autoMedia Auto News Blog : Scion

Smashing: IIHS Crash Tests Small Coupes

admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:59:00 GMT

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released crash test results on five small two-door models, marking the first time the safety organization has tested coupes. The Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Scion tC, and Volvo C30 were each run through the organization’s front, side, and rear tests. Two models emerged with Top Safety Pick accolades—Focus and C30—and the others had solid performances.

Of the tested vehicles, all except the tC earned the highest rating of Good in the 40-mph frontal offset test. More variation was seen in the side-impact crash test, which simulates the impact from an SUV at 31 mph. Here, the Focus and C30 were the only coupes to earn a Good. The others were rated as Acceptable.

"All five cars in this group, from relatively inexpensive to moderately priced, have head-protecting side airbags as standard equipment,” says David Zuby, Institute senior vice president for vehicle research. “In 2003 automakers pledged to voluntarily put side airbags in their vehicles as standard equipment by the 2010 model year. They're making good on this pledge."

Simulating a low-speed impact, the rear crash test evaluates the risk for neck sprain or strain, the most frequently reported crash injury among U.S. insurance claims. Here again, all scored Good with the exception of the tC, which earned just a Marginal rating.

Through this test, the IIHS confirmed that crash test performance can vary between two- and four-door versions of a given car, making it essential for car shoppers to check the ratings for the specific body style they are interested in buying.

Crash test ratings can be found in the autoMedia buyer’s guides.

Learn more about how the IIHS performs crash tests.

JD Power: 2009 Initial Quality Study – Detroit Rocks

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:09:00 GMT

The Detroit 3 showed marked improvements in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study released this week, with a 10-percent gain over 2008. This accomplishment for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors is remarkable given the well-publicized challenges they have faced in the past year, and all the more impressive for being greater than the 8-percent rate of improvement by the industry overall.

Cadillac ranks in the top three, moving up from 10th last year, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercury all ranked above the industry average. However, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep remain well below the average.

The study finds that initial quality for newly launched and redesigned models in 2009 has improved compared with previous years. Historically, all-new models have typically launched with below-average levels of initial quality. However, several all-new models in 2009, including the Hyundai Genesis, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza and Volkswagen CC, perform considerably better than their respective segment averages. Many redesigned models in 2009 also show notable improvement from the previous generation--particularly the Acura TL, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Z.

The highest ranked for initial quality by car segment
Compact Car: Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Compact Sporty Car: Scion tC
Compact Premium Sporty Car: Nissan Z
Entry Premium Vehicle: Lexus IS
Midsize Premium Car: Lexus GS
Midsize Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
Large Premium Car: Lexus LS
Midsize Car: Nissan Altima
Large Car: Mercury Sable
Compact MAV: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda CR-V (tie)
Midsize MAV: Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Edge, Toyota 4Runner (tie)
Large MAV: GMC Yukon
Midsize Premium: Lexus GX
Large Premium MAV: Lexus LX
Large Pickup: Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra (tie)
Midsize Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Minivan: Toyota Sienna

2009 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 vehicles
84 Lexus
90 Porsche
91 Cadillac
95 Hyundai
99 Honda
101 Mercedes-Benz
101 Toyota
102 Ford
103 Chevrolet
103 Suzuki
106 Infiniti
106 Mercury
108 Industry Average
110 Nissan
111 Acura
112 BMW
112 Kia
112 Volkswagen
116 GMC
117 Buick
118 Audi
118 Pontiac
118 Scion
118 Volvo
120 Saturn
123 Mazda
129 Lincoln
130 Subaru
134 Dodge
134 Jaguar
135 Mitsubishi
136 Chrysler
136 Hummer
137 Jeep
138 Saab
138 Smart
150 Land Rover
165 Mini

The 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identifying problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2009.

New Cars Under $15,000

Editor — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:20:00 GMT

Do you prefer to start fresh? Would you feel better knowing that your new car doesn’t have a used-car history? If you’re in the market for a brand new car with a new-car warranty, but want or need to keep your spending to a minimum, here are the 16 new models available in trim levels for less than $15,000 (price ranges for some models include trim levels over $15k). Click on each vehicle to learn more about its features and options. Happy hunting!

2009 Chevrolet Aveo ($11,965-$15,365)

2009 Honda Fit ($14,750-$18,960)

2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070-$15,070)

2009 Hyundai Elantra ($14,120-$17,020)

2009 Kia Rio ($11,495-$14,280)

2010 Kia Soul ($13,300-$16,950)

2009 Kia Spectra ($13,550-$16,450)

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 ($14,690-$20,895)

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ($14,340-$26,490)

2009 Nissan cube ($13,990-$19,370)

2009 Nissan Versa ($10,990-$16,330)

2009 Pontiac G3 ($14,335)

2009 Scion xD ($14,650)

2009 smart fortwo ($11,990-$13,990)

2009 Suzuki SX4 ($13,299-$15,139)

2009 Toyota Yaris ($12,205-$15,880)

See the rest of our New Car Buyer's Guide for pricing, specs, mileage figures, and photo galleries of all vehicle makes, models, by pricing and category.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

NY: Tiny, Frugal Scion iQ

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:05:00 GMT

At the 2009 New York International Auto Show, Scion lowered an alien-green iQ to the gathered media, teasing them with a future model to be added to the youth-targeting brand’s line. As we have reported previously, the Toyota iQ that will be rebadged as a Scion, it an innovative microcar that has been named the Japan Car of the Year. (See "Toyota iQ Coming to the U.S.")

The version at NY auto show was beefed up with a wide-body kit from Five Axis. Beneath the skin, there lurks Toyota’s answer to the Smart ForTwo—a fuel-efficient, urban runabout powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. A key advantage over the two-tone competitor is that the iQ seats three and half, though the rear riders would most certainly find the accommodations snug. However, there is more useful space for travel essentials and groceries. Yet, at just 127 inches, the diminutive size makes it well suited for curb-side parking in major, congested cities.

Appropriately Scion funky, the iQ features a 10-inch LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. A true centerpiece, the screen articulates when in use, and it can display a movie when parked. Retracted, it lays flat and can display light patterns to give the cabin a dance club feel.

Clever, space-efficient features about, but the key facet that would like concern shoppers is safety. The iQ features ABS, stability control, brake assist, and nine airbags, including front, knee, side, side curtain, and a rear window air bag.

While technically a concept, it is a safe bet the Scion iQ will be coming to a city near you in the next year.

See our complete 2009 New York auto show coverage.

Research Scion in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Price and Preview: 2009 Scion tC RS 5.0

admin — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:07:00 GMT

At Chicago Auto Show, Scion will introduce the latest limit-production model, the tC RS 5.0. Where past models were focused more on monochromed street style, the gloss black 5.0 emphasizes handling with a a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) theme.

The chassis upgrades include 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, red TRD lowering springs, and a red TRD rear sway bar. TRD exterior badges and a sport muffler accent the other enhancements. A black rear lip spoiler will also be available for $285.

Inside, the RS 5.0 is outfitted with a black leather steering wheel featuring red stitching, black seats with red accents, and floor mats with the TRD logo. The tC RS 5.0 is also equipped with a cargo mat.

Only 2,000 examples will be built, carrying a $2,300 premium over the base price of the tC, and it is available on manual and automatic transmission models. Of course, as with all Scion models, dealers offer a wide range of components for customizing.

Read our Scion tC review, and research the tC in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Detroit Show Preview: 2009 Scion xB Release Series 6.0

admin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:41:00 GMT

Scion has released a peek at its next limited-edition model, due to be shown at the Detroit auto show in a few days. The 2009 Scion xB Release Series 6.0 applies the tried-and-true formula to the boxy xB, giving it a unique paint color, matching trim bits, and assorted detail tweaks. Combined, the enhancements give this xB a modified appearance and exclusivity, with the production run limited to 2,500 models.

The xB R.S. 6.0 may simply become known as Big Red, for the Yaris-borrowed paint scheme. The exterior features a unique front grille and special wheel <cough> covers, with a color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option.

Inside, the xB R.S. 6.0 features color-tuned four-in-one interior lights, illuminated door sills, and accented interior trim and color-tuned seat fabric. The most significant, and aftermarket feeling, upgrade is the touch-screen Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) headunit with a 5.8-inch high-resolution screen, flash memory, voice recognition, MSN Direct, and Bluetooth. For media player flexibility, the AVN unit comes with USB, SD card, and iPod connectivity. The Pioneer AVN headunit is also satellite radio and HD Radio ready and will play DVDs and iPod videos when the vehicle is in park.

The complete package adds $1,743 over the base price of the xB, not counting $320 for the rear spoiler.

The xB R.S. 6.0 adds appeal to the youth-targeted box, but it will soon face new, hip competition from the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube.

Read our Scion xB review, and research the xB in the new car buyer’s guide.

Toyota iQ Wins Japan Car of the Year Award

admin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:12:00 GMT

Typically, an automotive award from overseas wouldn’t grab our attention. However, the diminutive Toyota iQ cleaned house to claim the 2008 Japan Car of the Year honors, raking in 300 more points than the second-place finisher. That is head-turning news.

The judges praised the iQ for its space efficiency and design, particularly the iQ’s capacity for seating four people within a body less than three meters long, as well as its combination of high levels of safety and low CO2 emissions.

As we covered before in “Toyota iQ Coming to the U.S.”, the iQ reportedly achieves 54 mpg based on Japanese test protocols. That extreme fuel economy is enabled by the vehicle’s sub-compact dimensions and thrifty powertrain, yet the interior space is maximized by clever packaging. Compensating for its tiny size, the iQ protects occupants with eight airbags, including the world’s first rear-curtain airbag.

Industry rumors suggest Toyota may bring the iQ to the United States as a Scion product. This would give the youth-targeted brand a fresh, exciting model that could reinvigorate salesroom traffic. Scion stumbled with the launch of the second-generation xB--a vehicle redesigned based specifically on owner feedback. Would-be buyers wanted more space and more power than with the original xB, yet to achieve that Scion delivered the less-desirable trade-off of lower fuel economy, more weight, and compromised visibility. As the nation went on a gasoline diet, it was the right vehicle at the wrong time.

The iQ could be quite the opposite, an unexpected model striking at just the right time. As successful as the Smart ForTwo has been, imagine a more brilliant, Toyota-ized Smart car with all the innovation, reliability, and affordability that suggests. Sounds like a winning combination, indeed. And apparently the 65 Japanese jurors agree.

Results of Japan Car of the Year 2008
1.   Toyota iQ (526 points)
2.   Citroën C5 (223 points)
3.   Nissan GT-R (201 points)
4.   Audi A4/A4 Avant (180 points)
5.   Jaguar XF (115 points)
6.   Daihatsu Tanto (100 points)
7.   Fiat 500 (90 points)
8.   Honda Freed (62 points)
9.   Mazda Atenza (60 points)
10. Suzuki Wagon R/Wagon R Stingray (37 points)
11   Subaru Exiga (31 points)

Research Toyotas in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Pricing: 2009 Toyota and Scions Increase, Again

admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:03:00 GMT

Expect to see price adjustments across the board from manufacturers adjusting to increased materials cost, such as steel, shipping fees, and numerous factory changes to adjust to the rapidly changing marketplace. That said, Toyota is the latest to announce its 2009 price increases, impacting 13 select Toyota and Scion vehicles on average by $181, or 0.81 percent. Of course, these price bumps follow the increases from May, meaning in many cases these figures represent only half of the year-on-year increase.

Destination chargers for Toyota vehicles is now $720 for passenger cars and $745 for light trucks, with the smaller, lighter Scion vehicles at $670.

Below we list the pricing highlights and equipment made standard for the new model year, when known. Otherwise, more light is shed on the pricing increase.

Scion xD
Base price: $14,650. Automatic transmission: $15,450.
New for 2009: Not a thing but a $100 price increase.

Toyota 4Runner
Base price: $28,640. 4x4 Limited V8: $39,360.
New for 2009: Just a $225 price increase.

Toyota Avalon
Base price: $27,845. Limited: $35,185.
New for 2009: Driver and front passenger active headrests, brake assist, traction control, stability control, and a satellite radio color-keyed antenna.

Toyota Camry
Base price: $19,145. XLE V6: $28,695.
New for 2009: Camry Hybrid increases $500 to $26,150.

Toyota Corolla
Base price: $15,350. XRS: $20,050.
New for 2009: Average price adjustment of $100.

Toyota FJ Cruiser
Base price: $23,320. 4x4 V6: $24,910.
New for 2009: Driver and front passenger active headrests, roll-sensing curtain airbags, a VSC cut-off switch, front map light, and a driver-side vanity mirror.

Toyota Highlander
Base price: $27,600. Hybrid 4x4: $41,020.
New for 2009: $47 average price increase, though MSRP for the Highlander Hybrid jumps by $518.

Toyota Land Cruiser
Base price: $64,755.
New for 2009: Factory privacy glass on the rear side and quarter windows.

Toyota Matrix
Base price: $16,290. XRS automatic: $21,950.
New for 2009: MSRP increased by $100.

Toyota Prius
Base price: $22,000. Touring: $24,270
New for 2009: The overall average price for Prius will increase $500

Toyota Sienna
Base price: $24,540. XLE Limited AWD: $37,865.
New for 2009: $100 average price increase.

Unveiled: 2008 Scion xD Series 1.0

admin — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Scion has unveiled a third limited-production Scion for 2008, the xD Release Series 1.0 (xD RS 1.0) slathered in Hot Lava exterior paint. The dramatic exterior is dressed with a DAMD body kit, rear spoiler, and Release Series wheel covers. The stance is hunkered down with TRD lowering springs. Inside, the xD RS 1.0 applies the vibrant exterior color to accent seats and interior trim, and finishes with a RAZO Release Series shift knob. Like all Release Series vehicles, an individually numbered badge completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,000 units of the xD RS 1.0 will be built. The xD RS 1.0 model adds $1,999 to the base price of the xD, putting the manual transmission model at $14,550, while the MSRP for the automatic transmission model is $15,350. Add on $620 for destination charges, and you have a very distinctive, highly fuel-efficient hatchback for a touch over $16k.

The xD Release Series 1.0 will be available at dealer showrooms beginning in June.

Research the Scion xD in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Also, check the 2009 Scion xB and tC prices.

2009 Scion xB and tC prices

admin — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:07:00 GMT

Scion has released the pricing for the 2009 xB and tC rather early, though no major changes are scheduled for either vehicle. The xB carries over with only a change in exterior color; Stingray Metallic replaces Nautical Blue Metallic. The base price for the ‘09 xB is $15,750 when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and $16,700 for the four-speed automatic. Prices for both configurations represent an increase of $100.

The 2009 tC also carries over with one change--updated seat fabric. Prices for both the automatic and manual transmission remain the same as the 2008 models. The tC equipped with a five-speed manual transmission has a base price of $17,000, while the four-speed automatic transmission model carries an MSRP of $17,800.

Both vehicles add $620 for delivery charges.

Research the Scion xB and tC, and read our 2008 Scion xB and 2008 Scion tC reviews.

Scion Hako Coupe – East meets West

admin — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:02:00 GMT

Looking for the next big thing, Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe concept at the New York International Auto Show last week. Taking its name from the Japanese word for box, the Hako recasts the xB with a blend of Japanese aesthetic and vintage American car design. It seems that just as American youths covet all things JDM (Japanese domestic market), a rising trend in the East is to emulate classic American cars. Put it all in a blender, flick on a CAD workstation, and out comes the Hako.

From the side, the chopped top and long hood the Hako looks like it escaped central casting for “Japanese Graffitti.” For now, the Hako is all about the appearance and seeking consumer feedback on whether the brand pursue a model in this direction. Presumably, it would be developed off the xB platform, sharing the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

Inside, the Hako makes interesting use of video monitors, with two on the front passenger dash for mobile entertainment controlled with a large roller ball. Screens located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project images from cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars for viewing, saving, and editing. Think of it as a replay mode for a road trip.
The flat, panorama roof features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.
Scion sales are down significantly, despite fresh models (xB and xD) and a market shift toward small cars. The young brand needs more fire in the line up, and officials say they’d like to expand the range to five or six vehicles. They are open to different vehicle types, mentioning a roadster and pickup truck as possibilities during the press conference.

What do you think of this concept? Should Scion build it, and if they did, would you buy one? Post your comments below.

Research Scion in the buyer’s guide. See our 2008 Scion xB review.