2015 SCION tC testdrivenow.com QUICK TAKES

2015 SCION tC QUICK TAKES

All the fun and versatility of the 2015 Scion tC comes together in new ways.

For model year 2015, the Scion tC adds steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to its automatic transmission model while keeping the same dynamic exterior, upgraded interior and highly desired technology.

Two new colors – Blizzard Pearl and Cosmic Gray – update Scion’s top-selling vehicle for the new model year.

Enhanced Driving Experience
Drivers can choose between automatic and manual six-speed transmissions without sacrificing excitement.

The 2015 tC now offers drivers a sporty, manual-style driving experience with the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, while still maintaining the convenience and rush-hour comfort of an automatic transmission. The shifters build on the Dynamic Rev Management®technology, which quickly raises the engine speed to help match engine revs to gear ratios on downshifts for a sportier drive and a rich, throaty engine sound.

The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 172 pound-feet of torque. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) contributes to excellent fuel economy and performance. The 2015 tC is rated by the EPA an estimated 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with both the manual and automatic transmissions.

The 2015 tC platform features a MacPherson® strut front-suspension and a double-wishbone rear-suspension that provides strength and ride comfort. Enhanced handling introduced for the 2014 model year carries through, including optimized shock absorbers, increased chassis rigidity and retuned electronic steering for improved response times. In total, the ride allows drivers to feel in control and ready to attack the road.

Aggressive Exterior Style
The aggressive look of the 2015 tC addresses drivers’ changing tastes in the sports coupe.

The bold front fascia features a longer, sloping hood that leads to angular projector headlamps and LED front accent lamps. The muscular look is enhanced by a lower grille treatment. The tC sits on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels that come standard with a premium dark gray paint and contrasted machined-spoke surfaces. At the rear, the tC has an FR-S-inspired black-out section, lower center accent trim and LED tail lamps. The overall look is muscular and bold.

All tC models come standard with a panoramic moonroof, dual sunshades, folding side mirrors with LED turn indicators and a chrome exhaust tip.

For 2015, the new colors Blizzard Pearl and Cosmic Gray join Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blue Streak Metallic, Absolutely Red and Cement. Blizzard Pearl is accompanied by an additional $395 fee.

Interior Conveniences
Inside, the tC satisfies the needs and preferences of today’s savvy drivers.

A standard three-spoke tilt and telescope steering wheel has a thick-rimmed racing-inspired flat bottom that drivers want. It’s also leather-wrapped for comfort and features all the desired audio controls within easy touch. Indicators in the instrument panel are set stylishly deep and illuminated with deep orange lighting. Stepping into the vehicle, a one-touch track and seat-back angle memory function easily sets the six-way adjustable seat and backrest into favorite positions. At a glance, drivers have access to an outside temperature gauge, a tachometer, a trip meter and more.

Built on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the tC seats five comfortably. Tone-on-tone sport bucket seats cradle the driver and front passenger while rear passenger seats are upholstered with premium fabric designs and recline up to 10 degrees.

Convenience comes standard with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space and a 60/40 split capability for the rear seats. Ample storage includes a generously sized center console box with armrest.

The Sound of Style
Scion drivers demand top quality in their sound and audio technology. The tC was one of the first in the Scion family to feature an all-new Standard Display Audio system featuring a 6.1 inch LCD touchscreen. The system brings together Bluetooth® hands-free and audio streaming connectivity, HD RadioTM, USB connectivity and steering-wheel audio controls. Song titles, album name and artist name are simple to reference right on the head unit.

There was no compromise on speakers in the tC. With a total of 300 watts feeding the eight-speaker sound package, the tC’s stereo system features mid-range and woofer speakers that are sure to please. The 160-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit powers the tweeters, mid-range and full-range speakers, while a separate 140-watt, two-channel amplifier is designed to drive power to the door-mounted woofers.

Additional on-the-go connectivity and on-board navigation is available with the optional BeSpoke Audio system. Push-to-talk voice navigation and geo-located points of interest add convenience to any drive. Aha™, available on iTunes® and Google Play®, provides access to 100,000 free audio stations, including Scion’s own seven signature music channels. Drivers can also find local restaurants, coffee, hotels and weather updates through location–based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor, along with popular social media applications, sports, news and entertainment.

Standard Safety Features
All 2015 tCs come standard with the eight airbags, including a supplemental restraint system (SRS), driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and side curtain airbags. Active front headrests support both the driver and the front passenger, and traditional headrests in all remaining seating positions.

A tire pressure monitoring system warns drivers when too little air remains in a tire.

Standard safety equipment also the STAR Safety SystemTM which features Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). When desired, a button allows the driver to turn off the VSC and/or the TRAC features.

Pricing
The 2015 Scion tC remains a fantastic value for its target younger buyers who are looking for desirable standard equipment, fun driving dynamics and safety features.

The 2015 Scion tC has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,210 with a six-speed manual transmission or $20,360 with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $770 and is not included in the MSRP.