Pulled the sheets off two all-new models yesterday with the New York International Auto Show. The compact 2016 Scion iM hatchback and subcompact 2016 iA sedan are both slated to hit dealerships this fall.2016 Scion iA (Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.) Inside a press release, Scion states that the iA is the brand’s first sedan. It is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 106 horsepower, and is provided by either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. Scion estimates that this iA will achieve 33/42/37 mpg city/highway/combined. The iA comes standard with push-button start, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a six-speaker audio system with a 7-inch touch screen and two USB ports, and features like navigation are optional.Track and Road points out that the iA is based upon the newest version of the Mazda2, which is sold in other markets. Due to Mazda’s reputation among critics for building cars that are fun to drive, they believe the iA will follow suit. The 2016 iA competes with other subcompact cars just like the Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Sonic and Nissan Versa. Scion says the iA will definitely cost around $16,000 when it goes on sale.2016 Scion iM (Toyota Motor Sales, UsaA., Inc.)The 2016 Scion iM competes inside the compact hatchback class. According to Scion, the iM is powered from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower. The iM comes standard by using a six-speed manual transmission and is available with a continuously variable transmission. It gets a standard six-speaker audio system with a 7-inch display screen, in addition to a standard rearview camera, HD Radio and dual-zone automatic climate control. Navigation is optional in the iM.2016 Scion iM Interior (Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.)The iM increases against compact hatchbacks much like the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3, both of which earn reviewer praise for their upscale cabins and fun driving dynamics. They’re impressed with the volume of standard features it has and say the cabin is very attractive, even though Driver and Car doesn’t think the iM will unseat either the Mazda3 or Golf in terms of driving fun. Scion says the iM will surely cost less than $20,000 when it proceeds sale.
