2016 Scion IA Zoom-Zooms Into Reality
There’s a tiny new Scion headed to dealerships this year. It’s called the iA and it’s the company’s first-ever sedan.
But if you’re thinking it looks an awful lot like another car, you’re right because this is actually a re-badged Mazda2. Toyota formed an alliance with Mazda, giving Scion some sorely needed new product in order to market a re-badged version of their new sub-compact, which explains the oh-so-KODO body lines, tail lights and interior pieces.
It gets a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 106 hp to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. According to the company, it should be capable of returning up to 33 MPG in city driving, 42 on the highway or 37 MPG on the whole.
2015 New York Auto Show Coverage
Scion’s scheme hasn’t changed; they’re all about selling a single trim to keep things simple and eliminate the need for its customers to haggle with the sales staff. Accordingly, the iA comes outfitted with a list of standard features that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, push-button ignition and a pre-collision system meant to help you avoid fender benders.
There’s also a seven-inch infotainment screen linked to a control knob sitting behind the cup holders. It’s all very Mazda-like, which is hardly a bad thing. So far, the latest crop of products is proving to be far more premium feeling than the products they compete directly with. The only question left is whether you will be better off buying one from Mazda or Scion when they arrive at dealerships.
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It looks more like an updated Yaris sedan that Toyota stopped sending or making after 2011.That engine would be the same that's in the present Yaris now.
Ugly. I hate it.