The all-new Scion iA is a fully-loaded subcompact that is fun to drive. It has an upscale interior with sporty handling and easy to use technology. The icing on the cake is the competitive price and great gas mileage.
The 2016 Scion iA is a stand alone model chock full of features like; 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, a low-speed forward collision warning system with automatic braking, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats and air-conditioning.
Additional features include; a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen with an accompanying dial controller, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker audio system with Internet streaming radio, voice recognition and a USB interface.
Making it go is a 1.5-liter four-banger that produces 106 horses and 103 pound-feet of torque. A six-spead manual is standard with an optional six-speed automatic available for an additional price (my review model came equipped with the automatic). Mileage estimates are great at 33/city, 42/highway and 37/combined mpg.
Unlike most compact sedans the Scion iA has a well-designed interior that includes high-end materials. The 7-inch touchscreen interface is strategically placed within the driver’s line of sight and is easy to use.
Front seating is comfortable and supportive but the rear seats are best left to shorter passengers. Trunk storage is plentiful at 13.5 cubic feet with even more with the back seats down.
The iA is plenty zippy around town but merging into freeway traffic will require a lead foot as the engine takes a bit of prompting to get up to highway speeds. The Sport setting with the automatic transmission helps that lag. Steering is quick and true giving the Scion iA a sporty feel.
If you are shopping for a compact but don’t want to “settle” take a look at the brand new 2016 Scion iA.
