Vehicle Tested
| 2013 Scion FR-S
Base Price: $25,300
At-Tested Price: $26,030
Built in Japan.
Options
None
Engine: 2.0-liter H4, 200 horsepower
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive
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The Scion FR-S is unlike any Scion predecessor, unlike any recent Toyota. It's a diminutive sports car with a zippy four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. Think of it as a Mazda MX-5 Miata with a roof. In fact, it's Toyota's first front-engine, rear-drive sports car since the Supra - and that went out of production in 1998.
The FR-S (Front engine, Rear drive, Sport) was co-developed with Subaru, which offers a similar vehicle called the BRZ. Unlike the two-seat Miata, the FR-S is a four-seater. Additional competitors include the Fiat 500 Abarth, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, MINI Cooper S and Volkswagen Golf R.
Scion FR-S comes in a single trim level with an MSRP of $24,500. Included in that price are LED tail lights, dual exhaust, limited-slip differential, power windows/locks/mirrors, aluminum pedals, a digital and an analog speedometer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth cell-phone link, wireless music-streaming capability, auxiliary audio jack, and USB port. Options include an upgraded audio system, fog lights, rear spoiler, cold air intake, sport exhaust system, lowered suspension, a strut tower brace, sway bar, larger brakes, and 18-inch wheels.
Sole powertrain is a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine that mates to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The engine's horizontal cylinder configuration is often called "boxer." It's a design that is used by both Subaru and Porsche and results in a lowered center of gravity that is designed to aid to handling.
Get Up and Go With just 200 horsepower on tap, the Scion FR-S is not going to win a stoplight race with a Mustang GT, Camaro SS or even a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. That being said, the FR-S accelerates smartly away from a stop and boasts above average passing power. The engine willingly revs to its 7500 rpm redline and seems to get stronger on the way there.
Driving purists will appreciate the manual-transmission's short throws and positive-engaging clutch. The automatic snaps off slick shifts and comes with paddle shifters to help simulate the manual-transmission experience. The manual transmission models post a 0 to 60 mph time of about 6.5 seconds while the FR-S automatic is about a half a second slower.
FR-S is EPA rated at 22/30 mpg with manual and 25/34 mpg with automatic. Scion says that the 2.0-liter four requires premium-grade fuel. Real-world fuel economy depends completely on driving style. Given a light throttle foot and lots of open road cruising the FR-S will net better than 30 mpg overall. If your commute includes lots of stop-and-go-driving, expect that average to drop into the high 20s.
On the Road As you might expect, the FR-S rides firmly. Never harsh or hard, there's nary a bump or expansion joint that isn't felt by occupants. The shocks do a good job of minimizing secondary motions and quelling unwanted bobbing on rough pavement.
On the flip side, the FR-S, along with its Subaru cousin, is perhaps the best handling affordable car sold in the United States. Weight balance is near perfect; steering is nicely weighted, direct and quick; body lean is minimal; tires have plenty of dry-road traction; and brakes have plenty of stopping power. Driven quickly on twisty roads and on-ramps, the FR-S will reward drivers with athletic moves and grin-inducing grip. If you are the sort that takes your vehicle auto crossing, you'll appreciate the driver-adjustable traction and stability control.
Scion FR-S isn't the quietest car around, though no sports couple really excels in this area. Wind noise is moderate at highway speeds and the engine doesn't drone on needlessly. Tires roar can be a problem on grooved concrete surfaces.
Behind the Wheel Scion designers gave the FR-S a sporty cockpit-themed interior design. Most controls and instruments are angled toward the driver. Materials seem a cut above, but are more functional than luxurious. The standard leather-clad steering wheel and aluminum-faced pedals are a nice touch.
The instrument is dominated by a large speedometer, which rightly has the powerband at the top rather than at the side. There is even a redline warning light for those inclined. Climate controls are simply arranged in three dials at the base of the center console. Radio is a mixed bag as it's easy to reach and see, but sports a confusing array of buttons, toggles and dials. Ancillary controls are conveniently placed.
Front seats are somewhat confining and sport large bolsters - great for holding you in place in spirited driving, not so great on relaxed highway drives. Despite the car's slight dimensions, front-seat head and leg room are good, though six-footers will wish for a little more head room. Outward visibility is restricted to the rear and sides and somewhat by the low roofline forward. Getting in and out is a dip and dive affair because of the vehicles low stance.
Unless you push the front seats well forward, rear seats are only suitable for children. Even then, the seat buckets are confining and it's quite difficult to get in and out. It should be noted, that this is a shortcoming of nearly all sporty coupes.
FR-S' cargo area is fairly wide and long but not very deep, meaning bulky items won't fit well. The rear seats fold to expand cargo space enough for two golf bags. Interior storage is meager and limited further if you make use of the removable cup holders in the center console.
Bottom Line Hardly a blip on most consumers' radar, lightweight sports cars are an enigma. Automakers love the image they present, but loath spending the money to develop. market and sell a vehicle of this low volume. It makes sense that Toyota would partner with another automaker - in this case Subaru - to build a brand-defining vehicle like the FR-S.
Shortcomings are standard sports coupe fare and include a small back seat, firm ride, and limited cargo space. For the average consumer, these might be deal breakers. True enthusiasts will love the fantastic handling, willing engine and surprisingly good fuel economy. Long story short, if you think you might like the FR-S, drive it and you certainly will.
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