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Toyota wants improved crash scores with midcycle facelifts

The performances of some Toyotas in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) regimen of crash tests leave something to be desired. Consider the small overlap frontal crash test: only six Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles have undergone the new test, yet all but one of them received a poor rating. Osama Nagata, CEO of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc., says midcycle vehicle updates are in the works to address the safety issues brought to light by the IIHS test, Automotive News reports. He confirmed that the RAV4 is getting safety updates following its crash test performance last month, but he didn't name any other models.
All three Toyotas that were tested - 2013 RAV4, 2012-2013 Prius V, 2012-2013 Camry - received poor ratings. The 2007-2012 Lexus ES 350 and 2006-2013 IS 250/350 also received poor ratings. The only other Toyota Motor Corp. vehicle to score better than poor is the 2014 Scion TC. It received an acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal crash test and is the only recent vehicle in Toyota's line-up to get the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
The small overlap front crash test measures the safety of a car when its front left corner is strikes an object during an accident, bypassing traditional crumple zones, which deform in a way to protect passengers. In 2009, automakers were alerted to the forthcoming addition of the test, which was first implemented last year, IIHS spokesman Russ Rader says. They responded with differing intensity, he says, pointing out that Subaru and Honda started incorporating design changes early on so their cars would perform well in the tests.

Consumer Reports says these are the worst new cars of 2014

Consumer Reports has announced its annual list of worst vehicles, a cringe-inducing contrast to its list of top vehicles. Ignominiously leading the way in 2014 is Chrysler, which has a staggering seven models listed.
Jeep nearly sweeps the small SUV segment by itself, with its Compass, Patriot and 2.4-liter version of the new Cherokee, while the only midsize sedans listed by CR were the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger. The new Dodge Dart and the Dodge Journey round out CR's condemnation of Chrysler.
Ford is taking heat as well, with the Taurus, Edge and their counterparts from Lincoln all listed as the worst vehicles in their respective segments. Toyota doesn't fare much better, with its Lexus IS, Scion iQ and tC also making the list.

Scion Monogram Series luxes up FR-S, tC

Scion has had plenty of practice launching limited-edition versions of its cars, but the brand's ultimate special line is its recently introduced Monogram Series. First offered on the iQ last year, Scion is now adding this premium equipment package to the 2014 FR-S and tC, and both cars will be hitting the stage at the Detroit Auto Show next week.
The 2014 Scion FR-S Monogram Series will be limited to 2,000 units, and it will have a starting price of $27,400 (*not including the $755 destination charge). Standing as a $3,000 premium over the base 2014 FR-S, the Monogram Series brings plenty of extra goodies, including leather seats with Alcantara inserts, upgraded BeSpoke audio/navigation system, HID headlights and dual-zone climate control, to name but a few. Scion says the equipment in this package represents a $1,900 savings compared to a standard option list.
As for the 2014 Scion tC Monogram Series, Scion is only making 2,500 of these, and it will start at $21,400. That's an extra $2,190 over a base tC, but it also represents a $1,500 savings overall. The tC Monogram Series adds in features like the BeSpoke audio/navigation system, perforated leather seats, keyless entry and pushbutton start and upgraded materials on the center console lid and door panels.