2014 Scion tC Video Review

2014 Scion tC Video Review

Though the FR-S is the true sports car spirit of the Scion brand, it’s the tC that accounts for 40% of all Scion sales and represents their best all-around product.  Here’s what’s new for 2014.

Take a look at the new tC in this arresting Cement paint atop oversized 19” TRD wheels and you’ll either find it garish or perhaps the perfect expression of your automotive personality.  Either way, the assumption is likely that it’s fast but akin to its Scion siblings, the tC’s power is best described as adequate.  Energized by the Camry’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 179 horsepower, the tC can feel quicker than its actual numbers.   And that’s not a knock per se, considering this car’s intended purpose; which is to be a sporty coupe for the masses.  It’s affordable, starting at $19,965, nets 23mpg city/31mpg highway on regular with the standard 6-speed manual – same as the optional automatic – and offers a surprising amount of people and cargo room.  It looks hardcore but is truly good-natured out of the box.

New this year is a retuned suspension and more reactive steering giving the tC just a little more bite without sacrificing ever day ride comfort and drivability.  It’s just a really well-balanced car giving you plenty of fun from behind the wheel while remaining big coupe practical. 

Scion offers a host of personalization options, a number of which are performance oriented, like these TRD rims wrapped in Toyo ultra-high performance all-season tires and TRD exhaust with a tactfully deep blat.  The tC’s front-drive setup keeps the handling predictably safe yet with favorable grip and turn-in.  Considering its footwear, the ride quality is agreeably soft, too. Likewise for the electronic power steering which dutifully does what’s asked during spirited driving yet is relaxed enough to be commanded with one hand.  And thus is the personality of the tC as whole; a likeable concoction of sporty and sensible; the perfect landing spot for youthful Scion shoppers turned off by the single-mindedness of the FR-S.      

Speaking of that car, my tC tester also has the new BeSpoke Premium Audio system ; a much-improved upon touchscreen navi unit that’s packed with features and is actually easy to use.  Download the free Aha app and plug-in your smartphone and a bevy of free music awaits – including Scion’s own channels.  Social media integration is also onboard – just no sat radio. 

The rest of the interior is highlighted by big, comfortable front seats, easy access rear seats that will gladly accept adults without issue and a rear hatch that opens its 15 cubic feet of cargo room to even greater space with the rear seats folded. 

Big changes greet the sheetmetal too, where the tC showcases a more in-your-face design through a new hood, grille and LED light treatment.  Out back, the lower valance is a tip of the hat to the FR-S.  The high profile rear lip spoiler is optional.   

This 2014 tC, with an as-tested price of $24,837 is a well-rounded Scion done right.

 

CLICK HERE to LIKE TestDriveNow.com on FaceBook!