2016 Scion iA

The Scion brand started as a youth-oriented division of Toyota, offering smaller, less-expensive coupes and hatchbacks with sportier designs. Some Scion models gained mainstream appeal, but the brand was discontinued and absorbed back into Toyota in 2016. The Scion iM was rebranded as the rebadged Toyota Corolla iM, and evolved into the Corolla Hatchback. The Mazda-built iA subcompact sedan was rebadged as the Toyota Yaris, and discontinued in 2020. The rear-drive Scion FR-S lives on as the Toyota GR86.

Scion's first four-door sedan is actually built by Mazda. It's based on the new Mazda2 (not sold in the U.S.) and is powered by a 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder hooked up to either a six-speed manual or automatic. In our testing we got 35 mpg overall with the automatic. The iA proves to be quite pleasant for a subcompact with nimble handling and semi-decent interior decor. It also comes with a standard low-speed pre-collision system that uses a laser sensor to help the driver avoid collisions. A backup camera is standard. Inside, the iA gets steering-wheel controls for the audio, a 7-inch center screen display controlled via a center knob, just like in current Mazda models. A navigation system is a dealer-installed option. The Scion brand has been discontinued after the 2016 model year. The iA is renamed the Toyota Yaris iA.