The Scion IA->ke5092 was essentially a rebadged version of the Mazda2->ke2501 and was even built alongside it at Mazda’s plant in Mexico. It was new for the 2016 model year and made its debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show->ke226. Compared to the Mazda 2, the front end had a different design and the front grille was different, but that was about the extent of it. Inside, the IA is pretty much a direct carryover from the Mazda2. It did feature some premium features like a center display screen and a fairly upscale look for a compact vehicle. The Scion IA may look like a compact sports sedan, but under the hood, there’s nothing to write home about. The car was offered with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers just 106 horsepower and a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg. With a six-speed manual transmission, the IA was priced at $15,700 while those equipped with an automatic transmission were priced at $16,800.

The IA, along with the Scion IM->ke5033 was originally intended to breathe some new life into the struggling Scion->ke79 brand. Unfortunately, it was too little too late, and the Scion brand has since been discontinued. The IA will carry on, however, as the Toyota Yaris->ke354 IA starting in August of 2016 for 2017. Despite switching over to the Toyota->ke88 branding, the IA will carry on as a competitor for the Kia Rio->ke1322 and the Nissan Versa->ke328, among others, but whether or not the IA will indeed be the hit Scion expected it to be has yet to be seen. With that said, take a look at our full review below to see the car that could have potentially saved the Scion brand had it come to the market sooner than it did.

Updated 06/29/2015: Scion announced that the all-new 2016 iA will arrive at dealerships on September 1st. The model will be priced from $15,700 for the six-speed manual transmission version and $16,800 for the six-speed automatic. Prices do not include $795 delivery, processing and handling fee. Also, check our first drive review here.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Scion iA sedan.

scion-ia

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: scion-ia
Pros
Cons

2016 Scion iA

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Scion iA
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 106
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
Pros
Cons

Rendering

Exterior

Our rendering of the 2016 Scion iA proved to be a dead ringer for the final version of the car. That means that with the exception of the front fascia and headlights, the Scion is identical to the Mazda2 sedan – even the wheels are carried over from Mazda. The good news here, of course, is that it looks like Mazda’s smallest sedan won’t be sold in North America, which means that if you want a four-door version of the next-gen Mazda2, you’re going to have to visit your local Toyota/Scion dealership. You can definitely see the influence of Mazda’s design language with the swoopy wheel arches, but that aggressive front fascia sure does add a different look to the familiar Mazda lines.

Interior

Like the exterior, the inside of the 2016 Scion iA is a direct carryover from the 2016 Mazda2 hatchback. Again, though, this isn’t a bad thing. The three-pod gauge cluster and three-spoke steering wheel add a sporty feel, while the premium features like the center display screen give the cabin a more upscale look. The key difference between the U.S.-spec Mazda2 and the iA is the rear seating and cargo area. The iA offers split folding rear seats, and while Scion has yet to divulge what volume the iA’s cabin or trunk will have, judging by recent Mazda products, the next-gen Mazda2 and this Scion sedan will both be extremely roomy.

Drivetrain

Scion calls the 2016 Scion iA a sports sedan, and while it might look the part, it definitely doesn’t back up that claim under the hood. In what should be a familiar theme by now, the Scion iA matches the powertrain of the 2016 Mazda2, which comes exclusively with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 106 horsepower. Scion will offer the car with either a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, and it expects fuel economy rating to be 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. That should be good enough for a best-in-class claim.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

1.5-Liter 4-Cyl

Output (HP @ RPM)

106 @ TBA

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

TBA

Transmission

6-Speed Manual (6-Speed Auto Opt.)

Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

33/42/37 EST.


Prices

The 2016 iA is priced from $15,700 for the 6-speed manual transmission version and $16,800 for the 6-speed automatic one. Prices do not include $795 delivery, processing and handling fee.

This price will position the Scion slightly higher than many of its subcompact sedan rivals, but it will also offer a good amount of standard equipment to warrant the price. The new sedan will continue the brand’s mono-spec model offering, and it will be “well equipped” with standard features that include push-button start, multi-media with a 7-inch display screen, a Low-Speed Pre-Collision safety system and more.

Competition

Nissan Versa

The key advantage that the 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan holds over the competition is its starting price. At just $11,990, the Versa continues to be one of the lowest-priced new cars on the market, but you’re definitely going to see where that savings comes from. Air conditioning and Bluetooth hands-free are standard, but you’re going to have to pay extra if you want power windows, power door locks or cruise control. In fact, these features aren’t even offered on the base Versa S trim level; you’re going to have to step up the $15,530 Versa SV if you want all of these convenience items.

Read our full review of the 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan here.

2016 Kia Rio Sedan

If you’re in the market for a sporty subcompact, the 2015 Kia Rio is the way to go. For starters, the Rio has the highest output in the segment with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that puts out 138 horsepower, and this engine is standard on the Rio Sedan and Rio5 hatchback, which are both priced starting at $13,990. Despite the higher output, the Rio’s fuel economy is still on par with its competition.

The styling has been updated for the 2016 model year, but Kia has yet to officially announce pricing. It should still be close to the 2015 Rio’s pricing, but it still does not include power windows, door locks or cruise control. Unlike the Versa, though, Kia does offer the $1,200 Power Package on the base Rio LX to add on such equipment, but it is only available with the automatic transmission, meaning the starting price with these features would increase to $16,390.

Read our full review of the 2016 Kia Rio Sedan here.

Conclusion

Although the 2016 Scion iA only gets a handful of distinctions from the Mazda2, it is still a very stylish subcompact sedan with excellent fuel economy. Where it does stand out from the Mazda is when it comes to actually purchasing the car with Scion’s “no-hassle” pricing, and Toyota’s broader dealer network will surely be an attractive reason to choose this four-door Scion over the hatchback Mazda.