Scion iA First Look - Video

There’s a tiny new Scion headed to dealerships this year. It’s called the Scion iA and it’s the company’s first-ever sedan.

But if you’re thinking it looks an awful lot like another car, you’re right because this is actually a re-badged Mazda2. Toyota formed an alliance with Mazda, giving Scion some sorely needed new product in order to market a re-badged version of their new sub-compact, which explains the oh-so-KODO body lines, tail lights and interior pieces.

It gets a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 106 hp to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. According to the company, it should be capable of returning up to 33 MPG in city driving, 42 on the highway or 37 MPG on the whole.

Scion’s scheme hasn’t changed; they’re all about selling a single trim to keep things simple and eliminate the need for its customers to haggle with the sales staff. Accordingly, the iA comes outfitted with a list of standard features that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, push-button ignition and a pre-collision system meant to help you avoid fender benders.

There’s also a seven-inch infotainment screen linked to a control knob sitting behind the cup holders. It’s all very Mazda-like, which is hardly a bad thing. So far, the latest crop of products is proving to be far more premium feeling than the products they compete directly with.

That could be good news. After all, it means the new iA won’t rely on the lamentable Pioneer touchscreen that the rest of Scion’s lineup is stuck with.

Scion didn’t announce explicit pricing for its new mini sedan today, but it said the 'monotrim' car will cost roughly $16,000.

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