2013 Scion Iq With Only 16,xxx Miles!! 38mpg!! A Blast To Drive!! on 2040-cars

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Scion testing updated FR-S

It looks like Toyota is preparing a mid-cycle update for its critically acclaimed GT86, known here in the US as the Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ. As far as updates go, this one looks to be rather average. Hidden behind the camouflaged front and rear ends, we have new headlights and taillights, which according to our spies looked to be of the LED variety. We wouldn't be shocked to see the GT86 get LED taillights, although fitting the top-of-the-line headlights seems less likely. Supporting that position are the images we have of the actual headlights in action, which don't look quite bright enough to be full LED units. Instead, we'd expect some new form of running light, perhaps with bi-xenon low beams. Aside from the lamps, the front bumper gets a larger, more prominent lower intake, while the rear end sports a redefined bumper that houses larger dual exhaust tips. The size of the spoiler has been increased, too. According to our spies, we should also expect powertrain enhancements – which we can only hope means more power – as well as upgrades to the interior of the GT86. While it's possible that the updates being tested in Germany could be exclusive to the European market, that seems unlikely. We'd expect the same new enhancements to at least find their way to the Scion, if not its Subaru-badged twin. Check out the full battery of spy photos up top. Related Video:

2016 Scion iA arrives with price tag 'in the $16,000 range'

The adorkable iA, Scion's first sedan, is likely to appeal to a number of customers who value efficiency, affordability and equipment. And because the iA is essentially a rebadged Mazda2 there should be some pep in this little guy's step. If you're wondering why Mazda would build a car for Toyota, volume is a big reason. 1,003 Toyota dealers have a Scion store, more than one-and-a-half times as many franchises as Mazda, and that translates into higher production numbers. Ignoring the rather tragic grille, the rest of the iA is actually a handsome little four-door, which makes sense, considering the amount of Mazda blood coursing through its veins. One need only compare the shots of the Scion, shown above, and the leaked images of the Thai-market 2 sedan to see the similarity. The headlights and taillights are identical in shape and similar in overall design, while both cars share Mazda's expressive Kodo character lines in the profile. While the 2 is cute and brawny, the iA looks a little sullen, with its catfish-mouth grille drooping low in front of the sloping hood. It's a similar story in the cabin, where Mazda's work is plain to see. The dash is crowned by an ample, standard seven-inch display, which is in turn controlled by either touch or the excellent dial-and-buttons input also found in the Mazda3 and Mazda6. Toyota's Entune system is conspicuous by its absence. A trio of knobs control the HVAC system, while a section of faux leather, complete with stitching, separates the tactile controls from the main display. The instrument cluster is home to a single binnacle, housing the speedometer. A pair of secondary displays feature a tachometer and other ancillary information. Considering that the interior and exterior are almost unchanged from the Mazda2, it's no surprise that the 1.5-liter four-cylinder is also common to both cars. In the iA the lump under the hood makes 106 horsepower, while the Euro-market 2 comes in three flavors – 75 horsepower, 95 hp and 115 hp (with the i-ELOOP system). The 1.5 is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Following the theme, the iA's chassis is largely identical to the new 2's. The front suspension is of the MacPherson strut variety, while a torsion-beam axle sits out back with rear drum brakes. The steering assist is electric, which contributes at least partially to the 33-mile-per-gallon city rating and 42-mpg highway.

2014 Scion FR-S gets price increase, knee cushions [w/video]

There's not a lot of breathing room between the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ - the two rear-drive coupes are about as close to badge-engineered as the auto industry gets in this day and age. In this case, that's not a terrible thing, though, since they're both so engaging to drive, but it does make for interesting comparisons when it comes to pricing and model year updates.
Late last month, Subaru announced pricing for its 2014 BRZ, which didn't get much more than the inclusion of Aha internet radio compatibility and a $25,595 starting price - just $100 more than the 2013 model's MSRP. A modest $25 increase in destination charges ($795) means that it starts at $26,390. For its part, Scion will ask $24,600 for a base 2014 FRS, plus $755 for delivery, for a total of $25,355. That means the Subaru is more still expensive, but it has more available equipment as well.
The 2014 Scion FR-S isn't getting many tweaks, but a couple of small changes - knee pads on both the transmission tunnel and the door panels around the speaker grilles and a new standard 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system - are appreciated. (Note: 2013 model shown above).