2011 Scion tC Review

Dec 8, 2011

2011 Scion tC Review

Stu Wright

The most recent automobile that I received for review was the 2011 Scion tC, a product of Toyota Motor Corporation. Scion (descendant) is the name Toyota chose in 2002 for their new division that markets to North American members of Generation
Y. The line of cars originally included the xA hatchback and xB wagon and in 2004 they rolled out the little tC sports coupe like I drove. It was Cement gray (that’s right, cement), with black cloth bucket seats and five passenger seating. The color was basically like the U.S.S. Cole without the hole. It is a pretty little car with updated styling for 2011 to make it more attractive to men. That despite the fact that the male/female ratio of buyers has been split 50/50.

Upon receipt, I departed for Denver in the tC down Interstate 25 and on to Bear Valley library. Ride is stable out on the highway partly because of MacPherson strut/double wishbone front and rear suspension along with rack and pinion electric power steering. The car has 106.3” wheelbase and the chassis is derived from the European-market Avensis sedan as well as the Lexus HS-250h. Acceleration is fine (0-60 in 7.5 sec.) and is provided by the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder, DOHC, dual variable valve-timed in-line powerplant. Horsepower is 180 and the torque comes in at 173 ft.-lbs. Fuel economy on the tC with the 6-speed manual (like I drove) computes at 23mpg city and 31mpg highway.

Turning radius on the car is an average 37.4 ft., and the length is 174 in., making the parking task at IHOP (near the library) pretty simple. I wasn’t prepared to read on an empty stomach. A lot of young people are in the area, what with the school nearby, and I noticed they were gawking at the gleaming Scion while I was in the area. The boys paid particular attention, which is good for Toyota because they are striving for 60% male purchasers. The kids may have heard the top-line stereo equipment in the car with 8 speakers (3 directly beside my left knee) that of course would be a hallmark of such a model. It’s made by Pioneer and has steering-wheel mounted audio controls and the USB port/Ipod connection. Outside, the tC features 18-inch alloy wheels with 14 spokes and they are surrounded with 225/45R18 all season radials. Looks are good with the new bulging rear wheel-wells that have been added for 2011.

M.S.R.P for my Scion, as equipped, was $18,995.00, including freight. No options were added, because the car is pretty loaded as is, including power windows and locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescope steering column, and power moonroof that rolls out on top of the roof when opened. Glass is present from the top of the windshield to the rear window, making for a striking appearance. Plus it is a hatchback design without a package tray in the rear (you can peek in the trunk from outside). That’s OK; it’s a pretty cool car. I can see why it is Scion’s top seller.

2011 Scion tC 2-Door Hatchback Sedan in Cement gray -