The Toyota Scion has come quite a long way since its original debut in 2002 and shows no sign of slowing down. The automobile has been noted for its reliability, affordability, performance, visual appeal and its appeal to young drivers. Toyota has managed to create their own car culture with an automobile that’s one of the most customizable on the market today. So where did the story all start, where is it now and where is it going?
The Inception
The very first Scion models were the xA hatchback and the xB wagon, both of which went on sale in 2003. After that came the sports coupe, the tC. In 2012, the tC was the most popular automobile for drivers between 16 and 35. The tC was also noted as being the most popular with young drivers in 2011. Eye-catching features include a panoramic glass moon roof, 18-inch alloy wheels and sport bucket seats.
The 2013 tC
Other features of the tC include a 16-valve 4-cylinder engine capable of giving 180 horsepower and roughly 175 lb-ft of torque. Motorists also enjoy how fuel efficient the tC is, offering nearly 30 mpg. The car also boasts keyless entry, cruise control, power locks and windows, Bluetooth technology and audio controls right on the steering wheel.
Toyota didn’t skimp on safety features for the tC either. It comes complete with an advanced airbag system, active headrests and a tire pressure monitoring system. Drivers who are more concerned with style will take note of the chrome-tipped exhaust, leather-trimmed steering wheel, projector beam headlamps and LED lights on the turn signal indicators on the outside mirrors.
The 2007 xD
Fans of the hatchback are immediately drawn towards the Scion xD. The five-door hatchback subcompact car replaced the xA model and features an anti-lock breaking system, vehicle stability control and traction control as well. In 2009, the xD was the most reliable new automobile in all of the Unites States, with approximately 80% fewer problems than the average of other automobiles. The xD also received excellent scores as well in government crash tests. It’s estimated that there’s only a 15% chance of the car rolling over in one vehicle collision.
The 2012 FR-S
The new FR-S has one of the best-looking exterior designs of anything that Toyota has released yet. The flat-four low-mounted boxer engine has been a spot of contention with the new model even though it offers fantastic weight distribution and a low center of gravity.
Other noticeable features on the FR-S include an affordable rear-wheel drive platform, a lightweight body, well-balanced chassis, traction control, short-shifter six-speed and ultra-responsive paddle shifters. In usual fashion, the FR-S can be outfitted with a number of aftermarket features to make it more customizable to drivers who like to give their vehicles a more personal touch. While the FR-S won’t be the most least expensive sport compact car ever made, it will still be rather affordable. Several sources have revealed that it could sell for roughly $25,000.
In honor of their ten year anniversary, Scion has recently announced that they’ll be releasing their brand new 10 series. The limited edition line of cars will feature the very best mods that make up the absolute best of the brand.
The Scion has become one of the most popular automobiles on the market and has managed to consistently hold on to that title for a surprisingly long time. Maybe it’s the affordability factor, or it could be the way each model looks that makes it such a best-seller. It could also be the fact that they created a line of vehicles that are marketed mainly towards a younger demographic that boosts popularity. Whatever it is, it seems as though Toyota has managed to find their niche in the automobile industry, one that they’re constantly working on expanding and improving.
Article written by Nathan Roberson of The Marketing Robot, Follow Nathan and his co-horts on Twitter @robthemarketer or add him to your circles on Google+
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