2016 Scion Ia in Hampton, VA - $5,997

Bringing fresh new sheetmetal to the line-up for 2016, Scion recently introduced its new iA Sports Sedan (yes, a sedan!) to journalists during an event in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan recently. Based on the Mazda2 and manufactured by Mazda at its new Salamanca assembly plant in Guanajuanto, Mexico, Scion has upped the ante in the small sedan category with its all-new iA four-door. The Scion iA Sports Sedan bristles with an impressive level of standard leading edge technologies that are normally found in vehicles costing thousands more.

The Scion iA features a combination of sleek styling, sporty driving dynamics, and serious trunk space. The sedan flashes a familiar brand face with a hexagon lower grille and sharp-eyed headlights. In the rear, the spacious trunk gives it a distinctive look in the segment. To make the most of its sophisticated sedan breeding, the iA also sports an upscale looking piano black bumper treatment, chrome grille surround and chrome tailpipe.

Power for the new sedan is generated by an advanced 1.5L four-cylinder direct injection engine. Motorists can choose between the standard six-speed manual gearbox and an available six-speed transmission. Engineered for light weight, low friction and a direct-shift feel, the automatic has a bit of a dual personality. It moves the Scion iA from a standing start with the smoothness only a torque converter automatic can deliver, then locks the converter for quicker, more direct shifts and higher fuel economy. For drivers seeking greater torque feel, Sport Mode is available with the flip of a switch.

Control hardware is tried and true – with the MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension tuned for a just-right balance of sporty handling and comfortable ride. Agility is engineered into the Scion iA, not just added on with stiffer springs and shocks. The body structure uses straight beams wherever possible, continuous framework that makes the individual sections function in harmony, and effective positioning of high-tensile steel. That high-strength structure also forms the foundation for safety in the Scion iA. A solid H-shaped ring joins the roof and B-pillars to underbody and combines with high-tensile steel on key frame members and a part of the floor to form a robust structure.

The Scion iA sedan features a sophisticated suite of safety features. In addition to the front side airbags and curtain airbags, is a standard Low-speed Pre-collision system that uses a laser sensor to help the driver avoid collisions and to help minimize damage in the event of an accident. The iA also features a brake override system and a rear view back-up camera comes standard.

Inside the passenger cabin, premium chrome accents and soft-touch trim and surfaces belie the car’s budget price point, a value equation that runs in the Scion family. For starters, consider how the iA accommodates a wide range of drivers’ physiques, including its 10-inch fore-aft slide adjustment and the standard seat height adjuster, too. There’s no skimping with the steering wheel, which offers tilt and telescoping adjustments. The sporty steering wheel has control switches for the audio and standard Bluetooth. Hardly “entry level,” the standard seven-inch Display Audio system has a touch screen, six speakers, remote interface and rear-view camera. Pandora®, Aha™ and Stitcher™ come standard, providing a huge music, talk and podcast universe when paired with a compatible phone.

Features like cruise control and power windows, locks and exterior mirrors are also included on the 2016 iA’s lengthy standard equipment roster. The iA also inherits a critical item from its hatchback siblings, a standard 60/40 split rear seat back to extend carrying capacity and versatility.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 101.2; overall length: 171.7; width: 66.7; height: 58.5
All vehicle measurements in inches.

Engine: 1.5L four-cylinder – 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 31 city/41 hwy. (manual); 33 city/42 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 13.5 cubic feet