[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he best selling points of the 2015 Scion FRS are ride and price; it’s relatively inexpensive, sporty and fun to drive, and the sleek, modern design gives it the look of a much more expensive vehicle.
Already a favorite of sports car enthusiasts, the Scion FR-S enters a new model year more balanced and better than ever with enhanced tuning and an upgraded appearance. Under the hood there’s a 2.0-liter flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration that delivers 200 hp and 151 pound-feet of torque.
Under the hood
There’s a choice between a sixspeed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel- mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology. Both models bene- fit from a standard Torsen limited-slip differ- ential that helps maximize traction cornering performance. Fuel economy is excellent at 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the automatic transmission; 22 mpg city/30 mpg high- way with the manual gearbox.
With its low center of gravity and lightweight body, a more rigid front suspension and re-tuned rear shock absorbers, the FR-S is a great handling little car and has less body roll. From the front, the FR-S has a menacing look, with a low stance, an aggressive front bumper and angular headlights with projector-beam halogen lamps. A new streamlined shark-fin antenna provides better aerodynamics and the exhaust tips have been updated with a larger diameter and sit more flush with the rear bumper. The rear of the FR-S contributes to the overall aerodynamic shape and design with a low, wide fascia and sharply angled lights.
On the inside
Inside the FR-S, the cockpit is driver focused. There’s a new key design and auto on/off headlights. The interior panel material gets a new carbon fiber look and texture to complement the aggressive styling and a large center-mounted tachometer commands driver attention while speed is easily monitored with both digital and analog gauges.
Low-mounted, deep front seats are comfortable and the 2+2 seating configuration allows the rear seats to fold flat for functional space. Sporty refinements include a leather trimmed steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals and scuff plates, a leather-wrapped shift knob and accent stitching.
Audio Technology
High quality sound and audio technology enhance the experience behind the wheel. As with all Scion vehicles, the FR-S comes with a Standard Display Audio system featuring a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming connectivity, HD Radio and USB connectivity.
The eight speaker sound package features a Pioneer 300-watt total power output audio system and features mid-range and woofer speakers that are superior. The 160-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit powers the tweeters, mid-range and full-range speakers, while a separate 140-watt, two-channel amplifier is designed to drive power to the door-mounted woofers.
Price
The MSRP on the 2015 Scion FR-S with manual transmission is $24,900 and $26,000 with the automatic.
[author image=”http://www.communitynewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Grant-Miller-4-C.jpg” ]Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.[/author]
