Despite all the attention paid to Scion’s heady FR-S, the Toyota spinoff’s 2014 tC compact hatchback coupe continues to offer some serious bang for the buck. The front-wheel-drive-only, 5-seat Scion tC represents the automaker’s top selling product, and this year offers a nod to its performance-oriented sibling with some added styling muscle, a few upgraded interior features, a retuned suspension and a beefier chassis.
Scion’s compact 2-door is again offered in the traditional Base trim, and this year, a limited-production Scion 10 Series trim commemorating Scion’s tenth year in the automaking business replaces last year’s Release Series 8.0. Meanwhile, the traditional and less-than-generous 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space remains enhanced with split-folding rear seatbacks, while the 4-cylinder powerplant gets matched up this year with an available automatic transmission that boasts Scion’s touted Dynamic Rev Management for crisper downshifts.
A 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine remains the mainstay of the tC fleet, and mated with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the reworked 6-speed shiftable automatic, puts out 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Mileage, a minor distraction for more than a few reviewers, is estimated at a somewhat tepid 23 mpg city/31 highway with either transmission.
Although it’s not exactly luxurious, the 2014 version of the tC Base is pretty well equipped for a value-flaunting commuter car. Outside, this pint-size 2-door totes standard 18-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof and power-adjustable mirrors. Inside, look for cloth upholstery, sport front seats with a height-adjustable driver’s seat, full power accessories, a leather and simulated alloy steering wheel, and simulated alloy dashboard trim. Then there’s the standard cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering for convenience, while everyone cools off with manual air conditioning. Bluetooth hands-free calling is delivered in this entry-level trim as well, with entertainment provided by a single-CD player boasting 8 Pioneer speakers and a USB port, and the whole shebang is interfaced with a new-for-2014 6.1-inch touchscreen display.
The new Scion 10 Series tC adds 18-inch painted alloy wheels, a unique exterior silver paint scheme, some extra cabin illumination and premium stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats.
The list of options available for the 2014 Scion tC includes upsized and upgraded wheels, upgraded TRD (Toyota Racing Division) drivetrain and suspension add-ons, and an updated version of Scion’s BeSpoke audio interface system that flaunts a navigation suite and added smartphone apps. A rear spoiler can also be delivered with either tC trim, along with remote engine start and the comprehensive Scion Security System.
Safety-wise, finally, look for 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags to be standard in both trims. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors are also standard across the board, while the Scion 10 Series, as befits its top-shelf status, comes with standard front headrest whiplash protection and projector beam headlights.
