New for 2016

The Scion tC returns for the 2016 model year with even more great features. New for 2016 is a 7-inch touch-screen audio system with voice training, point-of-interest (POI) search, and a digital phonebook that can hold up to 2,500 contacts. Scion has also added Smart Key with push-button start and rear wiper/washer as standard. Silver accent interior door handles and a revised center console are also standard. 

And Now For Something Completely Different 

The words “affordable” and “stylish” aren't generally bunched together on a car's features list, but the 2016 Scion tC is a rare exception. It has the price and footprint of a compact economy car, but those practical elements are clothed in attractive two-door coupe bodywork. 

So with the tC, buyers get something interesting to look at and fun to drive. And it still comes with a low starting price, good fuel economy, and enough trunk space to haul groceries. On a slighly sadder note, the tC will be retired come August, and will not live on as a Toyota-branded vehicle, meaning shoppers interested in all that it has to offer should act sooner rather than later. 

Powertrain and Performance

The 2016 Scion tC is a small and nimble car with a suitably small engine that packs a remarkable amount of performance and impressive fuel economy.

That sole engine option is a 2.5-liter four cylinder, which produces 179 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed automatic with (new for 2015) steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Whether you choose to change gears yourself or let the torque converter do all the work, EPA fuel-economy ratings are the same. Both the manual and automatic are rated at 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway),* in part thanks to VVT-i variable-valve timing tech borrowed from parent company Toyota, and Dynamic Rev Management, which helps better match engine speed to road speed.

Features and Trims

Scion cars are designed to be stylish, fun, and affordable. Starting at $20,180,** the 2016 tC two-door coupe is no exception.

That price buys plenty of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED front-accent lamps and side-view mirror mounted turn signals, and a panoramic moonroof. New standard equipment for 2016 now also includes Smart Key with push-button start and rear wiper/washer. On the inside, there’s a tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and a new 7-inch LCD audio touch-screen.

Unlike most other car brands, Scion includes all of the major equipment offered on a given model as standard. The options list is reserved for a la carte items that allow owners to personalize their cars.

So while others are spending money on a whiz-bang feature that turned out to be an optional extra, Scion buyers can mull things like a rear spoiler, 19-inch Toyota Racing Development (TRD) alloy wheels, and a BeSpoke Premium Audio system with Aha integration.

On the performance front, the tC is also available with a TRD Quickshifter short-shift kit, performance exhaust system, upgraded brakes, and lowering springs for the suspension.

Design

There’s no point in buying a coupe unless it looks better than the sedan alternative, which isn’t a problem with the 2016 Scion tC.

The chiseled lines are accentuated by sharp, angular headlights and an aggressive froth fascia with a gaping grille flanked by vertical side gills that house LED accent lights. At the back, there’s a black-out panel inspired by the FR-S sports car, LED taillights, and a chrome exhaust tip.

The interior is just as sporty as the exterior, with bucket seats, orange instrument-panel illumination, and the aforementioned leather-wrapped steering wheel. For 2016, Scion has added silver accent interior door handles and a revised center console that looks and feels great. The interior space can be further dressed up with illuminated door sills, and an interior lighting kit.

Safety

All of that style wouldn’t be worth much without the substantial reassurance of safety, though. Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Scion tC includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, eight standard airbags, and active head restraints.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for an affordable coupe but don't want to sacrifice style and features, you'd do well to explore the 2016 Scion tC. It's a sharply dressed coupe that delivers thrilling driving dynamics, a robust list of standard features, and all at a price that won't break the bank. And unlike the FR-S, iA, and iM, the tC will not live on as a Toyota-branded vehicle come August, so now is the perfect time to buy. 

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 today. 

*2016 tC EPA 23 city, 31 hwy, 26/comb MPG estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

**MSRP includes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee. (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Scion's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Scion provides as well as Scion's overall pricing structure. Scion may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee). The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, AR, LA, MS, OK and TX will be higher. Excludes taxes, license, title and accessories or other optional equipment. 

Image: Scion (Vehicle shown with optional equipment)