Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2016 Scion iA

December 31, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Scion iA 4-Door Sedan

The 2016 Scion iA sedan is a great city car due to its compact size and easy maneuverability.
The 2016 Scion iA sedan is a great city car due to its compact size and easy maneuverability.

Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas, 106 horsepower, 103 lb-ft torque

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

EPA Ratings: 31/City—41/Highway—35/Combined

Base Price: $15,700

As Tested: $16,470

Performance:

Acceptable acceleration if manual trans is used aggressively

Very good fuel economy, our best was 35.7 mpg

Easy to park and maneuver around town

The Scion's 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 106 hp. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.
The Scion’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 106 hp. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.

Smooth manual transmission and clutch

Low speed front collision avoidance system

Nimble

Acceptable highway ride, not too harsh

Comfort:

Excellent front seat legroom, had to move seat up for clutch

Thick, contoured plastic steering wheel

Very good auxiliary steering wheel controls

Tilt steering column

Supportive seats

Soft headrests

Cheap, flocked headliner

Front seat room is excellent. The fabric seats are supportive and comfortable.
Front seat room is excellent. The fabric seats are supportive and comfortable.

Small, cheap sun visors

Driver seat height pump

Excellent headroom

Solid door shut

Tight rear doors for rear seat ingress/egress

Substantial rear wheelwell intrusion

Good adult backseat room if fronts are up a little

Very good shoe room under seats

Tall center floor hump

Supportive seats with soft fabric

Utility:

Big 7-inch touch screen on top of dashboard

Rear seat room is good, but the doors and a little tight for ingress and egress.
Rear seat room is good, but the doors are a little tight for ingress and egress.

Rear view camera

Keyless entry and start

No console bin, just two cup holders

Marginal audio system

Medium size door bins

Decent grade of interior plastic components

Big glovebox, but no lock

Good intermittent wipers

Large trunk, deep and wide

High lift-over for trunk opening

Flat floor with cheap carpet

Trunk releases for split folding rear seat

Wide pass-through

Steep angle for folded rear seats

Large height difference between trunk floor and folded seats

Wow Factors:

Very affordable

Frugal with fuel

Roomy interior

Pleasant styling

Info provides altitude, latitude, and longitude

Whines:

Strong side winds can unsettle car

No rear door bins or cup holders

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Scion iA is a strong value proposition of a low entry price, excellent fuel economy, and a spacious interior. It’s well built and pleasant to drive. Some corners were cut for cost considerations, but the overall impression is of a more expensive car.