Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Review: 2016 Scion iM

      Saying farewell to Scion

    A few days before I got the 2016 Scion iM to do a week-long evaluation, news came out that Toyota would be closing the brand this fall. Most of the lineup, including the iM, would move over to Toyota. It feels somewhat weird to do a review on a brand that is essentially a dead man walking. But with the iM moving to the Corolla family, it would give us an idea of whether or not we recommend it.

     

    The Scion iM is a rebadged Toyota Auris that is sold in Europe and Japan. There isn’t a lot of differences between two models aside from new mesh inserts for the front and 17-inch alloy wheels. The overall design is polarizing. The front is long and low, with a narrow grille and bumper that looks like it has fangs. Around back is an interesting shape for the tailgate.

     


    2016 Scion IM 8


    Moving inside, the roots of Corolla show up. For example, the iM’s dashboard and certain equipment such as the steering wheel come from the Corolla. Many of the materials are hard plastics, while the door panels have some fabric covering certain parts. Considering the price tag of the iM, this isn’t a big deal. Scion should be given some credit for making the iM’s interior have some style such as a strip of faux leather running along the glove box and contrast stitching on the seats.

     

    In terms of comfort, the iM is mixed. On short trips, the front seats provide decent support. Longer trips reveals the lack of thigh support. The back seat is small with limited head and legroom. Cargo space is towards the small side with only 20.8 cubic feet, trailing the Volkswagen Golf (22.8 cubic feet) and Ford Focus hatchback (23.3 cubic feet).

     

    Standard on the iM is a seven-inch touchscreen radio. It is your standard Toyota touchscreen system with a simple, if somewhat dated interface. The system is quick to respond when going between the various functions. Navigation is available as an option.

     

    Power for the iM comes from the Corolla LE Eco, a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. This can either be paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT like our tester. Power delivery is not impressive as the engine can’t keep up with traffic and produces more sound than speed. Your foot will be near the floor if you want to try and get up to speed at a somewhat decent rate. The CVT seems to mesh with the engine better than the six-speed manual we drove last year. It is smart to know when it needs to increase or decrease engine rpm for various driving situations.

     


    2016 Scion IM 7


     

    In terms of fuel economy, the iM equipped with a CVT is rated at 28 City/37 Highway/32 Combined. We didn’t get close to any of those numbers as we only recorded 25.3 MPG for the week. A lot of this can be attributed to the iM coming during one of the coldest weeks in Detroit where temperatures were between -10’ to 20’ Fahrenheit. Before I would go anywhere, I would start up the vehicle to let it warm up for a few moments. If it was a bit warmer, I wouldn’t be surprised I could get the EPA numbers.

     

    One item I couldn’t fully report on during the iM first drive was how it rode. The particular vehicle I drove was fitted with some TRD suspension parts, giving me some different impressions from other folks that drove the standard model Now I can report on the iM’s ride and say it is pretty good. The iM provides a very forgiving ride on rough surfaces. This is partly due to the iM using an independent rear suspension and not the solid-axle setup found in the Corolla. We do wish Scion had put some sound deadening material in the iM as road noise comes in clear. Around corners, the iM doesn’t embarrass itself. There is little body roll and it feels composed. Steering is the weak point as it has rubbery feeling.

     

    The one place where Scion iM comes out on top is price. The 2016 iM starts at $19,255 for the manual and $19,995 for the CVT. Our tester with a few accessories came to an as-tested price of $20,334. That includes the touchscreen radio, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels, LED taillights, keyless entry, and a backup camera. No other car in the class comes close.

     

    At the moment, we wouldn’t recommend the Scion iM. The engine is the big weakness as it can’t keep up with traffic and produces more sound than actual power. We also wished there was a little bit more cargo room. The low price does make it tempting, but a slightly used compact would be a better choice. As Scion drives off into the sunset and the iM heads over to Toyota, the automaker has its work cut out. There is a good car in the iM, but it needs a fair amount of changes. Whether Toyota does them or not remains to be seen.

     

    Cheers: Price, Ride Quality, Out There Styling
    Jeers: Lethargic Engine, Steering, Interior Space

     

     

    Disclaimer: Scion Provided the iM, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas

     

    Year: 2016
    Make: Scion
    Model: iM
    Trim: N/A
    Engine: 1.8L DOHC 16-Valve, Valvematic Four-Cylinder
    Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT
    Horsepower @ RPM: 137 @ 6,100
    Torque @ RPM: 126 @ 4,000
    Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 28/37/32
    Curb Weight: 3,031 lbs
    Location of Manufacture:
    Base Price: $19,200
    As Tested Price: $20,334 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge)

     

    Options:
    Carpeted Floormats and Cargo Mat - $185.00
    Rear Bumper Protector - $89.00
    Wheel Locks - $65.00


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • Philadelphia City Hall.  It is mostly French Second Empire style, if I remember correctly.  A statue of William Penn stands on top of the clock tower.  It has a big plaza in front of it.  I like it.
    • What place is this, I do not recognize it other than European style.
    • Taco Bell is sort of in last place when it comes to Mexican for me.  All their stuff has that almost uniform taste, just like McDonald's and BK. Out West, Del Taco and El Pollo Loco are better options in my book.
    • My Tuesday ... changed planes and had to overnight.  I have never given this city enough time.  What a stunning city hall.
    • Hyundai has announced a 21 billion dollar investment in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028 improving its production to 1.2 million ICE/EVs per year for Kia/Hyundai/Genesis products. https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/4404 Hyundai Motor Group Commits to U.S. Growth with USD 21 Billion Investment   The Group to invest a total of USD 21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028 USD 9 billion to expand U.S. automobile production to 1.2 million units annually USD 6 billion to enhance parts, logistics and steel business, increasing the localization of auto parts and strengthening supply chains USD 6 billion to expand future industries and strengthen external partnerships and energy infrastructure, including EV charging Investment is expected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by 2028, including 14,000 direct full-time jobs SEOUL, March 24, 2025 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is announcing a significant investment of USD 21 billion in the United States from 2025 to 2028. This commitment reflects the Group’s strategic focus on expanding its manufacturing capabilities, advancing future technologies, and enhancing energy infrastructure in America. This latest U.S. investment builds on the Group’s existing allocation of approximately USD 20.5 billion since entering the U.S. market in 1986. “Hyundai Motor Group is deepening its partnership with the United States, reinforcing our shared vision for American industrial leadership. The Group’s investment and efforts will further expand our operations in the U.S. and grow our American workforce. Thank you to our American partners, employees, and communities. We’re proud to stand with you, and proud to build the future together.” Expanding automotive production capacity To reinforce its production capabilities, the Group will invest a total of USD 9 billion to establish an annual production capacity in the U.S. of 1.2 million vehicles across its automotive brands, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis. In addition, the Group plans to invest in improving its production facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and Kia Autoland Georgia, to further enhance its customer-centric approach in delivering high-quality automobiles. Enhancing parts localization and logistics to strengthen supply chain A total of USD 6 billion will be allocated to increase the localization rate of automotive components – including core parts for electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery packs – to form an auto cluster following expansion of the Group’s production facilities, as well as strengthening Group logistics to ensure robust supply chains and investing in steel production in the U.S. Hyundai Steel, the Group’s steel affiliate, will construct an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel mill in the state of Louisiana, capable of producing 2.7 million tons of steel annually. This facility will produce low-carbon steel sheets using the abundant supply of steel scrap in the U.S. with the aim of enhancing the Group’s agility and flexibility in response to external uncertainties. Strengthening collaboration in future industries and investing in energy infrastructure The Group will invest USD 6 billion to drive innovation and expand strategic partnerships with U.S. companies in areas including autonomous driving, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced air mobility (AAM). Key initiatives include: Collaborating with Boston Dynamics to expand the U.S. ecosystem for robotics components and establish a mass-production system Partnering with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of AI solutions for future mobility, including autonomous driving and robotics Advancing R&D with Supernal, the Group’s US affiliate for AAM business, to commercialize an eVTOL vehicle by 2028 Supplying robotaxis to Waymo as part of its strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Company, and co-developing autonomous driving services with Aptiv Investing potential startups through venture capital and other funding mechanisms to support U.S. startups specializing in mobility, robotics, and AI As part of its USD 6 billion commitment, the Group will also invest in energy infrastructure projects to secure new business opportunities and contribute to the development of sustainable energy generation, including: Strategic cooperation between Hyundai Engineering & Construction Holtec International on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology Establishing infrastructure to bolster use of renewable energy Investing in IONNA EV charging alliance to expand infrastructure Through these investments, the Group anticipates it will create 14,000 new direct full-time jobs in the U.S. by 2028. The overall economic impact is expected to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across related industries. The Group plans to hold its Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America Grand Opening celebration in Georgia, U.S., later this week, marking the completion of the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history, just two and a half years after breaking ground. HMGMA exemplifies HMG’s dedication to driving economic growth, furthering technological advancements, and delivering sustainable solutions to the U.S. market, creating or supporting over 570,000 jobs nationwide.
  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search