2014 Scion tC Base: A Sporty Economical Hatchback-Coupe

Highlight: To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Scion brand, a limited edition tC series, which offers an upgraded interior, special badging, personalized wheels and other unique features has been added to the line up for the 2014 model year.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $23,112 (Base Model starts at $19,965)

Seating Capacity:  5 (according to the folks at Toyota, but 4 seems to be the realistic number.)

Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, front passenger, knee, side-mounted for driver and front passenger, rear side curtain, and front curtain); LED turn signal indicators; a first aid kit; ABS; electronic brake distribution; traction control; stability control; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment: 18-inch tires; cloth seats; chrome exhaust tips; panoramic power sunroof; power mirrors; automatic headlights; remote keyless entry; leather-trimmed steering wheel; and a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Suspension System:

Front: MacPherson strut
Rear: Double Wishbone

Standard Audio: an 8-speaker, 300-watt Pioneer AM/FM radio, with HD radio technology

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty:  5 years or 60,000 miles

iPod Connectivity: Yes

Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/179-horsepower

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/31-hwy

Trim Levels:

Base
10 Base (Anniversary Edition)
Monogram Series

What’s New: The second-generation tC just received its first major rework. The tC now offers a front-end which mimics the current-generation Toyota Corolla, an upgraded interior, a revised automatic transmission and a more engaging power steering system. Moreover, a new limited edition 10-year anniversary tC has been added to the line up.

Pros: The restyled tC, with its Corolla-like grille, is available with either a manual or an automatic transmission in a variety of trims. In fact, the tC is almost like having two vehicles in one. Just based upon appearance alone, the tC can be either a sporty coupe or a three door hatchback, which offers additional cargo room when the rear seats are folded flat.

The front-wheel drive tC has received a number of upgrades. It’s now available with a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, which houses a premium audio system that is compatible with smartphones through Aha. Aha allows users to access 30,000 free audio stations, including Scion’s own signature station featuring a lineup of its 17 music channels.  In addition to audiobook stations, sports, news and entertainment, the Aha service utilizes location-based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Moreover, the tC is now available with leather seats, when ordered with the Monogram series.

Cons: While the tC has a sporty appearance, it should not be mistaken for a sports car. Buyers seeking a sports car in the Scion line up should look toward the spirited two-seater FS-R. And, while leather seats have been added for 2014, satellite radio has managed to avoid the tC again. This feature isn’t even available as an option.  Although the tuner generation might not mind, surprisingly, satellite radio is a must-have feature these days. Furthermore, with this vehicle being a hatchback, the vehicle exhibits excessive road noise due to the open cabin and trunk. Lastly, the competition is equipped with smaller fuel tanks, while offering better fuel economy than the tC.

The Verdict: While the compact sedan segment has expanded, it’s not the same for the compact coupe/hatchback segment. With only five other mainstream brands playing in the compact coupe/hatchback segment, the Scion is quite competitive as it relates to price and features. So, for college students and young adults seeking a stylish, well-equipped, compact two-door/hatchback, the tC should be placed on the shopping list.

Competition:  Ford Focus Coupe, Honda Civic Coupe, Hyundai Elantra Coupe, Hyundai Veloster, Kia Forte Koup and VW Beetle