• Distinctively cool versatile 5-door design
  • High fun factor
  • Choice of 6-speed manual or advanced CVTi-S with 7-stepped shifting
  • Roomy cabin with premium amenities
  • Sophisticated chassis for nimble handling

 

(NEW YORK, NY – March 31, 2015) If the badge on the all-new 2016 Scion iM stood for “instant message,” the message to buyers would be that they can now get a fun-to-drive, high-style, high-content hatchback loaded with value. The all-new Scion iM arrives in dealerships this fall, and in true Scion practice, this is a mono-spec model equipped like an upgraded model from competitors.

The all-new 2016 Scion iM is the answer for buyers looking for a dynamic hatchback. It has sporty bodylines with uniquely twisted rocker panels. The cabin is roomy, refined, versatile and equipped with high-tech gear. The 1.8-litre DOHC engine is eager to rev and very easy on gas. The chassis, with sophisticated double-wishbone rear suspension and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, are ready to smooth out urban bumps and tame adventurous curves. For more hands-on driving fun, a six-speed stick shift is also available.

For safety, the 2016 Scion iM comes with class-leading eight standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.

 

Design: The Meaning of iM

In the name, the “i” stands for individual. Intriguing. For the M, think modern, multi-faceted and magnetic.

The Scion iM shows a familiar face, with a hexagon lower grille, sharp-eyed headlights and side bezels with honeycomb mesh pattern seen also on the brand’s FR-S sports car. That aerodynamic expression carries into the profile, which conveys dynamic movement from the lower front to the rear. It’s like a “swoosh line” rendered in steel.

The piano black grille treatment, standard sporty body aero kit, LED daytime running lights and taillights leave an unmistakable signature. Also true to the Scion way, the colour selection gives the design tremendous visual pop: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Spring Green Metallic and Electric Storm Blue.

 

One Spec: Fun

Here comes the fun side. The 137 hp 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine uses Valvematic continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) technology to offer a broad torque curve, so the iM feels responsive in all situations.

For driving purists, the Scion iM has a standard 6-speed stick shift that’s a slick shift, making for an engaging and active driving experience. Got hills? The Scion iM comes standard with Hill Start Assist, which helps prevent roll-back when you’re pulling away from a stop sign or traffic light on an incline.

The optional automatic is also perfectly suited to the 1.8-litre engine. It’s an intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission that’s been sport-tuned for driving pleasure. That’s why it’s called the CVTi-S. Not all CVTs operate as responsively as the CVTi-S in the Scion iM. This one’s got both a Sport mode as well as manual shifting capability with seven stepped shift points.

In Sport mode, the CVTi-S alters shift points and also provides a livelier feel through the electric power steering programming and accelerator responsiveness. G AI-SHIFT logic detects lateral G forces during cornering and maintains engine speed by restricting unnecessary shift changes.

Using the console shifter, the driver can make fast, sequential shifts through the transmission’s seven predefined steps, accompanied by the familiar sense of positive shift engagement. The 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display within the instrument cluster displays M mode activity, including the “gear” position, and other vehicle information.

 

It’s Got the Moves

In the Scion iM, instant gratification behind the wheel will turn to long-term love down the road. Driving enthusiasts know well the value of a high-strength body structure and a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension. Based on the tC sports coupe platform, the 2016 Scion iM checks those boxes by using ample high-strength steel and special reinforcements in the structure. And it goes further, making the rear suspension the double-wishbone type, a design offering the added benefit of not impinging on cargo room.

Add in standard 17-inch alloy wheels with fat 225/45R17 tires, and the Scion iM delivers a tight, taut road feel and excellent ride quality. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system makes low-speed maneuvering a breeze and provides good feel and less assistance at highway speeds. It also helps boost fuel efficiency, because the system consumes power only when assist is needed.

 

Premium Interior

Inside, it will be love at first seating in the standard bolstered front sport seats. They fit the body like a glove and also integrate a Whiplash Injury Lessen (WIL) structure for occupant protection.

High quality materials abound throughout the Scion iM cabin, where the layered dashboard design combines sports car-inspired instrument panel styling with easy to reach, easy to use controls. With ideas borrowed from the luxury car realm, the Scion iM keeps noise outside with an acoustic layer windshield, foam-type insulation and floor silencer sheets.

The Scion iM’s premium feel on the road is matched by a lengthy roster of premium amenities – all included as standard with the brand’s famous mono-spec strategy. Start with versatility, which comes from the 60/40 fold-down rear seats and standard cargo cover. A roomy glove box and console box are augmented by numerous front door pockets and storage bins throughout. 

As a Scion, the iM naturally comes with high-grade standard multi-media system. The 6-speaker Pioneer sound system will play from a variety of sources and devices. You control it all through an easy to use 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit that also includes AhaTM radio  - personalised, live and on demand. It’s through that screen that you view the standard rear view backup camera as well.

Real leather wraps the steering wheel and shift knob - The sporty wheel puts fingertip switches for audio, multi-info display and hands-free phone calls via Bluetooth® at your fingertips. The 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display between the main instrument gauges provides displays for the car’s audio system and other functions, a Scion first.

The Scion iM keeps the surprises coming. All cars in this segment come with air conditioning; the Scion iM steps up a class with dual-zone automatic A/C control.  Auto on/off headlamps are another convenience inherited from a higher-end segment.

 

Build It Your Way

One could buy the Scion iM, choose the colour and be perfectly happy with the result. However, for those who see the car as a blank canvas, Scion offers a full range of dealer-installed accessories. A sampling includes: Navigation upgrade kit, Bongiovi DPS Acoustics, cargo area enhancements, and interior light kit to name a few. The Scion iM will also offer a line of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance accessories, including an air intake system, lowering springs and more.

 

About Scion Canada

Scion is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Scion tC, xB, iQ and FR-S vehicles through a sales and service network of 94 dealerships across Canada. All Scions come well equipped with many standard features including Scion’s Star Safety System. Backed by Toyota, Scion is built by passion and dedicated to quality, style and substance. Cars are our passion – Find out how Scion is helping to power your passions at www.scion.ca or www.facebook.com/scioncanada.
 

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