuously variable transmission. But fans of fun can enjoy a good ole' six-speed manual, something not available in the Corolla's hotter engine. As for the CVT, Scion claims it's been "sport-tuned for driving." The so-called CVTi-S features both a Sport mode – more aggressive transmission behavior and a more sporting steering sensation – and a manual setting with seven stepped shift points. The 2016 iM is expected to start at around $20,000, making it a potential challenger for the likes of the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. Deliveries should start this fall. Check back tomorrow for more details, as well as a full set of live photos. Until then, scroll down for the official press release.

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S

There's nothing wrong with going topless. And Toyota is proving that its FT-86 (read: Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ) coupe is just as excellent with its roof removed. It may only be a concept, but this FT-86 Open previews a new droptop from the Japanese automaker to round out the Toyobaru sports car family. We're finally getting the chance to see the open-air FT-86 in person here at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're already yearning to take it canyon-carving.
Interestingly, the FT-86 retains the Toyota coupe's two-plus-two seating arrangement (we'd prefer a proper roadster setup here), but things still look good for this droptop two-door. We'll be curious to see how the car looks with its folding soft top in place (operated by fancy-shmancy electronics, by the way).
As for production intent, rumors have been flying about a production Scion FR-S convertible, but until we hear it directly from Toyota. Consider our hopes in check but our fingers crossed.

2016 Scion iM First Drive

The 2016 Scion iM can't launch soon enough. It's a fully competitive, well-rounded hatchback. It's functional. It's cute. And it's priced under $20,000. But perhaps more importantly, the iM represents a big breath of life into the increasingly less relevant Scion brand. In 2006, Scion moved 173,034 cars in the United States with only three models – the xA, xB, and tC. Fast forward to 2014, Scion moved just 58,009 units in our market, and that's with a five-car lineup. Yes, the original, boxy xB posted better sales numbers all by itself in 2006 than the entire Scion range did in 2014. Midway through 2015, the situation is worse. Scion sold 21,093 units through the end of May, compared to 26,024 during the same period in 2014. The iQ is dead. The xB and xD are on their way out. Now more than ever, Scion desperately needs fresh metal in its showrooms. Enter the iM and, to a lesser extent, the 2016 iA sedan that arrives at the same time. The iM is a more conventional Scion. But that's a good thing. The automaker recognizes that it needs cars that more appropriately play in the mainstream in order to attract a broader spectrum of customers. As such, the iM is sized to fit in with other C-segment hatchbacks. At 170.5 inches long, 69.3 inches wide, and 55.3 inches tall the Scion is longer than a Volkswagen Golf, but slightly narrower and shorter. Scion loads the iM up with a good amount of standard equipment. Like Scion's past offerings, the car only comes one way. Every iM starts as the car you see here (well, except for color), with 17-inch wheels and a body kit that's more sporty than conservative. It looks tacked-on, though – think last-generation Corolla S. Still, on the road, the iM is handsome, and looks good in brighter, more vibrant colors. It's not as sculpted or pretty as a Mazda3 or Ford Focus, but the iM isn't a bland, uninspired two-box shape. And if it looks familiar to your eyes, that's because it already exists as the Toyota Auris overseas. With only one spec on offer, Scion loads the iM up with a good amount of standard equipment. Every iM rolls off the line with dual-zone, automatic climate control, auto-on/off headlamps, and a seven-inch touchscreen display for the Pioneer audio and Toyota Entune-based infotainment system. That's all well and good, but it also means there are no major upgrades available. You can't get a sunroof or xenon headlamps. Same goes for leather upholstery. Don't even think about heated seats.