2016 Scion iM: First Look
- Competes with: Mazda3 hatchback, Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai Elantra GT
- Looks like: The Toyota Matrix has returned with a Scion badge
- Drivetrain: 137-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: Fall 2015
- MSRP: Less than $20,000
Toyota has reached into its global product portfolio to give its Scion brand a new four-door hatchback. Making its debut on the eve of the 2015 New York International Auto Show’s media preview, the 2016 Scion iM is based on the European-market Toyota Auris, but it’s been updated for its new role in Toyota’s youth brand. The iM is scheduled to hit dealerships this fall priced below $20,000 and is rated at up to 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
More 2015 New York Auto Show Coverage
Like other Scions, the iM comes as a single-spec model without options apart from the transmission choice. Scion, however, offers a number of dealer-installed accessories such as exterior graphics, a roof rack system and TRD performance parts.
Exterior
The iM is about as long and wide as Scion’s boxy xB hatchback, but its roofline is about 8 inches lower. There’s a Scion badge front and center, but from the slim grille and angular headlights the corporate parent’s design language is clear; there’s a lot of Corolla in this car’s front end.
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and taillights, heated power-folding side mirrors and a chrome exhaust tip.
Interior
Sport front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding backseat provide room for five people. The seats are finished in cloth, but the three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather.
A Pioneer-brand touch-screen stereo takes up the center of the dashboard. It features a 7-inch screen and includes Bluetooth streaming audio and a USB port for iPod connectivity along with an MP3 jack.
Additional standard features include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control and a cargo cover.
Under the Hood
The iM is powered by a 137-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a standard six-speed manual or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission. EPA-estimated gas mileage with the manual is 27/36/31 mpg city/highway/combined and 30/37/32 mpg with the CVT.
CVT-equipped cars come with a Sport mode that changes transmission, steering and gas pedal responses. The CVT also includes a manual mode that simulates the feeling of gear changes.
Safety
In addition to front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system, which are federally mandated on all new cars, the iM has front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, a seat-cushion airbag for the front passenger, active front head restraints and a backup camera.
