Toyota’s youthful brand Scion revealed the new 2014 Scion tC coupe at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The enhanced tC, Scion’s best selling model, has a sporty new look, upgraded interior and an enhanced driving experience.
The 2014 Scion tC gets bolder looks, starting from the front with new headlamps and a new hood that extends lower towards a more open, bigger grille with an embedded tC logo, not forgetting LED lighting.
Beneath the rear bumper, a new black-out valance features an FR-S style (Toyota 86 is called Scion FR-S in USA) lower-centre trim piece and lower perimeter reflectors. Those LED tail lamps are also new. Completing it all are new 18-inch alloys with 225/45 tyres and two new colours – Absolutely Red and Blue Streak Metallic.
Inside, the tC will be the first Scion to come with the new Scion Standard Display Audio featuring a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth, HD Radio and steering wheel-mounted controls. It will be joined by the optional Scion BeSpoke Premium Audio system featuring Aha. This one includes full navigation and the ability to connect to smart phones.
Added convenience features include auto-off headlamps and an auto-up and down driver’s window. The cabin has been upgraded with premium materials and lighter colour fabric on the seats and headliner.
The Scion tC is powered by a 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine. The 179 hp unit is available either with a six-speed manual or an updated six-speed auto that can upshift and downshift nearly twice as fast as the previous model.
The auto now features Dynamic Rev Management tech adopted from the FR-S, which blips the engine to match its revs to gear ratios on downshifts, limiting driveline shock and adding to the “visceral experience.”
Handling is enhanced by mods to the stabiliser bar, optimising the shock absorbers, and by increasing body rigidity with additional spot welds. There’s also a retuned electronic power steering that provides “a more engaging response.”
The 2014 Scion tC will arrive in US dealerships in June.
