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On the road with Scion's 2016 iA and iM (photos)

We take to the Santa Cruz mountains in the two newest models in Scion's lineup.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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2016 Scion iA

The 2016 Scion iA is the first sedan to wear the Scion badge. Starting at $15,700, it will also be one of the least expensive.

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2 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

It's no secret that behind that Scion badge is a car that was designed and built by Mazda.

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3 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The iA separates itself from the Mazda2 upon which it is based with a Toyota designed front fascia and headlamp treatment.

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4 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

This is a face that only a mother could love, but for now it's the only way to experience the 2016 Mazda2's performance in the US.

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5 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

Under the hood, you'll find a 106 horsepower 1.5-liter engine.

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6 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The owner will have to choose between an automatic or a manual transmission. Both feature six speeds.

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7 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The iA rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

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8 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

On the road, the iA is poised to be one of the best handling cars in its class.

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9 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

Standard 16-inch wheels fill the iA's wells.

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10 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The cabin is identical to that of the Mazda2, save a few badge swaps.

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11 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The iA's instrument cluster features a large analog speedometer flanked by smaller digital gauges.

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12 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The tiny tachometer can be hard to see.

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13 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

Push button start and smart keyless entry are standard features.

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14 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

Infotainment is a sanitized version of Mazda Connect.

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15 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The 7-inch screen is touch sensitive, but when the vehicle is in motion this physical bank is where infotainment control resides.

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16 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The iA features a pair of USB ports, which makes up for its lack of a CD drive.

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17 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

Map data is stored on an SD card.

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18 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

The system is easy enough to navigate and more intuitive than Scion's own BeSpoke system.

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19 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iA

However, the non-standard screen placement means that the iA won't be as easily modified as the rest of Scion's lineup.

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20 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

The Scion iM is a world market import and another badge engineering job.

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21 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

In this case, the Scion is based on Toyota's own Auris hatchback.

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22 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

17-inch wheels are shod in 225mm wide tires.

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23 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

The iM also features a unique suspension tune and sport body kit to stand apart from its Euro-twin.

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24 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

This example has also been augmented with TRD lowering springs and anti-sway bars.

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25 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

Under the hood is Toyota's 1.8-liter engine that outputs 137 horsepower.

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26 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

This engine is an older design that uses port injection.

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27 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

A TRD oil cap doesn't add any performance, but looks pretty neat.

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28 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

I was disappointed to see that the TRD intake is merely an improved air filter in the stock airbox.

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29 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

Another disappointment was the six-speed manual transmission, which featured a ridiculously long throw on the shifter.

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30 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

I wasn't able to test the optional continuously variable transmission, but I suspect that this more efficient transaxle is the best choice for iM owners.

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31 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

Scion is aiming the iM at younger drivers who want the utility of a hatchback.

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32 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

Though spacious, the iM isn't much longer from nose to tail than the compact iA.

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33 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

The cabin was very quiet at cruising speeds; the fit and finish were also nice.

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34 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

Instrumentation is a simple bi-gauge setup with the automaker's first 4.2-inch color MID.

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35 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

Display audio is standard and features HD Radio and Aha app connectivity. The optional BeSpoke upgrade adds navigation.

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36 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

The iM was a competent driver, but I think the iA is definitely the more fun of the two.

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37 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

A rear camera is standard safety tech.

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38 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

The 2016 Scion iM starts at $18,460 for the manually shifted model.

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39 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

With the iA and iM, Scion is using its mono-spec approach. The only options given to the buyer are color and gearbox.

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40 of 40 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Scion iM

The automaker will also be offering an array of dealer installed options and accessories, such as the TRD upgrades.

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