Scion tC 0-60 times

Scion is Toyota’s youth-oriented test brand. It refers to it as the “test laboratory division”. The TC was built to succeed the Toyota Celica. So far, it has held the best-seller title for about 11 years now. The FR-S got to have a short-lived moment of victory sometime back. The TC got a full redesigned back in 2011, and to find out how it fares against competition, a 2015 model was picked.

Unfortunately, the TC isn’t much of a competitor. It ranks pretty low amongst other four-door sedans. Viable alternatives for vehicle shoppers include the Kia Forte Koup, the Honda Civic and Hyundai’s three-door and asymmetrical Veloster.

The Scion TC features a standard 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that is fitted in a 5-seat compact hatchback coupe. It churns about 179hp with 173 lb-ft of torque. It comes in two forms: as a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. Its fuel economy is competitive and is estimated to be at 26mpg.

Toyota offers two versions of the Scion TC, the “10 Series” limited edition and the Base. The Base carries standard features which include a panoramic sunroof, touchscreen interface, iPod/USB connectivity, eight-speaker audio system, RCA output jacks, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, HD radio, CD player, 18-inch alloy wheels and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The 10 Series was launched to mark Scion’s 10th birthday. It adds onto the Base model with dark-finished wheels, LED accent lighting, unique silver paint, premium stitching on interior materials, an illuminated center console and badges. Extra options are available at various dealerships and include interior multicolored mood lighting, improved audio units, and a navigation system.

The interior has a lot of low quality plastic, something that you’ll probably not find in other competitive brands. The flat-bottomed steering wheel and controls that have been pushed towards the driver give the cabin a somewhat sporty ambiance. The steering is also thick-rimmed, a feature that enhances that appearance. The TC does offer an involving and responsive drive. There’s, however, nothing sporty about it. The steering offers a decent feel with its weight being proportionally distributed. The stability control, however, tends to pony up during vigorous driving.

The Scion TC isn’t a viable choice for anyone looking for a sporty experience. It is, however, a decent option for those seeking a compact coupe that is practical and stylish.