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If you have ever taken a class in economics, then you were most likely taught the economic cycle. The cycle explains periods of growth and decline in a economy via four different parts; expansion, boom, recession, and depression. A perfect example of this cycle in action is Scion. The youth-oriented brand which came on the scene in the early 2000’s experienced massive growth for the first few years. In fact, 2006 was its best year ever with sales reaching 173,034 vehicles. But since that time, Scion has been seeing its sales drop precipitously with 2010 being the worst year with 45,678 vehicles sold. 2013 was a mixed bag for Scion. On one hand, the brand told its dealers that they can drop their franchise with no penalties at all and that new products wouldn’t be here till 2016. On the other hand, Scion is slowly crawling back up in sales. 2013 saw sales reach 68,321 vehicles thanks to two models; the FR-S coupe and refreshed tC coupe. So what is it about these two models that are keeping Scion afloat? We’ve driven the FR-S and now its time for the tC to help us answer this question. For the refresh, Scion tweaked the tC’s exterior to make it look more like the FR-S coupe. This is apparent in the front as there is now a longer hood that sits slightly lower than the previous model. The fascia has been slightly altered as well with a new bumper and grille layout. While not pulling the illusion of the FR-S fully off, the refresh does make the tC more interesting to look at. Other changes for the 2014 refresh include a set of LEDs on the bumper and a set of eighteen-inch alloy wheels. One area that Scion left mostly alone with the tC’s refresh was the interior and that’s a good and bad thing. Let’s start with the negative on the interior. The look and quality of the materials used in the tC looks like they come out of a mid to late-nineties vehicle. I get the tC is a cheap coupe, but with competitors such as the Honda Civic Coupe and Hyundai Elantra Coupe stepping up with the materials used in their interiors, Scion really needs to step up. Aside from the materials, the tC’s interior does everything else very well. Front-seat passengers are treated to cloth-covered seats with moderate side bolstering. Back-seat passengers will find a surprising amount of legroom. Headroom is surprising good if you’re under six feet. Cargo space is very generous with tC getting 34.5 Cubic Feet thanks to Scion’s decision of making the model a hatchback. Equipment is generous on tC will all models getting a flat-bottom steering wheel, dual-screen sunroof, telescoping steering wheel, power windows, and a 8.1-inch touchscreen head unit. My tC tester was equipped with the optional BeSpoke Premium Audio package which adds aHa internet radio and navigation. While the interface looks like something from the Windows 95 era, it’s a very straightforward system and quick to respond. One downside is that to get SiriusXM satellite radio, you need to pony up an extra $449 on top of the $1,198 price tag for the BeSpoke system. For thoughts on the powertrain and ride, see the next page. Under the tC’s hood is a 2.5L four-cylinder with 179 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. To access all of that power, you’ll have be ready to put the pedal down or close to floor. Otherwise, the tC feels like it can’t get out of its own way. This is somewhat surprising since the tC only weighs 3,113 pounds. A manual transmission is standard, but my tester came equipped with the optional six-speed automatic transmission with a Dynamic Rev Management system that blips the engine when downshifting. When left to its own devices, the transmission is quick on the upshifts. Downshifting is another story as it takes a few moments for the transmission to realize it would be a good idea to do that. This is very annoying when I was trying to make a pass on the freeway or merging and I found myself throwing the automatic into the manual mode when making a pass because it would be quicker. The dynamic rev management system is one of those systems that you either think is the coolest or stupidest feature. I personally liked it because it added a sense of excitement when I pushing the tC. On the fuel economy front, the EPA rates the 2014 tC at 23 City/31 Highway/26 Combined. My week’s average landed at 27.2 MPG. Along with the changes to the exterior, Scion worked on improving the tC’s handling. This includes revised stabilizer bars, electric power steering system, new struts, and more welds in the body to make it stronger. The changes really make a difference as the tC is a really fun coupe to push around. Body roll is kept to a minimum and the grip from the low-profile tires were excellent. Steering really didn’t have much feel, but the heavy weight more than made up for it. Out of all the compact coupes, the tC has to be the best driving one. But there is a downside to changes made by Scion, the tC is a rough rider when it comes to day to day duties. The suspension will send up every bump and road imperfection there is known to man, making for a very uncomfortable. Also, a fair bit of road and wind noise comes into the cabin. Those who are thinking about a tC for long-distance trips might want to reconsider. After spending a week in the Scion tC, I can see why its a big seller for the brand. The tC packs a lot of driving fun for not that much money. Add in the loads of standard equipment you get for the price, and tC makes a very good case for itself. But I do wonder if the tC can keep up this run of success, especially considering that Honda has launched a refreshed Civic coupe, Kia making huge strides with the new Forte Koup, and the Hyundai Veloster which has a pricetag that undercuts the tC by $2,000. Disclaimer: Scion Provided the tC, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Scion Model: tC Trim: N/A Engine: 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Four-Cylinder with VVT-i Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 180 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 173 @ 4,100 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 23/31/26 Curb Weight: N/A Location of Manufacture: Tsutsumi, Japan Base Price: $20,210.00 As Tested Price: $23,166.00 (Includes $755.00 Destination Charge) Options: BeSpoke Premium Audio - $1,198.00 Rear Lip Spoiler - $444.00 Illuminated Door Sill - $375.00 Carpeted Floor Mats and Cargo Mat - $184.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
If you have ever taken a class in economics, then you were most likely taught the economic cycle. The cycle explains periods of growth and decline in a economy via four different parts; expansion, boom, recession, and depression. A perfect example of this cycle in action is Scion. The youth-oriented brand which came on the scene in the early 2000’s experienced massive growth for the first few years. In fact, 2006 was its best year ever with sales reaching 173,034 vehicles. But since that time, Scion has been seeing its sales drop precipitously with 2010 being the worst year with 45,678 vehicles sold. 2013 was a mixed bag for Scion. On one hand, the brand told its dealers that they can drop their franchise with no penalties at all and that new products wouldn’t be here till 2016. On the other hand, Scion is slowly crawling back up in sales. 2013 saw sales reach 68,321 vehicles thanks to two models; the FR-S coupe and refreshed tC coupe. So what is it about these two models that are keeping Scion afloat? We’ve driven the FR-S and now its time for the tC to help us answer this question. For the refresh, Scion tweaked the tC’s exterior to make it look more like the FR-S coupe. This is apparent in the front as there is now a longer hood that sits slightly lower than the previous model. The fascia has been slightly altered as well with a new bumper and grille layout. While not pulling the illusion of the FR-S fully off, the refresh does make the tC more interesting to look at. Other changes for the 2014 refresh include a set of LEDs on the bumper and a set of eighteen-inch alloy wheels. One area that Scion left mostly alone with the tC’s refresh was the interior and that’s a good and bad thing. Let’s start with the negative on the interior. The look and quality of the materials used in the tC looks like they come out of a mid to late-nineties vehicle. I get the tC is a cheap coupe, but with competitors such as the Honda Civic Coupe and Hyundai Elantra Coupe stepping up with the materials used in their interiors, Scion really needs to step up. Aside from the materials, the tC’s interior does everything else very well. Front-seat passengers are treated to cloth-covered seats with moderate side bolstering. Back-seat passengers will find a surprising amount of legroom. Headroom is surprising good if you’re under six feet. Cargo space is very generous with tC getting 34.5 Cubic Feet thanks to Scion’s decision of making the model a hatchback. Equipment is generous on tC will all models getting a flat-bottom steering wheel, dual-screen sunroof, telescoping steering wheel, power windows, and a 8.1-inch touchscreen head unit. My tC tester was equipped with the optional BeSpoke Premium Audio package which adds aHa internet radio and navigation. While the interface looks like something from the Windows 95 era, it’s a very straightforward system and quick to respond. One downside is that to get SiriusXM satellite radio, you need to pony up an extra $449 on top of the $1,198 price tag for the BeSpoke system. For thoughts on the powertrain and ride, see the next page. Under the tC’s hood is a 2.5L four-cylinder with 179 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. To access all of that power, you’ll have be ready to put the pedal down or close to floor. Otherwise, the tC feels like it can’t get out of its own way. This is somewhat surprising since the tC only weighs 3,113 pounds. A manual transmission is standard, but my tester came equipped with the optional six-speed automatic transmission with a Dynamic Rev Management system that blips the engine when downshifting. When left to its own devices, the transmission is quick on the upshifts. Downshifting is another story as it takes a few moments for the transmission to realize it would be a good idea to do that. This is very annoying when I was trying to make a pass on the freeway or merging and I found myself throwing the automatic into the manual mode when making a pass because it would be quicker. The dynamic rev management system is one of those systems that you either think is the coolest or stupidest feature. I personally liked it because it added a sense of excitement when I pushing the tC. On the fuel economy front, the EPA rates the 2014 tC at 23 City/31 Highway/26 Combined. My week’s average landed at 27.2 MPG. Along with the changes to the exterior, Scion worked on improving the tC’s handling. This includes revised stabilizer bars, electric power steering system, new struts, and more welds in the body to make it stronger. The changes really make a difference as the tC is a really fun coupe to push around. Body roll is kept to a minimum and the grip from the low-profile tires were excellent. Steering really didn’t have much feel, but the heavy weight more than made up for it. Out of all the compact coupes, the tC has to be the best driving one. But there is a downside to changes made by Scion, the tC is a rough rider when it comes to day to day duties. The suspension will send up every bump and road imperfection there is known to man, making for a very uncomfortable. Also, a fair bit of road and wind noise comes into the cabin. Those who are thinking about a tC for long-distance trips might want to reconsider. After spending a week in the Scion tC, I can see why its a big seller for the brand. The tC packs a lot of driving fun for not that much money. Add in the loads of standard equipment you get for the price, and tC makes a very good case for itself. But I do wonder if the tC can keep up this run of success, especially considering that Honda has launched a refreshed Civic coupe, Kia making huge strides with the new Forte Koup, and the Hyundai Veloster which has a pricetag that undercuts the tC by $2,000. Disclaimer: Scion Provided the tC, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Scion Model: tC Trim: N/A Engine: 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Four-Cylinder with VVT-i Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 180 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 173 @ 4,100 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 23/31/26 Curb Weight: N/A Location of Manufacture: Tsutsumi, Japan Base Price: $20,210.00 As Tested Price: $23,166.00 (Includes $755.00 Destination Charge) Options: BeSpoke Premium Audio - $1,198.00 Rear Lip Spoiler - $444.00 Illuminated Door Sill - $375.00 Carpeted Floor Mats and Cargo Mat - $184.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 28, 2013 Scion used the New York Auto Show to show off the refreshed 2014 tC coupe today. Exterior wise, Scion gave the tC a meaner front end by a new front grille, headlights, and a lower valance that is meant to callback the FR-S' design. Inside, the 2014 tC gets improved materials and a a 6.1-inch touch-screen audio system. Optional is a “BeSpoke” premium audio system that comes with navigation and Aha internet radio. The tC's powertrain remains the same 2.5L inline-four with 179 horsepower. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual or automatic. The automatic gains the FR-S' rev management technology to bilp the throttle before a downshift. Scion has also improved the tC's handling by modifying the sway bar, reviising the shock absorbers, and adding extra spot welds for a stiffer body. The new tC arrives at your local Scion dealer in June. Source: Scion William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 New, Sportier 2014 Scion tC Debuts at New York International Auto Show Limited-Production Scion 10 Series Models Celebrate Brand’s 10th Anniversary NEW YORK (March 28, 2013) – Scion revealed the new 2014 tC sports coupe at the New York International Auto Show, showing off a sporty new look, upgraded interior and an enhanced driving experience for the brand’s top-selling vehicle. “The sustained success of the tC, which accounts for 40 percent of all Scions ever sold, challenged designers to enhance the 2014 sports coupe in ways that keep it exciting to today’s drivers without losing its core appeal,” said Doug Murtha, Scion vice president. “The outstanding result is a 2014 tC with a sportier style and driving experience that will thrill buyers and hold its unique spot in the marketplace.” Aggressive Look with New Exterior Design and 18-Inch Wheels The 2014 Scion tC is defined by more assertive styling, starting from the front with distinctive new headlamps and an all-new hood that extends lower toward a more open, muscular grille with an embedded tC logo. The new upper- and lower-grille treatments are bordered by LED accent lighting. Beneath the rear bumper, a new black-out valance features an FR-S style, lower-center trim piece and lower perimeter reflectors; new advanced LED tail lamps complete the picture. New 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires carry the aggressive character through to the car’s profile. Standard on the tC, the wheels feature a premium dark gray finish, contrasted by eye-catching machined-spoke surfaces. The tC will be available in seven exterior paint colors, including two new additions, Absolutely Red and Blue Streak Metallic. Upgraded Materials and Scion Standard Display Audio Enhance Interior The 2014 Scion tC’s cabin adds new technology, additional convenience features and upgraded materials. The tC will be the first model in the family to come with the all-new Scion Standard Display Audio, featuring a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen. The system will be incorporated into all 2014 Scion models, making Scion the industry’s first non-luxury brand to feature a touchscreen audio system as standard equipment across its entire lineup. The new audio system comes equipped with features that Scion drivers will enjoy, including Bluetooth® compatibility, HD Radio™ Technology and steering wheel-mounted controls. The new base audio system will be joined by an available, all-new Scion BeSpoke Premium Audio system featuring Aha™. This upgraded system includes full navigation, as well as the ability to connect compatible smart phones through Aha to access 30,000 free audio stations, including Scion’s own signature station featuring a lineup of its 17 music channels. In addition to audiobook stations, sports, news and entertainment, the Aha service utilizes location–based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor, and integrates most of the popular social media applications, all at a great value for consumers. Added convenience features for the 2014 tC include auto-off headlamps and an auto-up and down driver's window. The interior is upgraded with premium materials and lighter color fabric on the seats and the headliner. Sportier Automatic Transmission and Enhanced Dynamic Handling Getting there will be more than half the fun in the 2014 tC. Its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, and it is available either with a six-speed manual transmission or an updated six-speed automatic that can change gears nearly twice as fast as the previous model for both upshifts and downshifts. The automatic transmission now features Dynamic Rev Management technology, adopted from the FR-S, which quickly blips the engine to match its revs to gear ratios on downshifts, limiting driveline shock and adding to the visceral experience of driving the car. Handling is enhanced by making modifications to stabilizer bar hardware, optimizing the shock absorbers, and by increasing the body rigidity with additional spot welds. Driving enthusiasts will also appreciate the retuned electronic power steering that provides a more engaging response. Together, these changes help the new tC to deliver a sportier, fun-to-drive experience behind the wheel. The 2014 Scion tC will arrive in dealerships in June. Limited-Production Scion 10 Series Models Celebrate Scion’s 10th Anniversary In 2003, the first Scion xA and xB vehicles heralded the launch of the Scion brand, which was designed to bring new buyers into the Toyota family and appeal to emerging, younger drivers. The brand has accomplished both, and today it is recognized as having among the youngest median age drivers in the industry. Since its introduction, 75 percent of Scion owners have been new to the Toyota family. “The Scion 10 Series celebrates 10 years of the brand’s passionate approach, iconic products and success inviting a new, younger buyer to the Toyota family,” Murtha said. “Scion heads into its second decade revved up by a strong product line that continues to stand out on the road.” To celebrate Scion’s 10th anniversary, Scion will launch a limited-production version of each vehicle in its lineup called Scion 10 Series. Every Scion 10 Series car will be painted a premium color: Silver Ignition. The anniversary message continues when the driver enters the car to see the Scion name illuminated on the dash before fading to reveal the number 10. The unique models will number a total of 10,000 vehicles, which will begin arriving in dealerships in June. Other stand-out features include silver seat belts, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob and an LED Scion locator badge that lights up when the car is unlocked. Each vehicle also carries a sequentially numbered interior badge. The xB, iQ, and xD will feature unique alloy wheels in a graphite finish. The Scion 10 Series FR-S also comes equipped with HID headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps, dual automatic climate controls and a smart key with push-button start ignition. View full article -
New York Auto Show: 2014 Scion tC
William Maley posted an article in New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 28, 2013 Scion used the New York Auto Show to show off the refreshed 2014 tC coupe today. Exterior wise, Scion gave the tC a meaner front end by a new front grille, headlights, and a lower valance that is meant to callback the FR-S' design. Inside, the 2014 tC gets improved materials and a a 6.1-inch touch-screen audio system. Optional is a “BeSpoke” premium audio system that comes with navigation and Aha internet radio. The tC's powertrain remains the same 2.5L inline-four with 179 horsepower. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual or automatic. The automatic gains the FR-S' rev management technology to bilp the throttle before a downshift. Scion has also improved the tC's handling by modifying the sway bar, reviising the shock absorbers, and adding extra spot welds for a stiffer body. The new tC arrives at your local Scion dealer in June. Source: Scion William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 New, Sportier 2014 Scion tC Debuts at New York International Auto Show Limited-Production Scion 10 Series Models Celebrate Brand’s 10th Anniversary NEW YORK (March 28, 2013) – Scion revealed the new 2014 tC sports coupe at the New York International Auto Show, showing off a sporty new look, upgraded interior and an enhanced driving experience for the brand’s top-selling vehicle. “The sustained success of the tC, which accounts for 40 percent of all Scions ever sold, challenged designers to enhance the 2014 sports coupe in ways that keep it exciting to today’s drivers without losing its core appeal,” said Doug Murtha, Scion vice president. “The outstanding result is a 2014 tC with a sportier style and driving experience that will thrill buyers and hold its unique spot in the marketplace.” Aggressive Look with New Exterior Design and 18-Inch Wheels The 2014 Scion tC is defined by more assertive styling, starting from the front with distinctive new headlamps and an all-new hood that extends lower toward a more open, muscular grille with an embedded tC logo. The new upper- and lower-grille treatments are bordered by LED accent lighting. Beneath the rear bumper, a new black-out valance features an FR-S style, lower-center trim piece and lower perimeter reflectors; new advanced LED tail lamps complete the picture. New 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires carry the aggressive character through to the car’s profile. Standard on the tC, the wheels feature a premium dark gray finish, contrasted by eye-catching machined-spoke surfaces. The tC will be available in seven exterior paint colors, including two new additions, Absolutely Red and Blue Streak Metallic. Upgraded Materials and Scion Standard Display Audio Enhance Interior The 2014 Scion tC’s cabin adds new technology, additional convenience features and upgraded materials. The tC will be the first model in the family to come with the all-new Scion Standard Display Audio, featuring a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen. The system will be incorporated into all 2014 Scion models, making Scion the industry’s first non-luxury brand to feature a touchscreen audio system as standard equipment across its entire lineup. The new audio system comes equipped with features that Scion drivers will enjoy, including Bluetooth® compatibility, HD Radio™ Technology and steering wheel-mounted controls. The new base audio system will be joined by an available, all-new Scion BeSpoke Premium Audio system featuring Aha™. This upgraded system includes full navigation, as well as the ability to connect compatible smart phones through Aha to access 30,000 free audio stations, including Scion’s own signature station featuring a lineup of its 17 music channels. In addition to audiobook stations, sports, news and entertainment, the Aha service utilizes location–based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor, and integrates most of the popular social media applications, all at a great value for consumers. Added convenience features for the 2014 tC include auto-off headlamps and an auto-up and down driver's window. The interior is upgraded with premium materials and lighter color fabric on the seats and the headliner. Sportier Automatic Transmission and Enhanced Dynamic Handling Getting there will be more than half the fun in the 2014 tC. Its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, and it is available either with a six-speed manual transmission or an updated six-speed automatic that can change gears nearly twice as fast as the previous model for both upshifts and downshifts. The automatic transmission now features Dynamic Rev Management technology, adopted from the FR-S, which quickly blips the engine to match its revs to gear ratios on downshifts, limiting driveline shock and adding to the visceral experience of driving the car. Handling is enhanced by making modifications to stabilizer bar hardware, optimizing the shock absorbers, and by increasing the body rigidity with additional spot welds. Driving enthusiasts will also appreciate the retuned electronic power steering that provides a more engaging response. Together, these changes help the new tC to deliver a sportier, fun-to-drive experience behind the wheel. The 2014 Scion tC will arrive in dealerships in June. Limited-Production Scion 10 Series Models Celebrate Scion’s 10th Anniversary In 2003, the first Scion xA and xB vehicles heralded the launch of the Scion brand, which was designed to bring new buyers into the Toyota family and appeal to emerging, younger drivers. The brand has accomplished both, and today it is recognized as having among the youngest median age drivers in the industry. Since its introduction, 75 percent of Scion owners have been new to the Toyota family. “The Scion 10 Series celebrates 10 years of the brand’s passionate approach, iconic products and success inviting a new, younger buyer to the Toyota family,” Murtha said. “Scion heads into its second decade revved up by a strong product line that continues to stand out on the road.” To celebrate Scion’s 10th anniversary, Scion will launch a limited-production version of each vehicle in its lineup called Scion 10 Series. Every Scion 10 Series car will be painted a premium color: Silver Ignition. The anniversary message continues when the driver enters the car to see the Scion name illuminated on the dash before fading to reveal the number 10. The unique models will number a total of 10,000 vehicles, which will begin arriving in dealerships in June. Other stand-out features include silver seat belts, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob and an LED Scion locator badge that lights up when the car is unlocked. Each vehicle also carries a sequentially numbered interior badge. The xB, iQ, and xD will feature unique alloy wheels in a graphite finish. The Scion 10 Series FR-S also comes equipped with HID headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps, dual automatic climate controls and a smart key with push-button start ignition.
