Photo: Scion
The digitally unveiled Scion iM concept finally hit the LA Auto Show floor and along with it also come some good news. It’s hitting dealerships next year and comes in pretty affordable - under $20,000.
At this year’s LA show, Scion announced the production model iM will be firstly seen at the New York Auto Show in April 2015 along with another model that will refresh the lineup.
“The two models we’re debuting in New York next spring are just the beginning for Scion,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “We plan to bring three new products in three years to our showrooms, offering a variety of exciting options for current and new Scion customers.”
This iM concept you see here is basically a customized Toyota Auris compact hatchback, model that’s also made in Japan, from where it will probably be imported once it enters production. If you have no idea what I’m talking about here, you can consider this to be some sort of Corolla hatchback made by Scion, or a Toyota Matrix, hence the blue color does bring some memories.
Based on the European Toyota Auris, the iM concept lays low to the ground, comes with flared wheel arches, sporty bumpers, big 19-inch dark alloy rims, adjustable racing suspension and vented rotors 4-piston front calipers.
We expect (and really hope) the iM to replace the old ugly xD model, so a 1.8-liter engine should be at least considered to power the new hatch. On the xD, it makes 128 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Of course, if the iM wants to be sporty and all, it could adopt the 2.4-liter 158 hp/162 lb-ft unit from the boxy xB.
Speaking about letters, you shouldn’t think for a second that the iM name has been randomly drawn from the bag. The “i” stands for “individuality, intriguing and a good fir for customers’ income”, while the “M” means “modern. multifaceted and magnetic”. Let’s just hope the production model will still fit under those parameters.
“The two models we’re debuting in New York next spring are just the beginning for Scion,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “We plan to bring three new products in three years to our showrooms, offering a variety of exciting options for current and new Scion customers.”
This iM concept you see here is basically a customized Toyota Auris compact hatchback, model that’s also made in Japan, from where it will probably be imported once it enters production. If you have no idea what I’m talking about here, you can consider this to be some sort of Corolla hatchback made by Scion, or a Toyota Matrix, hence the blue color does bring some memories.
Sharp and youthful
The iM is targeted at clients aged between 18 and 34 years old, who need to drive a youthful sporty-looking vehicle but that will also provide them practicality, reliability and low maintenance costs.Based on the European Toyota Auris, the iM concept lays low to the ground, comes with flared wheel arches, sporty bumpers, big 19-inch dark alloy rims, adjustable racing suspension and vented rotors 4-piston front calipers.
We expect (and really hope) the iM to replace the old ugly xD model, so a 1.8-liter engine should be at least considered to power the new hatch. On the xD, it makes 128 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Of course, if the iM wants to be sporty and all, it could adopt the 2.4-liter 158 hp/162 lb-ft unit from the boxy xB.
Speaking about letters, you shouldn’t think for a second that the iM name has been randomly drawn from the bag. The “i” stands for “individuality, intriguing and a good fir for customers’ income”, while the “M” means “modern. multifaceted and magnetic”. Let’s just hope the production model will still fit under those parameters.
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