Scion’s all-new iA, the brand’s first sedan, rolls in New York

By Andrew Hard April 1, 2015

If you love Scions but want four doors in non-lunchbox form, you’ve been out of luck … until now. The brand has just revealed the iA sedan, Scion’s first, at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

Like most Scions, the iA emphasizes affordability with a sporty flair. Essentially a Mazda 2 sedan with tweaked bodywork, the vehicle is expected to retail for around $16,000 in well-equipped ‘mono-spec’ form, which features a 7-inch multimedia system and a ‘Low-speed Pre-collision’ safety system as standard.

Styling-wise, the iA features a large, Focus-like widemouth grill and sharp headlights up front, while a Corolla-esque profile and 16-inch alloys highlight the side view. Mmm … sporty.

Powering the car is a “quick-revving,” “high-compression,” and “high-spirited” 1.5-liter four with an output of 106 horsepower. That may not sound like a lot, because it isn’t, but the bijou powerplant makes up for it at the pump. Scion claims that the iA returns 33 mpg city, 42 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. Buyers can choose between either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

A mass-market car like this must walk the line between comfort and responsiveness carefully, and the iA features a MacPherson strut suspension setup up front while a torsion beam layout does work out back. The result is a “just-right balance of sporty handling and comfortable ride not normally associated with this segment,” the brand says.

Scion also describes the iA as “big on safety,” a statement that goes further than the high-strength body. The aforementioned pre-collision system employs a laser sensor to help warn drivers of impending crashes, and a rear view camera is standard as well.

The iA sedan hits U.S. showrooms this fall.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.