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The 2016 Scion iA Is a $16,000 Sedan We'd Buy in a Brighter Color

Scion has officially presented the new iA model today at the New York Auto Show. It's not only their first subcompact sedan, but also the fruit of a partnership with fellow Japanese automaker Mazda. The iA is actually just a rebadged version of the Mazda2 sedan made in Mexico, but that won't stop us from liking it.
2016 Scion iA 27 photos
Photo: Scion
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In fact, based on what we already know about the Mazda2, this is going to be the most fun car to buy for around $16,000, because that's what Scion say it will cost. The only problem with it is that it's too black, like a serious businessman's suit.

The only engine that will be available is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder made by Mazda. It produces 105 horsepower and can be paired up with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic with the same number of cogs. Official miles per gallon numbers suggest it will be reasonable economical at 33 city / 42 highway / 37 combined ( equivalent to 7.1, 5.6 and 6.3 l/100 km).

Cosmetically, the Scion iA is not as beautiful as a Ford Fiesta sedan, but it's a little bigger and more spacious. Most of the differences between it and the Mazda brother are concentrated at the front, where it features larger hexagonal radiator grille and tweaks to the swept-back headlights. The only changes at the back are the new taillights graphics, while the interior is pretty much the same as the Mazda's if you ignore the badges.

Again, we have niggling problems with the fact that it's so black and dull. Mazda's red Hazumi trim level would have been great for a funky Scion model, but at least they kept the fake carbon fiber trim. In any case, the cabin is better than any cheap Toyota model anyway.

Other entry-level subcompacts, such as the Kia Rio or Mitsubishi Mirage start at a lower price, around $14,000, but offer much lower levels of feature content. Scion promises you'll have everything you want for $16k, including 16-inch alloys, a seven-inch display and twin USB ports.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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