Review: 2016 Scion iA

The Scion iA not really Scion. Well, it is, but it’s not a Toyota, which is Scion’s parent company. The iA is built in Mexico by Mazda, and is called the Mazda2 Sedan in most parts of the world. That is, unless you live in Canada, where it is called the Toyota Yaris Sedan. Don’t be confused. This is a Mazda wearing a Scion badge. Well, unless you’re in Canada.

But really, this Scion/Toyota/Mazda mashup (“Sciotoyzda”?) is 100% Mazda. OK, make that 99% Mazda. See that snout, which resembles a gaping fish mouth? That is all Scion. This prominent feature is really the only major difference between an iA and a Mazda2 sedan. Frankly, it’s a non-offensive looking vehicle, sans the aquatic front fascia and 16-inch alloy wheels that look like they were designed by Lego. It’s neither haute nor hideous. Daring, it isn’t. Then again, when was the last time you saw a daring subcompact sedan?

Things That Will Not Help Scion iA Sales: This Low Rider

I just gave back the 2016 Scion iA which I've been reviewing for the past week. I won't give away all the details, but it's got great driving dynamics and looks like a miniature Mazda3 sedan (sans the fish-like front fascia).

Then I see this.

I know the SEMA Show is all about extravagance, going big or going home with your build, and gaining exposure. But this? This does nothing to help the Scion iA in any way, other than letting people know you can make it look ridiculous. Yes, it'll get publicity, but perhaps for the wrong reasons.

A chain link steering wheel? Swivel seats and curtain-like dash trim? I know the theme was classic lowrider, but c'mon—this looks ridiculous on this vehicle. It's one thing when you take something that has some recognition, such as last year's retro Scion xB and make a retro 1970s van out of it—that worked. But to me, this classic lowrider look just does not work on the iA.

According to Scion:

Eddie Huang, well-known for his book and TV adaptation, “Fresh Off The Boat,” is embracing L.A. culture with a modern take on the classic lowrider, outfitting a Scion iA with a chain-link steering wheel and custom swivel front seats and more. A dual-stage air bag system with independent wheel control allows for side to side, front to back and 3-wheel motion. Meanwhile, the exterior features metallic yellow paint with root beer accents. A mural of a “human panda,” which is how Huang refers to himself, is on the hood. Huang has also added wire wheels dipped in gold, along with a one-of-a-kind gold-plated front grille, truly capturing the essence of the era, but with a modern twist.

Yes, this vehicle will likely garner a lot of attention from people. But I'm afraid it'll be for all the wrong reasons.

Scion is a bringing a more palatable custom iA to the SEMA Show in the form of the Skybound iA, which does follow the more traditional tuner car look.

I greatly prefer it to the iA lowrider, despite the blue paintwork that only accentuates its gaping mouth. It'd be a bit like putting bright red lipstick on Steven Tyler.

I suppose one could give Scion kudos for thinking outside the box (that is not an xB pun), but is it really thinking differently? People have been customizing small cars with lowrider themes for decades, so it's actually more like rehashing an old idea; one that's not too popular anymore. It'd be like if Nike were to show off its latest athletic apparel using someone on Rollerblades—it isn't current, and it's a bit weird—much like the Eddie Huang Scion iA.

The 2016 Mazda2 Will Not Be Sold In The U.S.

By Andy Lilienthal

Mazda is saying the 2016 Mazda2 will not be sold on the U.S. market. Say it ain't so, Mazda! According to Automotive News, cheap gas and strong demand from other markets are two major reasons the soon-to-be-Mexican-built Mazda2 won't be headed north of the border.

A quote from Mazda U.S Senior Vice President, Robert Davis, says he'd prefer to focus on product that makes more profit for the company and Mazda dealers—a common issue with subcompact cars. He did, however, say the car will always be there if they want it. The car will be for sale in Puerto Rico, and therefore has already undergone U.S. safety standard testing.

Frankly, this is a bit heartbreaking. I was looking forward to the next Mazda2 hatchback a lot. I loved the last version. Yes, the Scion iA will be a Mazda2 sedan, but I don't have much interest in owning a subcompact sedan at this point. Undoubtedly, the Mazda2 will have great driving dynamics and will be the "driver's car" of the subcompact segment. However, at least for 2016, we'll never really find out. Well, unless you opt for the Scion iA.

2016 Scion iA Sedan

By Andy Lilienthal

Scion is in need of some new cars, and this is one of them. Behold, the 2016 Scion iA, which debuted at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. Kinda  looks like a Mazda, eh? That's because it's built by Mazda and wears a Scion badge. This is essentially a Mazda2 sedan, which is probably a good thing in terms of driving dynamics.

Powered by a 1.5-liter engine, the iA will make 106 hp and will be capable of getting 42 MPG. Yes, a six-speed manual will be available (hurray!) as will a CVT.

True to Scion, the iA will be available as a mono-spec model, meaning there's one way you can get it, but then buyers can accessorize it they way they want. It should start out around $16,000.

Scion says "iA" stands for individual and then something with A, possibly aggressive styling, accommodating, trunk, or affordable.

Amenities include a 7" LCD touchscreen head unit, a stereo with six speakers, rear-view camera, and low-speed collision pre-collision safety system.

Scion needs to start selling some cars, and sedans typically sell well. So, perhaps this will be a big seller due to its low price and what I'm assuming will be good driving dynamics, since it's essentially a new Mazda2. It certainly shows a more mainstream approach to the Scion brand, and is pretty much a 180-degree swing from the original Scion xB. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the front end, but I'll reserve judgment until I see it in person.

Full press release is below.