Scion Teases the Production iM and the New iA Ahead of New York Debut

Scion iA teaser image (Credit: © Scion)

It looks like Scion is in for some serious changes in the coming months, as it’s set to release a pair of vehicles ahead of 2015 New York Auto Show, which kicks off on April 1st. One of these models, the iM, we already knew was coming, but there is one that is completely new to us.

The previously unknown model is the iA sedan. While the press release and teaser image told us nearly nothing, it’s not too hard to figure out what we’re looking at. Recently, Toyota – parent company of Scion – inked a deal with Mazda to create a subcompact sedan based on the 2016 Mazda2. Logic tells me that this is that subcompact sedan.

Though the 2016 Mazda2 has yet to have all of its information revealed, I do know that it is powered by a 1.5-liter Skyactive-G engine. Reports claim that this engine produces between 110 and 115 horsepower. While the engine and the chassis should carry over from the Mazda2 to the iA, the body will likely be 100 percent Scion’s design.

Scion iM teaser image (Credit: © Scion)

As for the iM, I am a little confused as to why Scion is releasing a teaser image. I know that this is the first time we’ll see the production version, but the concept version looked pretty much production ready, so I see no reason to play around with teasing it, unless there is a significant difference between the concept and production versions.

The iM is based on the Europe-only Toyota Auris hatchback, and will likely carry over almost unchanged from Europe to America. The concept version that we saw had some aerodynamic work, wild fog lights and performance brakes, and I expect all of these to be gone once the production model is revealed.

While I know pretty much what the iM will look like, I am still wondering what engine will power the iM. In Europe, the top-spec Auris uses a 147-horsepower 1.8-liter engine, but I don’t think that’ll be enough to get buyers interested. That may be a good base engine, but this hatchback needs a little hotness installed to liven things up a bit.

Both models will make their debuts on March 31st – one day before the auto show opens its doors – so keep it locked here for all of the latest details.