by BJ Killeen, 2004-Jan-06

2005 Scion tC
Third Time's a tCharm

Scion unveiled the third product in its lineup: the Scion tC sport coupe. The three-door hatchback is the perfect complement to the boxy xB and contemporary xA vehicles that went on sale eight months ago.

In keeping with Scion's desire to appeal to those in the entry market, pricing is promised to be well under $20,000. The tC will make its appearance in showrooms in late June, the same time that the second phase of Scion's rollout will occur, meaning Scion will be available to those on the East Coast, Southeast, and gulf states. This second phase also means Scions will be in about 60 percent of Toyota dealerships by that date.

Scion expects the tC to add to its already impressive sales figures, 10,898 for the introductory year via 105 dealers in 2003, although Scion reps would not disclose production numbers for the tC as of this date.

The tC's design target was sophisticated styling matched with excellent versatility. It is a wide vehicle that sits low like a sport coupe should. Although it's a three-door hatch, the clean rear design makes it appear as if there's a trunk instead. The hatch incorporates an inside power release, as well as a release button on the standard keyless entry keyfob. The panorama glass moonroof is standard, as are the 17 x 7.0-inch split six-spoke alloy wheels and P215/45R17 tires. The wheelbase is 106.3 inches, with overall length at 174.0, making it 8 inches longer in wheelbase than the xB and 13 inches longer than the xA. Interior specs weren't provided, but the increase in wheelbase should translate to ample leg room for front and back-seat occupants.

More features outside include wipers that sit low on the glass for improved visibility, narrow A-pillars for reduced front blind areas, turn signals incorporated into the sideview mirrors, and monochromatic trim. The tC's front end incorporates noticeable wheel arches and a mesh grille. Overall, the Scion is visually appealing, without any harsh body lines and tacky add-ons just for design's sake. If anything, it might be too conservative, but next to the xB, there may be no way to avoid it. Scion claims that 75 percent of Scion buyers are new to Toyota, with 50 percent being younger than 35 and 57 percent male. Perhaps the tC's leaning toward a more conservative style is designed to bring in a bit higher age audience who need to watch the dollars, but don.t necessarily want to be associated with a vehicle with too youthful a market.

Inside, the Scion comes standard with all the good stuff, including air conditioning, cruise control, a top-line Pioneer audio system, power windows, door locks, and mirrors and a center console with armrest. Things common to the Scion line include amber illumination on the IP, metal-tone trim, and unique interior materials such as on the tC's dash, which was inspired by the texture of Japanese paper. Many interior parts feature dampers to add a touch of quality and luxury, and there's also a cover for the audio system.

Versatility is proven in the tC via rear 60/40 split seats that seat three across, with headrests and shoulder belts for all. The rear seats will recline 45 degrees, and also can be adjusted into 10 different seat positions for ultimate comfort. Another degree of versatility is seen when both the front and rear passenger seats are folded flat; this allows the tC to carry items to 8.5 feet in length.

Under the hood is a version of the 2AZ-FE all-aluminum 2.4-liter inline four cylinder with Toyota's Variable Valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that cranks out 160 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 163 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, considerably more (52 hp/58 lb-ft) than its kissin' cousins. Fuel economy is a predicted combined 24 mpg. Just for fun, Scion will be offering a dealer-installed TRD-developed supercharger that will be available sometime after the tC introduction in June. This bumps power to 200 hp. The good news is you don't have to wait to buy the tC if you want the supercharger; it can be added later at the dealership.

The tC shares its platform with the European-based Toyota Avensis, and features a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front and a double wishbone setup in the rear. Four-wheel-disc brakes with anti-lock also are standard on the tC. To shift, choose from either the five-speed manual tranny or the four-speed automatic. Because it shares with the Avensis, the tC should feel European in its ride and handling characteristics.

Although this is the last vehicle in the first phase of Scion, we were informed that there will be more products to come, none of which, of course, Scion execs were willing to talk about at the time. Stay tuned.