Scion iM wagon targets youthful buyers

Toyota breathes new life into its Scion brand with the new iM wagon for 2016.

Based on the current Toyota Corolla platform and sold overseas as the Auris, the Japan-built iM could be just the right kind of vehicle that Scion's youthful target buyers can get behind. The vehicle's sport wagon styling is easy on the eyes and looks considerably smarter than the retired xB and xD boxes and the tiny iQ runabout. It also helps that the wagon/hatchback has been fitted with additional body cladding and a very cool set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

The iM's other claim to fame is its overall spaciousness. With the back seat folded, the load floor is perfectly flat and the large liftgate makes it easy to load/unload bulky gear. Inside, the premium-feel cloth seats are particularly supportive in front and are complemented with generous legroom in back. The dashboard and control panel are clearly laid out and covered with soft-touch materials.

Turning the key activates a Toyota-Corolla-based 1.8-liter four-cylinder rated at 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable unit (CVT) direct power to the front wheels.

Rob Papagno, Internet sales manager for Findlay Toyota of Las Vegas, said its four-cylinder engine feels more like a six-cylinder.

Where the iM excels is traversing twisty backcountry roads, where the well-tuned suspension helps keep the car flat and stable in the turns while taking uneven surfaces in stride. The well-bolstered sport-style front seats are a big help, too.

"It also has high gas mileage, typically 32 mpg, and comes with a backup camera already built in," he said.

Papagno said that while the iM was designed for millennials, it is also popular with other age groups.

"It caters to a pretty wide range of people because it's a sporty, cool little car," he said. "It's really popular across the board."

Right out of the box, all Scions arrive well trimmed out and the "mono-spec" iM is no exception. Aside from the cool alloy wheels, the iM offers dual-zone air conditioning, power folding outside mirrors and a 7-inch touch-screen display for the six-speaker Panasonic-brand audio system with iPod connectivity. Among the few dealer-installed options is a navigation system plus a number of additional dress-up items. A sunroof is not available, nor is the latest crash-mitigating safety features that are beginning to migrate onto the options lists of competing vehicles.

Among the few dealer-installed options is a navigation system plus a number of additional dress-up items. A sunroof is not available, nor is the latest crash-mitigating safety features that are beginning to migrate onto the options lists of competing vehicles.

The base price for the four-door compact wagon is $19,250.

According to Papagno, the most expensive, decked out model won't exceed $24,000.

"It's pure priced so it will be the same price anywhere you go," he said. "Also, because it's made for millennials, we've set up first-time buying incentives so if they don't have credit, we're still willing to work with them."

He added, "When you get one home, it has all the fun aspects of driving but it has low gas mileage and a hatchback so can fit a lot. It's a very popular car."

— Wheelbasemedia.com contributed to the story.