When Toyota finally announced the arrival of its youthful Scion division in Canada after years of U.S. exclusivity, small car enthusiasts over here suddenly got all excited. After all, these models are known for their cool factor and customization potential. The tC is probably the most stimulating of the bunch with racy looks that suggest a ferocious coupe.
However, there's a reason behind Scion's expansion north of the border: they had a hard time finding takers in Uncle Sam's land. This raised a few doubts in the minds of many, including me.
I recently got the opportunity to take the mean tC for a spin on the roads of Quebec and let me just say that the experience transcended me less than I originally hoped for.
Full of character
This Scion tries hard to catch people's attention, mind you. The low profile, wide stance, taut physique and totally unique character easily make a strong impression. True, the colour selection won't necessarily appeal to everyone (the mouse grey exterior is pretty uninspiring), but the tC's distinctive persona will turn a lot of heads.
Let's face it, small coupes like this one have a way of luring a certain number of fans in showrooms and that's exactly how Scion plans to increase its customer pool.
Inside, the 2011 tC feels genuinely sporty. Come to think of it, you'd be hard-pressed to find a sportier product in the entire Toyota catalogue – witness the aggressively-styled steering wheel and slick instruments. On the flip side, the abundance of low-rent plastics and constant creaking noises throughout the cabin unsettled me quite a bit during my road test.
The driving position is remarkably suited for a guy like me – but not so much for smaller drivers – and the seats provide excellent support. Given the aspirations of the tC, I say ''Bravo!''
Rear passengers won't be so lucky as they will have to endure having their knees way too close to their face.
However, there's a reason behind Scion's expansion north of the border: they had a hard time finding takers in Uncle Sam's land. This raised a few doubts in the minds of many, including me.
I recently got the opportunity to take the mean tC for a spin on the roads of Quebec and let me just say that the experience transcended me less than I originally hoped for.
 |
| True, the colour selection won't necessarily appeal to everyone but the tC's distinctive persona will turn a lot of heads. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Full of character
This Scion tries hard to catch people's attention, mind you. The low profile, wide stance, taut physique and totally unique character easily make a strong impression. True, the colour selection won't necessarily appeal to everyone (the mouse grey exterior is pretty uninspiring), but the tC's distinctive persona will turn a lot of heads.
Let's face it, small coupes like this one have a way of luring a certain number of fans in showrooms and that's exactly how Scion plans to increase its customer pool.
Inside, the 2011 tC feels genuinely sporty. Come to think of it, you'd be hard-pressed to find a sportier product in the entire Toyota catalogue – witness the aggressively-styled steering wheel and slick instruments. On the flip side, the abundance of low-rent plastics and constant creaking noises throughout the cabin unsettled me quite a bit during my road test.
The driving position is remarkably suited for a guy like me – but not so much for smaller drivers – and the seats provide excellent support. Given the aspirations of the tC, I say ''Bravo!''
Rear passengers won't be so lucky as they will have to endure having their knees way too close to their face.
 |
| Inside, the 2011 tC feels genuinely sporty. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |