Scion Reinvented
Posted by:
Mark Bilek
Toyota aimed directly at the youth market when it introduced Scion in 2003. The funky and eclectic brand hit the mark dead on and has since become the alternative car choice for America's youth. With an average age of 26 years, Scion has attracted the youngest buying demographic in the industry and, more importantly, culled 70% of its supporters from outside of the Toyota brand.
The last of the original-edition Scions to hit the market was the tC. A diminutive two-door hatchback, the tC quickly became one of the brands most popular models and accounts for 40% of all of the Scions on the road today.
But times change and so do buyer's tastes, hence Scion has an all-new tC waiting in the wings. Due in dealerships on October 1, 2010, the '11 Scion tC sports completely new styling inside and out and a more powerful engine.
Still front-drive, the new tC is dimensionally similar to the model it replaces. The engine is a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower. That's 19 horsepower more than last year's engine. In addition, the engine is more fuel efficient, with estimated EPA ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mph highway. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic.
Underpinning the new tC is a Macpherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension, larger brakes and standard 19-inch wheels. New for '11 are stability- and traction-control systems. Additional safety features include eight air bags and antilock brakes with brake assist.
Returning from last year is the panoramic sunroof. Also available are a navigation system and Bluetooth and iPod support. New for '11 is a standard 300-watt, 8-speaker audio system. Scion will also continue to support the tC's custom crowd with more than 40 dealer-installed options.
Prices start at $18,275 for the manual and $19,275 for the automatic.
Stay tuned for a full road-test review of the 2011 Scion tC on DriveChicago.com in the upcoming weeks.
Click to find a Scion dealer in Chicagoland
Click to visit the 2011 Scion tC Web site
« Last Post
Next Post »
View all Posts from this Blog