Car Reviws |
| 2011 Scion tC, an AW Drivers Log: Posted: 31 Jan 2011 08:17 AM PST         
ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: I must say, I'm rather impressed with the improvements Scion has made to the second-generation tC. Everything from the freshened and more distinctive sheetmetal, to the more attractive interior and, most of all, the driving standpoint are impressive for a $19,000 sports coupe. That's not to take away from the previous car because that was a good piece, too, but it was getting a bit tired, and you can only take so many Release Series special-edition versions. The new car sits on a retuned version of the previous platform with an updated suspension still featuring MacPherson struts in front and double wishbones out back, thicker antiroll bars and wider 18-inch wheels and tires as standard equipment. A new electric power-steering system includes a quicker 14.8:1 ratio compared with the old hydraulic system's 17.7:1 ratio. Under the hood, the tC receives a new 2.5-liter I4 with 180 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque for a 19 hp and 11 lb-ft bump over the outgoing model's 2.4-liter engine, and it is connected to a standard six-speed manual transmission in place of the old five-speed unit. There are bigger brakes at all four corners, too. If the exterior looks a bit familiar (particularly the C-pillar shape), it shouldn't be a surprise because styling is influenced by the Fuse concept introduced way back in 2006 at the New York auto show. The interior is comfortable, attractive and is without the plastic door that covered up the radio head unit in the old car, which was pretty pointless in my mind. Being a more value-oriented sports coupe, it's all hard plastics for the majority of the surfaces, but Scion did do well when it came to the main contact point between the driver and the car: the steering wheel. It's thick-rimmed with a flat bottom and is wrapped in nice leather. As for the drive, well, for $19,000, it's a heck of a deal. Steering response is nearly instant with a good feel and weight from the electric power-steering system. Through corners it holds a tight line with minimal body roll. Grip levels are impressively high for a front-wheel-drive car, which has gained a bit of weight--128 pounds to be exact--when you compare manual-equipped versions. Obviously, understeer is the result if you get too hot into a turn. Ride quality is good with only really big bumps and potholes, giving you a good rattle inside the cabin. Interior noise insulation is also decent without too much wind and tire noise seeping in. The drivetrain is a respectable combo with a nice shifting manual gearbox and the engine provides good muscle with a linear powerband. It doesn't match the smoothness of, say, the Volkswagen GTI or the Honda Civic Si, but those also cost a fair amount more. The Honda Civic Si coupe begins at $22,955 and the two-door VW GTI with manual transmission starts at $24,460, which are both a pretty far cry from $18,995 of this tC. Sure, the Scion isn't as powerful and doesn't have as nice of an interior as the other two, but for a guy or a gal on a budget looking for a fairly sporty ride, the tC is mighty attractive. 2011 Scion tC Base Price: $18,995 As-Tested Price: $18,995 Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, six-speed manual Output: 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 173 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm Curb Weight: 3,060 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 26/27.2 mpg Options: None |
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