Scion iM Concept: Up Close

We now know the Scion iM concept will indeed become a real product in the U.S., so I took a closer look. Based on the Toyota Auris hatchback sold overseas, this concept is much more real inside than outside.

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The interior looks like that of a real car; only a suspiciously large screen in the dashboard looks out of place in a car at this one’s likely price level. It’s well laid out and the materials quality is decent as shown here — comparable to a Corolla but perhaps not to the best in the compact class.

The windowsills I’d describe as semi-soft — softer than the hard plastic found on some affordable cars, but by no means rich. The faux-metal trim is reasonably convincing. It’s possible the interior here is the best the real iM will have to offer, or even better; forgive our skepticism, but we’re still smarting from the tC’s recent redesign and accompanying interior downgrade.

The front seats recall the Corolla, spatially, though the backseat doesn’t seem to have the legroom added in the Corolla’s recent redesign. With the front seat pushed fully back, the rear passenger is crowded to say the least.

The exterior is striking in some ways — ways that unfortunately won’t find their way to production. The front bumper extends down deep and far in front of the car, looking like a cow catcher — though in an actual bovine encounter, the cow would definitely win. Giant holes flanking the grille show expanses of front tire tread. Nice for an auto show, but not for a real car.

The frosted taillight lenses are intriguing, as is the intricate rear bumper. Intriguing enough that I wouldn’t expect them to appear on the production car either. Regardless, the iM looks like a viable little hatchback, and one thing’s for sure: Scion needs it.

Cars.com photos by Evan Sears and David Thomas