The Scion tC sporty coupe is too big, refined and stylish to seem related to Toyota's other new youth-oriented models -- the smaller xA hatchback sedan and severely boxy xB sedan/station wagon.
Perhaps that's because the tC is the first vehicle developed exclusively for the Scion brand. While affordable and practical, the xA and xB are rebadged Toyota Japanese market cars.
The front-drive tC shares its platform with the Avensis sedan that Toyota sells in Europe and has a modified 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine from Toyota's American-market Camry. It produces 160 horsepower and lively acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds).
A short-throw five-speed manual gearbox is standard and works with a clutch that's light but has a long throw. Optional is a responsive four-speed automatic transmission, which adds $800 to the base price.
Fuel economy is an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway with the manual and 23 and 30 with the automatic.
Like the other two oddly named Scion models, the $15,950 tC is well-equipped for the money. Standard items include a large "panorama'' sunroof with a power front glass panel, air conditioning, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with a security cover, cruise control, tilt wheel, split-folding rear seatbacks, rear defogger, large 17-inch wheels and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.
Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution for safer panic stops, outside mirrors with built-in turn signals and a driver-side knee air bag. Among safety options are $650 front side air bags and curtain side air bags for outboard occupants.
Also offered are an upgraded sound system and XM satellite radio.
Performance options include larger 18-inch wheels. A dealer-installed supercharger option from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) will be offered this fall and will boost horsepower to 200. Also to be offered by TRD are a lowered sport suspension with stiffer springs, a performance clutch and 19-inch wheels with higher-performance Pirelli P Zero tires. Dealer-installed accessories will be covered by the tC new-vehicle warranty.
The solidly built tC two-door hatchback sits low and wide, with a fairly long 106.3-inch wheelbase and short body overhangs. It feels bigger and heavier than it is and is very refined -- as if from Toyota's upscale Lexus division.
However, the tC is a little too soft and heavy to qualify as a serious sports coupe, at 2,905 pounds and a nose-heavy 61/39 front-rear weight distribution.
That's not to say it doesn't have good moves. The rather heavy power steering is very accurate, and a sophisticated all-independent suspension and wide track help provide above-average handling and a smooth ride that shrugs off bad bumps. The brake pedal has a linear action, and emergency stopping distances are short.
However, it's easy to induce front wheelspin even on dry roads when moving from a standing start.
The quiet, upscale interior is reached via long, heavy doors, which can be a problem in tight parking spots. The power windows go up and down quickly, but stopping them before they move all the way up or down calls for quick movements with their controls -- although the windows have "pinch protection'' to prevent injuries.
It's roomy up front, where sport bucket seats provide good support in fast turns. The tilt wheel and a height-adjustable driver's seat help provide a comfortable driving position. There's even a large rest area for a driver's left foot -- something especially appreciated on long drives. However, thick rear roof pillars partially block vision from the driver's seat.
The shrouded gauges are hard to read in some daylight conditions, and the overstyled audio controls are too small for easy use. The larger climate controls make more sense.
The rear bucket seats are deeply contoured, but can make occupants feel rather cramped. They recline 45 degrees and can be adjusted into 10 different positions, although rear head room still is tight for 6-footers.
Front seats slide forward, but athletic moves still are needed to get in and out of the rear-seat area.
Storage capacity includes numerous CD, bottle, cup and cell phone holders, four map pockets and a fairly roomy glove compartment. Front console cupholders are strategically located and deep. Even the front vanity mirrors have covers -- but aren't lighted.
The cargo opening is wide, but rather high. Cargo room beneath the large hatch is shallow, but the split-folding rear seatbacks easily flip forward and sit flat to enlarge the cargo area. Items can be hidden under a cargo cover.
Front seatbacks fully recline to allow a "sleeping function,'' if, for example, occupants need to pull to the side of the road for a nap.
The refined, comfortable Scion tC offers Toyota quality in a reasonably sporty, well-equipped car at a cut-rate price.
2005 SCION TC
PRICES
$15,950-$16,750
LIKES
Fast. Refined. Good handling. Nice ride. Fairly roomy. Very well equipped.
DISLIKES
Hard-to-read instruments. Long, heavy doors. Tight rear headroom. Shallow cargo area. Tricky power windows.