2016 Scion iM exudes funky practicality (pictures)

The iM looks particularly racy when viewed from the front three-quarter aspect.

While the Toyota Auris, on which the iM is based, can look a lot more ordinary, a standard aero kit and larger wheels really amp up this Scion's curb appeal.

The iM's two-box profile recalls the similar-of-mission Toyota Matrix that is no longer on sale.

The iM's hood hides a decidedly ordinary 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.

The iM's large hatch opening and low liftover height make for easy loading and unloading.

While this iM is featured in Classic Silver Metallic, a range of more daring colors is also available.

Note how aggressively the window line appears to slant forward from this angle.

Unlike its Toyota Corolla sibling, LED headlamps are not available on the iM, nor is any other type of HID illumination.

The wraparound tail lamps have a uniquely three-dimensional quality to them.

Large lower air intakes suggest bigger performance potential than the iM is capable of delivering.

The iM's exhaust is a single-sided, single-pipe affair that is faired in nicely by the standard ground effects package.

Swanky 17-inch directional alloys incorporate a mix of painted and machine-faced surfacing.

The iM and its iA stablemate are part of a two-pronged attack to make this badge relevant again.

The iM's interior feels both racier and better finished than Toyota's own Corolla.

Deeply hooded analog gauges help keep glare to a minimum.

The iM's available CVT mimics a seven-speed automatic in behavior and has a dedicated sport mode.

You're looking at one of the simplest, most intuitive HVAC control panels in the industry. Note the dual-zone switchgear.

Front seats offer good comfort and are wrapped in a hard-wearing, sporty fabric.

There's more room than you'd think in the second row thanks to a flat floor and formal roofline.

Rotary-style air vents and prominent door grab handles are simple yet effective interior fixtures.

There's plenty of room for storage in the iM, including this center console pocket with power outlet, USB input and mini headphone jack.

The Scion iM delivers 20.8 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats in place, and more than double that with the seatbacks folded.

This iM test model featured optional navigation, but the head unit is the same regardless of whether GPS is optioned or not.

This touchscreen Pioneer head unit features Bluetooth audio integration, as well as apps for functions such as Pandora streaming audio.