Scion expands the range with the 2016 iA – it’s first sedan entry. It makes no apologies for the odd name or the polarizing styling. The iA aims to bring a solid sub-compact sedan at an affordable price. The company says that the iA will start in the “$16,000 range” that includes a low speed pre-collision safety system and a seven inch infotainment screen.
The iA shares its platform the Mazda2 of all vehicles. You may also recognize many of interior components as shared with the Mazda. The little sedan wears one of the more aggressively styled versions of the Toyota’s “spindle” grille. However, the rear resembles that of a Mazda3 sedan that is available in the United States.
Power comes from a 1.5L four-cylinder that puts out 106 horsepower. You will have a choice between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy is a respectable 33 MPG city, 42 MPG on the highway, and 37 MPG combined.
Interestingly, the 2016 Scion iM five-door hatchback does not share anything with the iA sedan. The iM is an interpretation of European Toyota Auris for the North American market. It uses a 1.8L four-cylinder engine that’s good for 137 horsepower. It can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or CVT transmissions. The most efficient iM will return an estimated 37 MPG on the highway. The iM is expected to start at “under $20,000”.
Both the iA sedan and the iM hatchback will go on sale in the fall of 2015.
Check out this fun “one take” video from the 2015 New York Auto Show featuring both the iA and iM (plus a bonus at the end).
