Toyota Motor Sales USA (TMS) is to start selling the Toyota Corolla hatchback – built and sold in Europe as the Auris – as a new Scion model, the iM. It is also launching Mazda’s Mexican built 2 sedan restyled and rebadged as Scion’s new iA entry level line and the brand’s first sedan.
The North America only Scion nameplate, launched as a youth focused brand, said the iM “offers young buyers a fun-to-drive, high-style, high-content, high-MPG rated hatchback for a whole lot less than they’d expect”. Of the iA: “It’s Scion’s first-ever sedan, remarkably sporty and very affordable.”
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Both vehicles go on sale this September.
Priced from under US$20,000, the 2016 iM has the 1.8 litrr DOHC ‘Valvematic’ engine and standard 17-inch alloy wheels and is offered with a six-speed manual transmission or optional CVTi-S automatic with seven step manual shifting.
Standard equipment includes backup camera, power folding mirrors, LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps, seven inch display audio, 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display and eight standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.
The iA – supplied by Mazda on an OEM basis, will start in the $16,000with standard low-speed pre-collision safety system and seven-inch multi-media system with voice recognition.
It has a 106hp 1.5 litre petrol engine and the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Other equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with pushbutton start, tilt/telescopic steering wheel and front side and curtain airbags. A rear view camera is also standard.
Like all Scion models, the new cars will have a three year/36,000 mile limited warranty and five year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. They also come with factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and two years of 24 hour roadside assistance.
