We’ll Miss You: The 4 Best Scion Models

Fans of the Toyota Scion received some disheartening news in early 2016: the car maker is no longer going to keep it as a separate brand. It launched in 2002 to revive Toyota’s appeal to younger car buyers. Now, Toyota believes the brand has achieved its goal and is going to bring Scion models into its regular lineup. To honor the brand as it ends, here’s a look at the four best Scion models of all time.

1. The First Scion tC Earned Love

With a cabin that looked like a bubble in silhouette, the first-generation Scion tC worked well as a sports car for the masses. Affordable with a clean, uncluttered appearance, this vehicle earned appreciation both as a brand new car and on the aftermarket. In fact, people who modify sports vehicles liked the Scion tC so much, they souped it up for drag racing. Variations of the tC made a strong showing at local racetracks across the country.

This model earns even more appreciation because the second-generation tC had a new exterior that wasn’t received well. It made the earlier model look even better.

2. The Scion Fuse Concept Embraced Tuners

In 2006, Scion introduced the Fuse concept car at the New York Auto Show. The car had a somewhat plain front fascia and an unusual silhouette for a sports coupe. What the front of the car lacked in eye-catching details, the upward opening doors more than made up for. Toyota designers came up with the concept, but Five Axis built it. Embracing the tuner culture, the Scion Fuse concept incorporated headlights that you could program to change colors.

Unfortunately, Scion never manufactured a vehicle from this concept car. It also never used any of the unique design elements anywhere in its line.

3. The 2015 Scion FR-S Is All About Performance

Exceptional handling, a retuned suspension, and elegant exterior styling make the 2015 Scion FR-S one of the best Scions of all time. Even though it has very little space in the back seat and trunk, this coupe earns high marks for its classic sports car attributes. This model debuted new exhaust tips and the Release Series 1.0 trim. With this premium trim, the FR-S gets a yellow exterior, performance exhaust, and a lower ride height. Don’t forget the FR-S has a shift knob, a timeless feature, as well as an aerodynamic body kit.

4. The 2016 Scion iM Exudes a Sporty Feel

Aggressive styling and rear double-wishbone suspension make the 2016 Scion a powerful sports car inside and out. With a seven-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and rearview camera, the iM is packed with high-tech features to make your drives safe and comfortable. This vehicle is based on an earlier concept car that received a warm reception within the industry.

In terms of keeping Scion’s models, Toyota will bring under its brand the Scion iA, iM, and FR-S vehicles starting in 2017. In addition, the Scion CH-R concept car will arrive in 2017 under the Toyota brand. The Scion brand is officially slated to go away in August 2016.

Image via Flickr by Michel Curi under use of CC BY 2.0

Posted in West Springfield Scion Dealer | No Comments »