Scion and Toyota to release new models for 2016: iM and Yaris Sedan

If the Scion iM were a person, its resume would read something like: intriguing, individual, modern, multi-faceted, accommodating, aggressive. These are some of the qualities Toyota’s younger off-shoot brand says encapsulates their first new production offerings in several years, slated to hit dealerships later this year— the sporty iM hatchback and the iA sedan (also known as the four-door Yaris in Canada). 

2016 Scion iM

Scion describes this five-door hatch as “the answer for young buyers looking for a sporty hatchback, but still needing to pay for things like rent, school loans and weekend fun.” It’s slightly toned-down from the original tuner-esque concept, with its big fenders and wild exhaust system, unveiled to the public during the auto show season. But the iM retains an attractive appearance and should make for a good matchup against competitors like the Mazda3, Honda Fit and Hyundai Elantra.

While no Canadian pricing has been announced yet, US MSRP is expected to be in the sub-$20,000 range. Features are plentiful for its segment, including a 1.8-litre, 137 horsepower engine; a six-speed manual gearbox or optional seven-speed step-shift continuously variable transmission; standard 17-inch alloy wheels; backup camera; power folding side mirrors, and more.

Here’s a short video on the car:

2016 Toyota Yaris Sedan (iA)

Rather than introduce another badge north of the border, Toyota decided to bank on the respected Yaris name for their new four-door.

“Canadians love the efficiency and nimble performance of subcompacts. And this year we’ll give drivers even more of what they love, with an all-new Yaris Sedan,” says Toyota Canada vice president Larry Hutchinson.

Differing a little from the upside-down smile embodied by the face of the current Yaris hatchback, the sedan has an equally large silver-trimmed hexagonal grille dominating the front end. Similar to the 2015 model, it is powered by a 1.5-litre, 106 horsepower engine, but paired to a six, rather than five, speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic with Sport Mode will also be offered. Other accoutrements include 16-inch alloy wheels, piano black accents on the bumpers and keyless entry and push button start. 

Not surprisingly, fuel economy will be a major highlight, with expected highway L/100 km numbers to hover around 5.6.

Price for the vehicle, available in one trim only, hasn’t been released yet either, but will be in the MSRP $16,000 USD range.