   2013 Scion FR-S. Click image to enlarge |
Now, some of you might care what features the car has at what price point. However, having driven the car, and knowing that it costs only $25,990, or $27,170 with the automatic, as equipped, I find it hard to believe that anyone will buy this car based on its stereo or seat heaters, if it even has either of those. Just kidding, it has a stereo, and a pretty cool one at that, and according to Mike’s First Drive of the FR-S, seat heaters are not an option. But being a Scion, there are a range of customization accessories right out of the dealerships, and being the darling of tuners and racers, there will be galaxies of aftermarket parts that will be sure to cater to any tastes. I’d put money on the 2012 SEMA show being a Toyobaru-fest.
Natural Resources Canada rates the automatic 8.8 L/100 km in city driving and 5.8 L/100 km on the highway, and I thought it was respectable that I kept it at 9.2 in a week of driving it like a teenage runaway.
I’m sure owners will settle in and find that it can deliver better fuel consumption on a regular basis, though requiring premium fuel, but one week wasn’t nearly enough to get it out of my system. It is a car that invites questionable driving because of the sheer pleasure with which it rewards driving hard. Thankfully, it does take some work to get it up to speed and keep it there, and the traction limits of the tires are so low that you are at entirely reasonable speeds when they begin to chirp their warnings. Translation: Fun at any speed.
This being a review of the automatic FR-S, and my preference and that of most enthusiasts to whom this car will appeal leaning toward the manual transmission, (also equipped with six gears in the FR-S), I scratched my head a little wondering who would buy this car with the automatic. To go back to where I started, this car could sell on looks alone—a stylish, affordable sports car. There will be no shortage of takers for a car that offers this Scion’s sharp looks and attractive price, and they’ll also be getting one of the best authentic sports cars on the market.
Pricing: 2013 Scion FR-S
Base price: $25,990
Options: $1,180 (six-speed automatic transmission)
A/C Tax: $100
Destination: $1,495
Price as tested: $28,765
Specifications
Buyer’s Guide: 2013 Scion FR-S
Competitors
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Mazda MX-5
Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Mini Cooper S
