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2016 Scion iA shows its face, for better or worse, in New York [w/video]

We have a theory that, among auto designers, there's something resembling Stockholm Syndrome. Designers spend so many hours looking at a single product that, after awhile, they can't help but fall in love with it, regardless of how bad it may look to everyone else. That might explain the appearance of the Scion iA, which while largely similar to the handsome Mazda2, replaces that car's attractive five-pointed grille with what could be described as a gaping maw. Fortunately, it's only the Scion grille that really causes any offense. The parts of the iA that have been left to Mazda designers are, as we said, rather handsome. That includes both the attractive rear and the Kodo-derived lines found in the tiny sedan's profile. The cabin, meanwhile, is well outfitted with standard equipment, including a seven-inch touchscreen display. Plastic is the dominant material, although the overall layout is logical and mostly attractive. Have a look at our live gallery of images of Scion's first-ever four-door sedan. Sports Sedan that Shouts Success All-New 2016 Scion iA Rolls Into New York With a Trunk - Brand's first-ever sedan with dramatically sporty look and agile moves - Estimated MSRP in the $16,000-range for well-equipped mono-spec model • High-spirited 1.5-liter engine; estimated 42 MPG highway - Choice of 6-speed stick shift or 6-speed automatic - Standard Low-speed Pre-collision safety system - Roomy cabin with premium amenities - 7-inch multimedia system with voice recognition NEW YORK, March 31, 2015 – Scion is expanding its line-up in more ways than one. In addition to adding a new vehicle to its stable, it's also adding its first-ever sedan, the remarkably sporty, yet very affordable, 2016 Scion iA. The Scion iA sedan joins the all-new 2016 Scion iM hatchback for a one-two punch in the subcompact and compact segments. The new sans-hatch Scion will arrive in dealerships this fall for an estimated MSRP in the $16,000-range. That's for a mono-spec model equipped with standard Low-speed Pre-collision safety system and 7-inch multi-media system with voice activation. Because Scion has a no hassle, no haggle Pure Price, customers walk out the door with the same price they saw posted in the dealership. "Dramatic" could be an understatement when describing the visual impact of the 2016 Scion iA. Beneath the daringly curved sheetmetal lies a tight, agile machine that re-defines "entry level." Call the design "class above," a term that applies throughout the car.

Will Mazda transform the CX-5 into a full-fledged luxury car?

Mazda's next-generation CX-5 will graduate from premium to luxury to bolster the firm's upmarket push, according to a recent report. It will again take the form of a crossover, but it might spawn a fastback-like model. Japanese magazine Best Car learned from company insiders that the next CX-5 will be comparable to the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. If that's accurate, the people-mover will receive substantial upgrades in the coming years, because the current model is not as big, not as luxurious, and not as quick as either of those SUVs. According to the same source, the CX-5's transformation will be made possible by two key elements. First, it will ride on a new rear-wheel-drive platform that it will share with the next Mazda6, though all-wheel-drive will also be offered. Using this architecture will allow stylists to increase the dash-to-axle ratio, which will in turn expand its footprint. Second, the space between the extra sheetmetal will be occupied by a new straight-six engine whose existence has already been confirmed by Mazda. It will get SkyActiv-X technology, and it will be available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Elsewhere in the world, Mazda will release a turbodiesel variant of the six-cylinder. Adopting rear-wheel drive and a straight-six engine will put the CX-5 in the same league as the Germans; on paper, at least. Mazda will undoubtedly ask its stylists to give the model a suitably stylish appearance, and Best Car added the range could include a new four-door fastback possibly called CX-50 and aimed at the X6. Mazda's next CX-5 is expected to make its debut in 2023, so it might not arrive on our shores until the 2024 model year. We'll see the next Mazda6 a little sooner, and it will give us a good idea of what's next.

Mazda planning more powerful MX-5?

The new Mazda MX-5 will be available with a 1.5-liter four with 129 horsepower or 2.0-liter with 155. And while either engine may seem a tad on the small side for a sports car, they keep perfectly in line with what the Miata is all about. That doesn't mean, however, that more powerful options aren't under consideration. Speaking with Motoring.com.au at the launch of the new MX-5, Mazda's global PR chief Kudo Hidetoshi revealed that two options are under consideration. One would be a larger engine, and the other a turbocharged version of the existing 2.0. The former option would deliver the extra punch while keeping things naturally aspirated and free from turbo lag, but could throw off the weight balance Mazda has worked so hard to preserve. The more likely option, then, would be the turbocharged route that would allow the Zoom-Zoom brand to keep the roadster light and nimble, while still delivering an extra boost. Neither would be without its challenges, but if overcome, the resulting high-performance model could be sold as a Mazdaspeed model in some markets and as an MPS version in others. And, even if such a performance roadster were to get the go-ahead for production in some markets, there's no guarantee that it will be sold in the United States. Here's hoping. Related Video: