Here at Male Standard, we’re always on the lookout for exciting innovations that take something ordinary and make them extraordinary. So when Scion called, we answered. Over the years, there’s been a looming trend in the car industry. One that has graced our over coffee conversations many a time. It seems that all the car brands are creating the same cars. They all look and feel the same, and well, honestly, we’re getting bored of seeing the same generic models on the roads.
2016 Scion iA 40To blow open the conversation, Scion invited Male Standard to look at how they’re changing the design game. From sleek new styles, to performance boosted cars, we were not only impressed with their out of the box thinking, but their commitment to excellence. If you’re in the business of looking for a luxury vehicle with a comfortable price point, or a just want to drool over some bad looking cars then we’ve got something just for you.
iM
You can tell a lot about a person by the car they drive, and the new iM has a lot to say. It immediately drew my eye with it’s aggressive looking grill and sporty finish. If I was still a single guy, this is definitely something I would be proud to park in my driveway. I took the iM for a spin and loved how it hugged the hills in Malibu. CA. The dash is fitted with touchscreen technology and creates a seamless conversation between the car, the road, and the driver. Who, sits on 17″ alloys and has access to back up cameras et all.
2016 Scion iM 05The iM’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder is a powerful at 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. But it has 3,000 pounds to move, and likewise suffers from sluggish initial acceleration with both available transmissions: a six-speed manual or a seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven virtual speeds and a sport mode. It’s just as well that the CVT’s estimated EPA ratings of 28/37/32 mpg best the manual’s 27/36/31 mpg.
Who it’s for: the young, athletic guy who is confident and good looking
Features: 17″ wheels, back up camera
Get the full specs here.
iA
The iA on the other hand is like finding the woman of your dreams. Yes, you had fun back in high school fooling around with the girls, but there’s no comparison when you upgrade. Most buyers will choose the automatic transmission, which does a good job and delivers superior estimated EPA ratings of 33/42/37 mpg. Those who opt for the manual will, however, find a slick-shifting gearbox that’s truly enjoyable to operate and still returns an estimated 31/41/35 mpg.
2016 Scion iA 49Of the two, I loved the iA. I thought I was a fun loving iM kinda guy but the luxury sedan just works for who I am now and not who I was in college. And, at under $16,000 starting price, even the most modest of student CEO’s can feel like a boss on a budget. The iA is comfortable yet sleek, spacious yet compact, and fits the family life just as well as business class. It’s flexible, stylish, and got a lot of head turns on the road.
Who it’s for: corporate America, go getters, young families, and everyone inbetween
Features: Keyless entry, Break Override System (BOS)
Get the full specs here.
The Male Standard Verdict
I was surprised to find Scion do not compromise on their affordable price point — something we support at Male Standard. We want all men to aspire to greatness, and Scion are making that possible. Both models featured a ton of extras as standard, which really gives Scion the advantage. Each of the models has a lot to offer and I would happily buy either car.
2016 Scion iA 28However, for my family, I would go with the sedan for the Break Override System (BOS) and folding seats (hello Ikea!). I never realized how important safety was until I had kids. This nifty feature gets to the brakes faster than a human can for those crazy commutes where distractions are the leading causes of fender benders. Scion have considered everyone who might sit in the car, and it’s evident their research paid off.
To book a test drive, contact your local Scion dealer or visit Scion.
