As an independent brand, Scion isn’t going to be around for much longer, so while you can still count on regular support and service from Toyota dealerships, the Class of 2016 is your last chance to buy a new car with Scion’s sensibilities.
The Mazda2 Is Staying Overseas
The Scion iA is the brand’s smallest offering, and it’ll soon turn into the Mazda2 sedan. However, by all indications it seems that the 2017 Mazda2 won’t be coming to American shores. Therefore, if you want to experience the surprising power and fun driving experience of the iA, you may have a long time to wait before you’ll get another chance.
One Trim, With Everything
Instead of dividing all the available features into different trim levels, Scion offers only one trim and allows customers to customize their vehicles with different options and packages. This also means that the iA comes standard with features like a rearview camera with a seven-inch touchscreen, cruise control, air conditioning, a push-button ignition, and 16-inch wheels, all for $16,500-$17,500 depending on whether you choose the manual or the automatic transmission. Optional features include a navigation system that only costs an extra $419.
An Engine that Punches Up
You probably wouldn’t expect much from a four-cylinder engine which produces just 106 horsepower, but you don’t need a lot of power to move a car frame whose weight stands at just over one ton. With a design meant for sport performance, the 2016 iA is as maneuverable as a small car ought to be, and the engine’s power is plenty when it comes to enjoying the curves of a country road. The small engine also means that the iA is extremely efficient, getting 33 city and 42 highway mpg.
An Unforgettably Fun Performance
The 2016 iA doesn’t get by on good looks alone. The engineers who designed the sedan’s suspension and steering emphasized responsiveness and the driver’s connection to the road, and while this means that the ride can be somewhat uncomfortable to some drivers, others would say it’s exactly what the doctor ordered. The iA also comes standard with a Traction Control System and Dynamic Stability Control, both of which help keep the car under control when it otherwise might slip.
A Comfortable Interior
Mazda is well-known for its comfortable interiors, composed of high-quality cloth seats and sturdy plastic panels, and those are things the 2016 Scion iA shares. The rear seats have a surprising amount of spare room for a subcompact vehicle, and while the trunk has a class-average 13.5 cubic feet of room, its cleverly designed shape offers plenty of room for large, bulky items.
Scion may be going away soon, but its unusual philosophy of consumer choice may yet live on. Unfortunately, while the iA will also live on as the Mazda2 Sedan, with Mazda refusing to sell the vehicle in the United States, this will be your last chance for a potentially long time to test drive a new Scion iA.
Image via Dealeron
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