Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Scion iM

[Autos_Editor]

The all-new Scion iM tries to fill the void left by the Toyota Matrix (and the Corolla hatchback we'll never get).
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[northsparrow]

The odd thing about this iM compared to its predecessor the Matrix is the lack of a tow rating . I even called Scion about this and they confirmed it is not rated to tow anything.

With a 1500 lb tow rating, several inches more headroom and a bit more storage behind the back seat the Matrix/Vibe definitely beat this iM in the utility department.

[quadzilla]

I was hoping to like this car but no sunroof or heated seats its now off my list. Oh well.

[pi314]

Website shows a manual option.

Where is the iM manufactured?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Sharp looking car. With looks like that, it really deserves an optional stronger engine.

It should also be called Toyota Corolla.

[drive67]

The odd thing about this iM compared to its predecessor the Matrix is the lack of a tow rating . I even called Scion about this and they confirmed it is not rated to tow anything.

With a 1500 lb tow rating, several inches more headroom and a bit more storage behind the back seat the Matrix/Vibe definitely beat this iM in the utility department.

The new Corolla, Scion XB also does not have a tow rating. The message boards where talking about the CVT transmission cannot handle towing but the manual and regular automatic also does not have a tow rating. They still have mounting holes and hitches you can buy but void warranty.

[drive67]

The starting price with manual transmission out the door is just over $25,000 with the dealer holding firm right now since it is new. Compared to the Corolla s manual out the door $20,600. Are people willing to pay $5,000 extra for a wagon/hatch. Does the iM compete well against the Mazda3, Golf and new Civic hatch. 

[quadzilla]

The starting price with manual transmission out the door is just over $25,000 with the dealer holding firm right now since it is new. Compared to the Corolla s manual out the door $20,600. Are people willing to pay $5,000 extra for a wagon/hatch. Does the iM compete well against the Mazda3, Golf and new Civic hatch.

The Corolla S STARTS at 20,585 before any fees/taxes are added. Where did you get your numbers.

[EV Dan]

A rare occasion for VW to uncork a bottle of Champagne: iM is a hatch, not a wagon 

[dkaz]

The standard transmission is still standard.



I love the standard dual zone auto climate control, but I do admit the lack of heated seats is a bit of a deal killer myself. I've had a sore back the last week and a bit and the heated seats have been a huge relief.

[EV Dan]

I suppose heated seats can be negotiated to be in as a dealer installed option.

[dkaz]

Yea the heated seats can be installed for ~$500 or a hey throw this in for me and we have a deal. It's like $40 for the parts and 3 hours of labour for the dealer.

[drive67]

The starting price with manual transmission out the door is just over $25,000 with the dealer holding firm right now since it is new. Compared to the Corolla s manual out the door $20,600. Are people willing to pay $5,000 extra for a wagon/hatch. Does the iM compete well against the Mazda3, Golf and new Civic hatch.

The Corolla S STARTS at 20,585 before any fees/taxes are added. Where did you get your numbers.

Dealership in the Calgary area. The 2015 had a rebate $2000 which they carried over to the 2016 model. Some dealerships act like they are doing you a favor to sell you the car while others are willing to work for your business. The iM no wiggle room.

[EV Dan]

Yea the heated seats can be installed for ~$500 or a hey throw this in for me and we have a deal. It's like $40 for the parts and 3 hours of labour for the dealer.

Exactly. Dealer cost is probably half that, but every sale counts big time.

[conwelpic]

also another competitor which was not mentioned in the article is the KIA Forte 5.

[Cord]

Looks nice on the outside. But that interior is a bit grim - has a 90s GM vibe. (Not the Vibe )

[Wildsau]

also another competitor which was not mentioned in the article is the KIA Forte 5.

Thanks - I agree that I should have included the Forte 5 on that list. In my opinion it would certainly be the best looking contender on the competitor list.

[KGcobalt]

Yea the heated seats can be installed for ~$500 or a hey throw this in for me and we have a deal. It's like $40 for the parts and 3 hours of labour for the dealer.

Exactly. Dealer cost is probably half that, but every sale counts big time.

Why does everyone think a dealers cost is so cheap? If people saw the margins in automotive they'd be shocked (at how low it is). Typically the dealer will use a third party company to install aftermarket heated seats, and even then you will likely get a backrest heater only on the passenger side as the kits don't work with passenger presence systems. Cost is far more than $40 and a couple hours. The dealer would be into it for at least 350-450 if I had to guess. It's not profitable for dealers to task their own technicians with installing stuff like this when they could be doing work that actually makes money, hence why third parties are used when it comes to electronics.

Back on topic though, it is weird they wouldn't have heated seats from the factory as even the rental-spec Corollas have them these days...

[Noto]

I was hoping to like this car but no sunroof or heated seats its now off my list. Oh well.

Scion needed the iM to stay afloat.

Shame, because if it were labelled as the Corolla hatch, it would sell in massively higher numbers.  Scion needs to die, horribly.  Hell, even folks who buy a FR-S rip off the badge in favour of:

[ArticSteve]

Yea the heated seats can be installed for ~$500 or a hey throw this in for me and we have a deal. It's like $40 for the parts and 3 hours of labour for the dealer.

Exactly. Dealer cost is probably half that, but every sale counts big time.

Why does everyone think a dealers cost is so cheap? If people saw the margins in automotive they'd be shocked (at how low it is). Typically the dealer will use a third party company to install aftermarket heated seats, and even then you will likely get a backrest heater only on the passenger side as the kits don't work with passenger presence systems. Cost is far more than $40 and a couple hours. The dealer would be into it for at least 350-450 if I had to guess. It's not profitable for dealers to task their own technicians with installing stuff like this when they could be doing work that actually makes money, hence why third parties are used when it comes to electronics.

Back on topic though, it is weird they wouldn't have heated seats from the factory as even the rental-spec Corollas have them these days...

 

Ontario Toyota dealers DO NOT install seat heaters nor do they make any money selling them.  It's more of a deal closer.  In addition to the passenger seat issue, the controls are almost always mounted on the side of the seat so no way to know if they are on or off by sight.  It's RANK, but it's better than no heat.