The 2016 iM is an all-new and sharp little five-door hatchback from Scion, the Toyota-owned brand specializing in compact cars that are fun, affordable, reliable and fuel efficient.
Scion products are created with the millenial market in mind, and while Scion cars might owe their success to that age group, there’s no shame or embarrassment attached to owning an iM even if 1980 is so far in your past you can’t even picture it anymore.
The iM provides seating for five passengers and has a 20.8 cubic-feet cargo area at the rear. Hatchback configuration and foldable second-row seats increase cargo space and flexibility beyond what’s possible in a sedan. The seats fold flat, not just down, an important detail for optimum cargo hauling. A rear cargo cover, which is a necessity for keeping items secured and valuables hidden, is standard equipment.
The passenger cabin feels solidly built with quality materials and is roomier than expected for a compact car. It is also considerably above the norm in comfort and quietness for its price point. The height-adjustable driver’s seat will be a blessing to people who are taller or shorter than average.
There’s just one iM model, but it’s available with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic. Base prices, including a $795 destination charge, are $19,255 for the manual transmission version and $19,995 for the automatic.
Purchase decision-making is further simplified by the fact that all of iM’s features are standard, and there’s no tortuous list of optional items or packages to pore over and agonize about. The list of standard features is respectable, including such things as remote keyless entry, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, automatic projector-beam halogen headlamps, power folding and heated outside mirrors, rearview backup camera, 4.2-inch color multi-information display, Toyota’s comprehensive Star Safety system, and an audio system with 7-inch touchscreen display and the usual connectivity accoutrements.
A four-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque does a good job of propelling the iM without swilling gasoline. The fuel economy rating of my test car, equipped with the automatic transmission, is 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Had it been the manual transmission, the numbers would be 27/36.
The manual gearbox would definitely raise iM’s enthusiast appeal on Snohomish County’s fantastic twisty backroads, but having it on our highways during commute traffic would be purgatory if not outright hell. The capable automatic transmission, which is of the continuously variable sort, has a Sport mode as well as manual shifting ability, so that helps.
Carpeted floormats, a cargo area mat, wheel locks and a rear bumper protector are the optional equipment items increasing the tester’s total price by $439.
2016 SCION iM
Base price, including destination charge: $19,995
Price as driven: $20,334
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
