2011 Scion TC
by Giulianna Levin, Fotos: Jose
Delfino -
Diciembre 30, 2010
The 2011 Scion tC has been successful in converting
the young buyer to the Toyota family. And after all, this was the
original goal of Scion. The tC model makes up 40% of Scion sales and
their use of innovative marketing techniques such as
scionowners.com,
㗨ere Scion Owners and enthusiasts can connect and show off䬠is
helping in a huge way. There are countless accessories to
personalize the tC including: paint color, spoiler, fog light kit, mud
guard, auto dimming mirror for the interior, leather shift knob, and
interior light kit (available spring 2011). Between the virtual
communities, the seemingly endless customization options, and the
staggering number of events held annually targeted to Scion owners, the
whole thing has become a kind of cult or following.
ItⳠnot just marketing that is helping everything along. ItⳠa solid
product. ItⳠan economical堡ffordable, sports coupe that looks nice in
the driveway and the parking space at work. To the twenty-something year
old slugging through the aftermath that is student loans, a well
performing, nice looking car makes all the difference in the world.
The new tC is built on the same Toyota Avensis (euro sedan) as before;
however, there have been changes. The body is 1.6 inches wider allowing
for larger, 18 inch wheels and larger tires. I am inclined to agree with
ScionⳠdescription of the tC as 㡧gressive,䠡nd 㭵scular䠬ooking,
although I feel the word, 㣨iseled䠰rovides an equally accurate
description. The carⳠeasy lines, low side windows, and smooth front
grill (along with the air dam) make it aesthetically pleasing.
There has also been a shift in power for the 2011 Scion tC. The engine
is now 2.5L V4 (up from the previous 2.4L). The tC boasts 180hp and 173
pound-feet of torque which is up 19 and 11 from the previous year,
respectively. Despite these upgrades, the 2011 tC also gets better gas
mileage at 23 city and 31 highway. Scion states that the MacPherson
strut front-suspension and double-wishbone rear-suspension were 㴵ned䠊 to offer the tC driver improved performance. The tC features an
electronic power steering system and is available with a 6-speed manual
transmission (compared to the previous 5-speed) or a 6-speed automatic
transmission. We tested the automatic and the car does respond extremely
well, goes fast, and brakes when you need it to. It is absolutely fun to
drive even in the city.
Inside, the cabinⳠdesign is meant to continue on the exteriorⳠsporty
theme. The manually adjustable bucket seats are wider and cradle the
body comfortably. The flat-bottom steering wheel adjusts to the tilt and
reach most comfortable for the driver. The standard audio equipment is
impressive although the face of the stereo sports small buttons and a
design that looks outdated enough that perhaps it is popular again. A
Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit comes standard with USB iPodonnectivity.
The 160-watt Pioneer 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 6x9-inch door-mounted woofers.
I know this is picky but the interior cover for the sun/moon roof looks
flimsy. Having said that牠want to follow up with a positive note. The
USB port for the audio system is located in a place that makes SENSE
(right below the stereo controls where we are all remember the power
source always used to be).
There is a lot to be said for the spacious back seating area. There is
plenty of leg-room for your friends while out for a night on the town.
Your backseat passengers will be pleased to know that you do not have to
be a professional contortionist to get in and out of this coupe.
The second-generation tC adds a supplemental restraint system (SRS)
front passenger knee airbag, bringing the total number of airbags to
eight. Additional SRS airbags include driver and front passenger
airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver
knee airbag, and side curtain airbags.
All 2011 tCs will come standard with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). New for tC and also standard
equipment are Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle
Stability Control (VSC) and a brake override system. The tC will also
feature a button that allows the driver to turn off the VSC and/or the
TRAC features.
And all this堦or under $20,000. For more information please visit
www.scion.com.
