2011 Scion tC
09/16/2010
Shahed Hussain
Of the four Scion models, the tC is arguably the most stylish of the bunch. Unlike the practical and boxy xB and xD, this Scion appeals to younger style-conscious customers seeking an affordable sporty coupe. The tC faces a few competitors priced below $20K from Honda, Kia, and Ford, but only the Civic and Forte Koup are likely to be cross-shopped against the tC.
Scion sells the tC in one trim level, with a choice of a 6-speed manual ($18,275) or a 6-speed automatic ($19,275). Add the $720 destination charge and the sticker price slips in under $20,000 even when equipped with the automatic transmission. Scion owners interested in customizing their tC can select from a wide array of dealer-installed options.
Notable upgrades for the new Scion include standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires. Also available are TRD 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/35ZR19 tires. A new all-aluminum 2.5L inline-4 is rated at 180-bhp and 173 lb.-ft. of torque, courtesy of Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and a variable-induction manifold. The 6-speed manual gearbox is an obvious choice for enthusiasts, but among its competition, Scion is the first to offer a 6-speed automatic. Despite taller gear ratios and final drive for the automatic transmission, fuel consumption is an identical 23/31 MPG (city/hwy.) for either gearbox. Curb weight with the manual gearbox is 3,060 lbs. or 3,102 lbs. with the automatic transmission.
The tC uses the typical MacPherson strut front suspension, a rear double wishbone setup, and stabilizer bars at both ends. Disc brakes are at all four corners with ABS and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) standard. The rack-and-pinion steering is now electrically assisted.
Inside the tC, the driver-focused cockpit starts with a fat leather-wrapped steering wheel; buttons on the spokes control the optional touch-screen Alpine audio system (a Pioneer receiver is standard). A navigation system can be added to the Alpine receiver. As seems the case with most sub-$20K cars, hard plastic covers the dashboard, upper door panels, and even the center armrest, but panel fits are of uniformly high quality. In contrast, the cloth-upholstered front seats are nicely bolstered and provide good support, proving that the tC product planners spent money where customers would appreciate it most. Rear passengers are rewarded with decent legroom, and passengers shorter than 6-ft. will find adequate headroom as well. Although three adults are a snug fit in the back, the seats are better suited for two occupants. The 60/40 split seats fold down nearly flat for additional cargo space.
For a big inline-4, the 2.5L engine in the tC is an amazingly refined powerplant, revving willingly up to the redline with none of the vibration and racket typical of large-displacement fours. A surprisingly throaty rumble from the exhaust confirms that the tC shares little with its boxy economy-minded siblings. We noted some minor droning at moderate speeds, but nothing objectionable. Changing gears with the manual transmission requires minimal effort, but the relatively long throw gear lever prevents quick shifts. Drivers new to manual transmissions will find that the light, progressive clutch makes the 6-speed manual a pleasure to use.
Despite its sporty intentions, the tC suspension tuning delivers a compliant ride over bumpy roads and potholes. The rack-and-pinion steering offers decent feedback, but the power assist is dialed a bit too high for our preferences. Subjectively, overall grip and handling is above average, without the brittle ride that often accompanies a sport-tuned suspension. Hard-core enthusiasts will likely raid the TRD parts bin for firmer springs and dampers, but for the majority of Scion customers, the tC will provide the all around ride comfort they expect.
Scion's redesigned tC should strengthen its hold on its current customers, while the added power, standard 18-inch alloy wheels, and the new 6-speed transmissions will undoubtedly appeal to value-conscious enthusiasts new to the brand. Despite the added content, Scion managed to maintain pricing comfortably under $20K, which ensures that the tC will remain one of few affordable sporty coupes.
