Strengths:
A stylish and economical value; superb front seats; sporty handling; numerous customization options; torquey engine; good legroom
Changes:
For 2010, the sporty Scion tC is little changed from 2009. For exterior colors, Nautical Blue Metallic replaces Blue Ribbon Metallic.
Value:
Launched in 2005, the 2010 Scion tC is the only coupe in the Scion lineup for the model year. The 2010 tC is aimed squarely at 20-something buyers, with its sporty yet economical performance and an appearance.
With a relatively long-for-its-class 106.3-inch wheelbase, the 2010 tC provides surprisingly good legroom for rear passengers. A cockpit-like design is highlighted by seats that are snug and bolstered firmly in place. With the backseat down, the 2010 Scion tC offers almost 35 cubic feet of cargo space, a rarity for the small car class. Throughout the rest of the interior, the tC has numerous storage spaces, including a 2-tiered center console and CD and cell phone holders.
In frontal crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the tC earned a perfect five stars for driver protection, four stars for passenger protection, and another five stars for side-impact crashes involving both front and rear passengers.
Numerous after-market options are available. MSRP starts at $17,000, and with the manual transmission, mileage is 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
Overview:
The 2010 tC is offered in only one trim, and is available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The Scion brand, aimed directly at younger buyers, offers simplified
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ordering, with a long standard-equipment list, and extensive accessory availability. This makes the entry price low, at only $17,000, and customization easy.
The 2010 Scion tC is powered by a sporty 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence technology. This helps the engine produce 161 horsepower and 162 foot-pounds of torque. It comes mated to either a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbone in back helps provide responsive handling.
As in previous model years, the 2010 Scion tC offers a range of comfort and convenience features compared to other sporty coupes in its price range. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, a dual-pane sunroof, air-conditioning, split-folding and reclining rear seats, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories with one-touch up/down windows and a Pioneer CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack and iPod integration.
Standard safety equipment includes front seat-mounted side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and side-curtain airbags that extend to front and rear occupants. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are also standard, along with electronic brake-force distribution.
A range of options are geared toward customization and include various wheel, trim, and appearance add-ons, along with an upgraded in-dash navigation system and a premium sound system.
Most noteworthy is the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) line of performance equipment, including suspension kits, a high-performance clutch, quick-shift kit, and sportier-sounding exhaust system.
