Author: Steve Allen |
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Scion’s top seller, the tC sports coupe, adds new sound, smarts and swishes as it enters the 2016 model year. A new standard audio system, a host of upgraded interior features (including a Smart Key with push-button start) and the addition of a standard rear windshield wiper add to the tC’s fun and functionality.

Enhanced Driving Experience

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

Without sacrificing excitement, drivers can choose between automatic and manual six-speed transmissions. The automatic transmission-equipped 2016 tC offers drivers a sporty, manual-style driving experience with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, while still maintaining the convenience and rush-hour comfort of an automatic transmission. The automatic also offers Dynamic Rev Management® technology, which quickly raises the engine speed to help match engine revs to gear ratios on downshifts for a sportier drive and a rich, throaty engine sound.

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 172 pound-feet of torque. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) contributes to the tC’s excellent fuel economy and performance. The 2016 tC has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for both transmissions.

The 2016 tC platform features a MacPherson® strut front-suspension and a double-wishbone rear-suspension that provides strength and ride comfort. Improved handling introduced for the 2014 model year carries through, including optimized shock absorbers, increased chassis rigidity and retuned electronic steering for improved response times. In total, the ride allows drivers to feel in control and ready to attack the road.

Aggressive Exterior Style

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

The aggressive look of the 2016 tC addresses drivers’ evolving tastes in the sports coupe. The bold front fascia features a sloping hood that leads to angular projector headlamps and LED front accent lamps. The muscular look is enhanced by a lower grille treatment. The tC sits on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels that come standard with a premium dark gray paint and contrasted machined-spoke surfaces. At the rear, the tC has an FR-S-inspired black-out section, lower center accent trim and LED tail lamps. The overall look is muscular and bold.

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

All tC models come standard with a panoramic moonroof, dual sunshades, folding side mirrors with LED turn indicators and a chrome exhaust tip. The tC is available in seven colors including Cosmic Gray, Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blue Streak Metallic, Absolutely Red, Cement and Blizzard Pearl (available for an additional $395 fee.)

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

Interior Conveniences

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

Inside, the tC satisfies the needs and preferences of today’s savvy drivers. A standard three-spoke tilt and telescope steering wheel has a thick-rimmed racing-inspired flat bottom that drivers want. It’s also leather-wrapped for comfort and features all the desired audio controls within easy touch. New for 2016 are silver accent interior door handles, an updated center console cover and a sporty leather wrapped shift knob. Indicators in the instrument panel are set stylishly deep and illuminated with deep orange lighting. Stepping into the vehicle, a one-touch track and seat-back angle memory function easily sets the six-way adjustable seat and backrest into favorite positions. At a glance, drivers have access to an outside temperature gauge, a tachometer, a trip meter and more.

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

Built on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the tC seats five comfortably. Tone-on-tone sport bucket seats cradle the driver and front passenger while rear passenger seats are upholstered with premium fabric designs and recline up to 10 degrees. Convenience comes standard with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space and a 60/40 split capability for the rear seats. Ample storage includes a generously sized center console box with armrest.

The Sound of Style

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

Scion drivers demand top quality in their sound and audio technology and won’t be disappointed in the tC’s new standard audio system. A new, large 7-inch touch screen display and voice recognition technology lend a completely new look and feel. The features Scion drivers expect are present: Bluetooth® hands-free and audio streaming connectivity, HD RadioTM and USB connectivity. It’s simple to reference song titles, album name and artist name right on the head unit.

The tC features a Pioneer audio system with eight speakers including superior mid-range and woofer speakers. Standard for 2016 is Aha™, available on iTunes® and Google Play®, which provides access to over 100,000 audio choices.

Additional on-the-go connectivity and on-board navigation is available with the optional BeSpoke Audio system. Push-to-talk voice navigation and geo-located points of interest add convenience to any drive. Like the standard audio system, Aha™ is included, but it also has routing capabilities. Drivers also can find local restaurants, coffee, hotels, and weather updates through location-based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor, along with popular social media applications, sports, news and entertainment.

The new-for-2016 system also has voice training (on non-navigation units only), a quick POI Search feature, which allows the driver to quickly find the nearest gas, bank, etc. (with navigation only), and a phonebook that holds up to 2,500 contacts with four numbers each.

Standard Safety Features

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

All 2016 tCs come standard with eight airbags, including supplemental restraint system (SRS), driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and side curtain airbags. Active headrests are provided to both the driver and the front passenger, and traditional headrests are in all remaining seating positions. A tire pressure monitoring system warns drivers when air pressure is critically low.

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

Standard safety equipment also includes the STAR Safety SystemTM which features an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). When desired, a button allows the driver to turn off the VSC and/or the TRAC features.

Pricing

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

The 2016 Scion tC remains a fantastic value for its target – younger buyers who are looking for desirable standard equipment, fun driving dynamics and safety features. The 2016 Scion tC has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,385 with a six-speed manual transmission or $20,535 with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $795 and is not included in the MSRP.

Limited Warranty

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

2016 Scion tC © Toyota Motor Corporation

The tC is covered by Scion’s standard three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also comes with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance.

4.2 Out of 5
EXTERIOR STYLE / DESIGN
INTERIOR & SPACE
EQUIPMENT & FEATURES
LUXURY FEATURES
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE
COMFORT & QUALITY
HANDLING & BRAKING
PRICE & FUEL EFFICIENCY