Scion has always aimed at younger buyers, and for 2007 it’s offering the tC sport coupe with a Spec Package model aimed at tuners. The package deletes some features to make the car easier to customize.
Jim Farley, Scion’s vice president, said the tC’s steering, suspension and brakes were tuned with a European bias. In fact, the car’s platform is shared with the Avensis, a Toyota model that’s sold in Europe. The tC hatchback coupe uses a 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
For 2006, the tC’s updated audio system featured new steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and available Apple iPod compatibility.
According to Scion press material, the tC hatchback displays “taut, clean lines from front to rear.” An aggressive front fascia features swept-back headlights, a mesh grille and a large opening below the front bumper. A panoramic glass moonroof is standard. The company says the car “has the formal look of a coupe with a trunk.” Side mirrors incorporate turn-signal indicators — a feature typically found on upscale luxury cars. A power hatch release is standard. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels hold 45-series tires, and 18-inchers are optional.
The Spec Package adds a fixed glass roof, 16-inch steel wheels with covers (surely meant to be replaced with custom hoops) and 205/55R16 tires. It’s available in Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic paint.
For 2007, the seat fabric receives a tighter weave, but looks almost identical to the current model’s cloth.
Five passengers fit inside the tC, and the driver’s seat has height and thigh adjustments. The 60/40-split rear seat has three-point seat belts and head restraints for three occupants. The rear seats also recline 45 degrees.
Amber illumination and what Scion calls “innovative” instrument-panel grains highlight the cockpit, which is similar to that of the xA and xB. The dashboard uses materials inspired by the texture of Japanese parchment. Moving parts in the interior have dampers, and the temperature dial is cast aluminum.
The center console includes an armrest, and keyless entry is standard. Additional standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, a Pioneer stereo, and power windows, locks and mirrors. With the front and rear passenger seats folded flat, more than 8.5 feet of space is available for carrying long items.
The audio system has steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and compatibility with portable music players. An available iPod-specific connector allows users to operate the player via both the audio head unit and steering-wheel-mounted controls.
Spec Package models delete the steering wheel audio controls and get a urethane steering wheel and 12-volt power outlet.
Generating 161 hp, the all-aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine incorporates Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Both four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions are available.
Cruise control and the engine immobilizer are deleted from Spec Package models.
All-disc antilock brakes and a driver’s knee airbag are standard. Side-impact and side curtain airbags are optional.
The tC gets more appealing after a few days of driving, but it’s not as sporty as its shape and image suggest. It’s an ordinary — if distinctive-looking — small car.
Acceleration can be spirited if the engine is pushed, but the four-cylinder sounds strained and noisy at higher rpm. The gearshift flicks easily between ratios, but the clutch can be jumpy, which makes smooth takeoffs a bit of a chore.
While the tC maneuvers easily and tracks capably, occupants aren’t very insulated from chassis commotion over bumps and holes. The suspension reacts quickly enough and not excessively, but rougher pavement isn’t pleasant.
Visibility over the driver’s left shoulder is restricted, but the rearward view is good. The short seat bottoms are typical of small cars; the front seats are supportive, and backseat space isn’t bad. Front headroom is marginal.
The deep-set gauges are easy to read most of the time, and they’re orange-lit at night. The huge glove box is easy to reach, but the storage area below the hatch is squat in shape.
