The cabin is dark, but saved from being sombre by the panoramic sunroof that lets in plenty of light. Straightforward and driver-centric, the cockpit is plain – yet not unattractive. It's surprisingly free of any of the anime-weirdness found in some youth-oriented Japanese car designs. Materials are definitely on the budget-minded side - cloth and hard plastics abound.
As expected, there's a decent sound system, although most self-respecting tuner guys will immediately swap it out for something that will rattle the windows and generally annoy every other driver in the vicinity. There are the requisite MP3, iPod and USB connections, as well as tach and engine temp gauges.
Best of all is the fat and grippy, flat-bottomed steering wheel. It feels wonderful in the hands and I coveted it madly and deeply. The cloth-covered seats are firm to the point of hardness, yet are well bolstered and offer tons of support.
My passengers are pleasantly surprised that the rear seats offer adequate legroom, and not only offer some thigh support but recline as well. These also split and fold down nearly flat, extending the generous hatch for more cargo space. That sloping roofline does limit headspace for rear passengers though, and they'll need to be fairly limber to extricate themselves.
Initially, I was rather disappointed that my test vehicle came equipped with an automatic transmission (a $1,050 option) instead of a far more sporty stick shift. But, since my week involved several commutes to the big city – enduring with clenched-teeth the inevitable snarl of stop-and-go traffic, it turned out to be a blessing. The six-speed shifts smoothly and helps the tC deliver a respectable 8.9/6.3 L/100km fuel consumption rating. The lack of paddle shifters is a serious oversight, however, in a brand aimed at young drivers – particularly when you consider that the majority of buyers will probably opt for the automatic.
The tC is powered by a DOHC, 2.5L 4-cylinder that delivers 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. While these are hardly spectacular numbers in sports car circles, the tC is nimble and moves quickly enough when asked to. But if Scion wants to push the tC as a bona fide tuner coupe, let's hope the TRD division endows it with a supercharger.
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| Straightforward and driver-centric, the cockpit is plain – yet not unattractive. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
As expected, there's a decent sound system, although most self-respecting tuner guys will immediately swap it out for something that will rattle the windows and generally annoy every other driver in the vicinity. There are the requisite MP3, iPod and USB connections, as well as tach and engine temp gauges.
Best of all is the fat and grippy, flat-bottomed steering wheel. It feels wonderful in the hands and I coveted it madly and deeply. The cloth-covered seats are firm to the point of hardness, yet are well bolstered and offer tons of support.
My passengers are pleasantly surprised that the rear seats offer adequate legroom, and not only offer some thigh support but recline as well. These also split and fold down nearly flat, extending the generous hatch for more cargo space. That sloping roofline does limit headspace for rear passengers though, and they'll need to be fairly limber to extricate themselves.
Initially, I was rather disappointed that my test vehicle came equipped with an automatic transmission (a $1,050 option) instead of a far more sporty stick shift. But, since my week involved several commutes to the big city – enduring with clenched-teeth the inevitable snarl of stop-and-go traffic, it turned out to be a blessing. The six-speed shifts smoothly and helps the tC deliver a respectable 8.9/6.3 L/100km fuel consumption rating. The lack of paddle shifters is a serious oversight, however, in a brand aimed at young drivers – particularly when you consider that the majority of buyers will probably opt for the automatic.
The tC is powered by a DOHC, 2.5L 4-cylinder that delivers 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. While these are hardly spectacular numbers in sports car circles, the tC is nimble and moves quickly enough when asked to. But if Scion wants to push the tC as a bona fide tuner coupe, let's hope the TRD division endows it with a supercharger.
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| The tC is powered by a DOHC, 2.5L 4-cylinder that delivers 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Toyota) |