With the new 2011 Scion tC landing on dealer lots in about a month, we at Sciclonic got our first chance take a good long drive in one. It was exciting as we grabbed the keys, strapped into that big comfortable sport seat and turned the key to hear its newly tuned exhaust note. With a burbling rasp, the all new 2.5 liter engine fired to life and sung its new tune.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. At first glance the new tC is immediately recognizable as its make over is evolutionary of the first generation. It shares the same silhouette, the same measurements length and height, and the same character traits that have helped Scion sell some 310,000 copies since 2005. Scion took an approach to improve and modernize the tC with refinements, new technology, and safety features people expect five years later. But make no mistake, this car is all new inside and out.
The platform is a continuing evolution of the 106 inch wheelbase that underpins the 2005-2010 tC, but has been massaged to work with the new for 2011 18” wheels which now sport wider 225-45R18 tires. The track has been widened 1.3” in the front and 2.1” in the rear for better stability and cornering feel. Larger diameter disc brakes and re-sized sway bars tighten up the handling further.
Under the hood is a new 2.5 liter engine, now featuring twin variable valve timing. This and other improvements have added 19hp to make 180. Additionally the engine now has 173lb-ft of torque with better fuel efficiency than before now rated at 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway. When you add in either of the new 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions the 2011 Scion tC is now about a half second quicker from 0-60 mph.
On the road, the new tC feels vault like and solid. We had a chance to take it through its paces on some nice curvy roads as well as cruise the highways and streets around the Las Vegas strip. Pushed in the corners, the tC is progressive and predictable. The standard traction control and stability control programs are there to protect but can be turned off. The traction control will automatically turn itself back on at speeds over 31 mph however.
We drove both the six-speed manual and automatic. We of course highly recommend the manual transmission as it offers you better performance and fun. The shifter is pretty good in precision, though getting it in reverse does take some practice. The six-speed automatic shifts smooth under hard acceleration and does have a sport mode for manual shifts. Scion says it expects some 70% of buyers to opt for the six-speed automatic. 0-60 acceleration for the manual is 7.6 seconds with the automatic hitting it in a slightly slower 8.3 seconds.
Power from the new 2.5 liter engine is very linear in its delivery. It revs smoothly to its redline providing the familiar torque band drivers of the previous generation tC have come to love. The exhaust note now gives a sportier growl from start up and rowing through the gears. The new tC is fast enough to be fun, but not too much to be a handful for most drivers. Given that the majority of Scion tC’s go to first time buyers and drivers, this is a perfect balance.
Inside is where Scion really raised the bar. An all new interior, dash, and safety package make the 2011 tC feel like a much more expensive car than before. The sport seats have big side bolsters that hold you snug. New for 2011 is a thick grippy leather wrapped steering wheel with racing inspired thumb grips and a flat bottom. It includes audio controls for adjustments on the fly. Best yet is that the steering wheel now telescopes and tilts.
Three, count them, three stereo systems are available for the 2011 Scion tC ranging up to 300 watts. Standard is the Pioneer head unit, optional is a slick Alpine unit with HD radio that can support a back-up camera and plug-n-play NAV system. And you can also opt for the Scion Navigation System as well. All three provide a USB port for 2011 as well as an auxiliary mini-jack.
The tC sports 8 standard speakers as well. Front speakers include 1” door tweeters, 3.4” door mid-range and 6” x 9” door 2 ohm woofers. In the rear are 6.3” full-range speakers. We tested both the standard sound system as well as one equipped with the Scion NAV and both pounded out the beats exceptionally. Trust us they kick.
Safety was a big priority for 2011. The tC now sports 8 airbags, including driver and passenger bags, new knee front airbags, side curtain airbags, and also the side seat mounted airbags. Additionally the front seats now have an innovative active head rest system. When a rear collision is detected, they move upward and forward to meet occupant’s heads to help reduce the effect of whiplash.
Standard like before is the full length moon roof. The front panel slides open while the rear panel is fixed. Retractable sunshades are provided as well to keep the sun out should the driver prefer. The rear window also has a patterned shade printed on to keep rear seat passenger heads from getting sun burned.
On the outside, the new styling is self evident with a modern new look. Blockier and beefier from the wheels to the flat roof line, the new tC got lots of looks as we cruised the Las Vegas strip. New projector beam headlights really stand out while the new tapered rear tail lights have SCION emblazoned in the lenses. The folding side mirrors now sport slick LED signal indicators too, much like its Euro and Asian cousins. The new tC will be sold as the Toyota Zelas in markets outside the US and Canada.
Overall we came away impressed with the new tC. With all the improvements in refinement, performance, and interior quality it feels like a substantial car for pricing that starts at $18,275. With an automatic, the 2011 Scion tC will cost $19,725. Delivery is $720 and of course there are all your local taxes and various fees. With Scion’s mono-spec format, they all show up the same and you work with your dealer for accessories or TRD upgrades. And know that your local Scion dealer already has a full catalog of wheels, brakes, suspension and appearance options ready and waiting for the new tC. Woot!
