In order to revive itself, the Scion brand has begun rummaging inside Toyota's bin of overseas cars and found a 5-door hatchback. Previewed as a concept car at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, the Scion iM promises to answer many of the dilemmas faced by young American motorists. How do we know that? Because we've found out it's headed for mass production as a 2016 model year.
Driving down interstate 405 North in Orange County, California, Youtuber Fred Khaz has managed to film what he believes to be a next-gen Lexus CT hybrid. In actuality, the two prototypes are almost identical to the Toyota Auris models sold in Europe and Asia, so it has to be the Scion iM.
Knowing Toyota, they will likely redesign the front and rear bumpers to make the Scion iM slightly different to the Toyota Auris. Powertrains will also have to be honed for US market tastes, as consumers like a bit more punch when they step on the throttle.
Speaking of powertrains, our best guess is that the 2016 Scion iM will be offered with a 1.8-linter inline-4 making about 150 horsepower, coupled to either a standard manual or a CVT gearbox. However, European Auris models are sold with a 1.6-liter petrol engine that makes about 130 hp, which Toyota may deem to e enough for a cheap Scion model.
The iM concept shown in LA featured 19-inch split-spoke wheels, four-pot callipers, LED headlights and a full body kit. All of that will have to be ditched for the production model, which, considering the bigger Corolla starts at $16,900, will have to be very cheap.
Even though the Matrix hasn't done so well, Europeans love this sort of car, so maybe we should give them a chance. The iM is just the beginning of Scion's mini product offensive and is expected to be followed by a small crossover and sporty subcompact sedan in a few years.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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