By pressing the Sport button on the centre console, the CVTi-S delays shift points to improve throttle response. It even detects lateral G forces to prevent unnecessary shift changes while cornering. It also stiffens up the steering slightly. The driver can also shift manually (sequentially) using the floor shifter; gear selections are displayed in the instrument cluster. Manual shifts are quick and help improve the performance, but if you want to shift manually, the standard six-speed manual transmission would likely be a better choice (although I haven’t tried it).
Fuel economy is comparatively good: with the optional CVT, the Scion iM’s NRCan fuel consumption ratings are 8.3 city/6.3 hwy/7.4 combined, slightly better than the iM equipped with a manual transmission. That’s better than the Ford Focus (9.2/6.6), Hyundai Elantra (9.8/7.2), Kia Forte (9.5/7.2) Subaru Impreza (8.5/6.4), VW Golf (9.3/6.5), but not quite as good as the Mazda3 (8.0/5.9).
Though it’s not especially quick in a straight line, the iM handles quite well thanks to a fully independent suspension (front Macpherson struts and rear double-wishbones). Body lean is minimal when cornering at speed and the ride is firm but not punishing when traversing expansion gaps and road repairs. We found the ride to be quite comfortable on the highway. Our test car had 225/45R-17-inch Michelin X-Ice winter tires which gripped well on Vancouver’s cold, rainy roads in January. At its limit, the iM tends to understeer gently but is easily controllable.
The iM’s electronic power steering requires minimal effort, erring on the side of comfort rather than precision. The car’s turning diameter of 11.4 metres is acceptable. Disc brakes at all four wheels provide quick, stable stops; the iM comes standard with anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control to help prevent skidding and spin-outs on slippery surfaces.
The driver’s visibility to the front and sides is good but the two outboard rear head restraints obscure some of the rear view. As well, the rear window can get very dirty from spray being thrown up during bad weather. Fortunately, the rear window includes a wiper with a variable intermittent wipe setting and a washer. As well, the iM comes standard with a rearview camera which displays an image of the area behind the car when the gear lever is in Reverse.
|
Warranty: 4 years/100,000 km; 6 years/110,000 km powertrain; 7 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/100,000 km roadside assistance Competitors: |
Standard safety equipment includes eight airbags, five three-point seat belts, five head restraints, and rear child seat tethers and anchors.
With its sporty looks, practical hatchback bodystyle, fuel-efficient engine, affordable price-tag, and assumed Toyota reliability, the Scion iM has a lot to offer – but don’t mistake it for a hot hatch, because it’s not.
Scion iMs sold in Canada are built in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan.
Pricing: 2016 Scion iM
Base price: $21,165
Options: $825 (continuously variable transmission)
Freight & PDI: $1,695
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $23,785
2016 Hyundai Elantra GT Limited
July 14, 2015
Updated Elantra GT appeals largely on feature content and usable space.
2015 Subaru Impreza 5-door
January 8, 2015
Adding to its strengths of all-wheel-drive confidence and solid build quality, the 2015 Subaru Impreza is now a class leader for safety technology too.
