2011 Scion tC: First Drive
Scion invited journalists to San Diego this week to drive pre-production examples of the new tC sports coupe — the brand’s most popular model as recently as 2007 and one whose average buyer age, 26, falls closer to Scion’s target youth demographic than the xB or xD hatchbacks. As we just reported, the tC hits dealerships Oct. 1.
Perhaps it’s appropriate that the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the region has just endured its chilliest July since 1933. The front-wheel-drive tC boasts eye-catching styling and a capable drivetrain, but its cost-cut cabin left me cold.
Although its wheelbase and length remain unchanged, the second-generation tC shares its platform with the third-gen Toyota Avensis, on sale in Europe since early last year. An extra 1.6 inches of width — and 2.1 inches of wider rear track — lends a more grounded look, and overall styling follows the Fuse concept shown at the 2007 New York International Auto Show: swept-forward C-pillars, a flat belt line, darkened A-pillars to suggest a wraparound windshield. The headlights bear Lexus similarities, while the taillamps drop the last tC’s smoked lenses for a more conventional red. It’s a crowd-pleasing, if conservative, design, and it should provide a clean slate for tuners to customize ’til the cows come home.
