The Scion tC is a nice choice if you’re looking for basic transportation. It’s fairly Spartan, but fun to drive and versatile.
For the 2015 model year, the Scion tC adds steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to its automatic transmission model while keeping the same exterior, upgraded interior and technology, and there’s a choice between automatic and manual six-speed transmissions.
The tC delivers a sporty driving experience with the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, while maintaining the convenience and rush-hour comfort of an automatic transmission. The shifters build on the Dynamic Rev Management technology, which quickly raises the engine speed to help match engine revs to gear ratios on downshifts for a sportier drive and a throaty engine sound.
The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers 179 hp at 6,000 RPM and 172 pound-feet of torque. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) contributes to good fuel economy and performance. The 2015 tC is rated by the EPA at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with both the manual and automatic transmissions.
The tC platform has a MacPherson strut front-suspension and a double-wishbone rear-suspension that provides strength and ride comfort. Enhanced handling introduced for the 2014 model year carries through, including optimized shock absorbers, increased chassis rigidity and retuned electronic steering for improved response times.
The 2015 tC has an aggressive sports coupe design with a longer, sloping hood, angular projector headlights and LED front accent lights, and a muscular lower grille treatment. The tC rides on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels that come standard with a premium dark gray paint and contrasted machined-spoke surfaces. At the rear, the tC has a black-out section, lower center accent trim and LED tail lamps for an bold, muscular overall look.
All tC models come standard with a panoramic moonroof, dual sunshades, folding side mirrors with LED turn indicators and a chrome exhaust tip. For 2015, the new colors Blizzard Pearl and Cosmic Gray join Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blue Streak Metallic, Absolutely Red and Cement. Blizzard Pearl will cost you an additional $395 fee.
Inside, the tC comes standard with a threespoke tilt and telescope steering wheel that has a thick-rimmed racing-inspired flat bottom. It’s leather-wrapped for comfort and features all the desired audio controls within easy touch. Indicators in the instrument panel are set stylishly deep and illuminated with deep orange lighting. A one-touch track and seat-back angle memory function easily sets the six-way adjustable seat and backrest into favorite positions.
Built on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the tC seats five comfortably. Tone-on-tone sport bucket seats cradle the driver and front passenger while rear passenger seats are upholstered with premium fabric designs and recline up to 10 degrees.
The MSRP on the 2015 Scion tC is $19,210.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.
