Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2016 Scion FR-S

December 30, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Scion FR-S 2-door coupe

The Scion FR-S features crisp styling and even sharper handling.
The Scion FR-S features crisp styling and even sharper handling.

Engine: 2.0-literflat four-cylinder gas, 200 horsepower, 151 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 22/City—30/Highway—25/Combined

Base Price: $25,305

As Tested: $28,544

Performance:

Great driving fun

Tight, concise handling

Responsive

Agile

Smooth 6-speed and clutch

Good acceleration, but nothing spectacular

The coupe body has a back seat, but it's more for coats and packages than people.
The coupe body has a back seat, but it’s more for coats and packages than people.

Sport mode button

Excellent brakes

We averaged 24.5 mpg

Comfort:

Supportive suede bucket seats

Thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Tilt/telescopic wheel

Carbon fiber dash trim

Stretch-out legroom

Ample headroom

Soft headrests

Seats are very low to the ground

Personal flexibility aids ingress/egress

Front seats touch back seat

Back seat best for small kids or packages, not adults

The nicely bolstered bucket seats are supportive and comfortable. Legroom is excellent.
The nicely bolstered bucket seats are supportive and comfortable. Legroom is excellent.

Utility:

Super small door bins

Medium glovebox, no lock

Big central tachometer with small digital speedometer

Small trunk with a small opening

Flat trunk floor

Perforated pedals and dead pedal

Rear view backup camera

Wow Factors:

Very responsive handling

Tremendous fun on twisty roads

Pure and sporty, somewhat of a throwback in a good way

Whines:

$1,100 TRD exhaust option seemed excessive

The open road is where the Scion FR-S shines.
The open road is where the Scion FR-S shines.

Analog speedo on left of tach hard to see

More horsepower and AWD would be nice

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Scion FR-S is big on fun and short on practicality, but that’s the nature of a true sports car. The Scion FR-S is compact and highly maneuverable. Open roads beckon, but daily traffic can be a grind. The Scion FR-S is a great weekend car.