Scion. The name itself might evoke mixed feelings. For some, it’s a nostalgic nod to quirky, youthful cars. For others, it’s a forgotten experiment. Among Scion’s diverse, and sometimes confusing, lineup, the iA stands out as a surprisingly competent and fun-to-drive subcompact car. While Scion might be gone, the iA lives on as a used car bargain, offering exceptional value and driving enjoyment for budget-conscious buyers.
This article dives deep into why the Scion Ia is not just a decent car, but a genuinely fantastic option, particularly for those seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and engaging vehicle without breaking the bank. We’ll explore its design, driving dynamics, interior, and overall value proposition, highlighting why this “acronym from hell,” as some might call it, deserves a serious look in the used car market.
More Than Just a Badge: The Scion iA’s Mazda Roots
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Scion iA is essentially a rebadged Mazda2 sedan, a model not sold in North America under the Mazda name. This isn’t a weakness; it’s a major strength. Mazda is renowned for its engineering prowess, particularly when it comes to driving dynamics and efficient engines. The iA inherits Mazda’s DNA, resulting in a car that feels far more refined and enjoyable than many of its subcompact competitors.
When you look at the Scion iA, try to see past the Scion badge and envision a Mazda emblem. Suddenly, the design clicks. It’s clean, contemporary, and even subtly sporty. In a segment often plagued by bland or overly stylized designs, the iA strikes a pleasing balance. It avoids the “insectoid” design trends prevalent in some modern compacts, opting for a more mature and timeless aesthetic.
The front fascia might be a point of personal preference, with its lower portion being a bit more pronounced. However, this is a minor detail in an otherwise well-proportioned and attractive design. Objectively, the Scion iA passes the “curb appeal” test with flying colors, especially when you consider its original price point and its current affordability on the used market.
To put its visual appeal into perspective, imagine parking a brand-new Scion iA next to an older, yet still desirable, car. In the original article, the author describes parking an iA next to an Audi A4 to gauge public reaction. The result? The iA drew significant interest, with people consistently overestimating its value, often placing it in the $20,000-$25,000 range, significantly higher than its MSRP. This “blind taste test” of car design speaks volumes about the iA’s perceived quality and attractiveness.
Driving Experience: Where the Scion iA Truly Shines
The Scion iA isn’t just about looks; it’s about the driving experience. This is where the Mazda influence is most apparent and most appreciated. The iA is light, nimble, and genuinely fun to drive, especially when equipped with the manual transmission.
Stepping into the iA is like stepping back into the era of engaging, lightweight compact sedans from the 1990s. Think of cars like the BMW E30, Nissan Sentra SE-R, or even the early Honda Civics – cars that prioritized driving enjoyment without sacrificing practicality or affordability. The iA captures that spirit perfectly.
The driving position is spot-on. The A-pillar is unobtrusive, providing excellent visibility. The dashboard design is clean and functional, promoting an upright and comfortable seating position. And the six-speed manual transmission is a joy to use – precise, slick, and perfectly geared for the engine’s characteristics.
Weighing in at a mere 2,400 pounds, the Scion iA is significantly lighter than many modern cars in its class, contributing to its agility and responsiveness. While the 1.5-liter engine produces a modest 106 horsepower, it’s more than adequate for spirited driving in a car this light. The engine is eager to rev and provides enough power for confident acceleration and highway cruising.
Furthermore, the iA achieves excellent fuel economy, easily exceeding 40 mpg on the highway when driven with a light foot. This combination of driving fun and fuel efficiency is a rare and highly desirable trait in the subcompact segment.
Safety and Practicality: More Than Just Fun and Games
Despite its focus on driving enjoyment, the Scion iA doesn’t compromise on safety or practicality. In fact, it earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, a testament to its robust construction and comprehensive safety features. These features include a low-speed pre-collision system, a high-strength steel chassis, and a full suite of airbags.
For families who might automatically dismiss subcompact cars, the iA is worth reconsidering. It comfortably seats four adults and offers a surprisingly spacious trunk for its size. The trunk opening is wide and practical, reminiscent of older, more traditionally designed sedans, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze.
While the ride quality is tuned for agility, it’s still comfortable enough for daily driving, particularly on smoother roads. The engine, while capable of a sporty growl when pushed, is generally quiet and refined during normal driving.
Of course, no car is perfect. The author of the original article noted some minor nitpicks, such as tire noise and the design of the instrument cluster hood. However, these are minor and easily overlooked, especially considering the iA’s overall strengths and value proposition. Tire noise can be addressed with different tires, and personal preferences on interior design are subjective.
Scion iA vs. Scion iM: A Tale of Two Scions
The original article contrasts the Scion iA with its sibling, the Scion iM hatchback. While the iM aimed to be a practical and sporty hatchback, the author found it less compelling than the iA. The iM, essentially a Corolla hatchback in Scion clothing, felt less engaging to drive and somewhat bland in comparison to the iA’s energetic personality.
The iM, with its larger size and focus on practicality, might appeal to a different type of buyer – perhaps young families seeking a versatile and affordable hatchback. However, for driving enthusiasts or those prioritizing fun and value in a subcompact sedan, the iA is the clear winner.
The Bottom Line: Why the Scion iA is a Smart Used Car Buy
The Scion iA is a testament to the fact that affordable cars don’t have to be boring. It offers a compelling combination of driving enjoyment, fuel efficiency, safety, and practicality, all wrapped in a stylish and well-designed package.
In a used car market where value is paramount, the Scion iA stands out as an exceptional choice. It delivers a driving experience that rivals cars costing significantly more, while offering Toyota-level reliability thanks to its Mazda underpinnings.
If you’re in the market for a subcompact car and prioritize driving fun, fuel economy, and value, the Scion iA deserves to be at the top of your list. Don’t let the Scion badge fool you – this is a genuinely great little car that’s waiting to be rediscovered in the used car market. It’s a fun and cheap option that echoes the original Scion ethos, proving that sometimes, the “acronyms from hell” can lead you to automotive heaven.
