So I test drove a Scion iA (rebadged Mazda 2) and I have to say I'm more than impressed. I know, that car is hideous to look at but please bear with me.

It weighs only around 2350 lbs and has really nice shifter (the clutch is a bit light compared to R56). The steering response is amazing, brakes very well and the suspension is well sorted. It is stiff but smooth on bumpy roads without being too soft/mushy. The power is decent and it is quite fun to ring out the motor.

The MINI definitely has more style and character and also faster, but if you can get past the looks and want a super fun car on a budget, Scion iA definitely fits the bill. Infinitely better than any other Econobox out there. I would definitely recommend to test drive one, even if you don't have any intention of buying it.

 

With Toyota giving Scion the axe, not quite sure what is going to happen to the iA...could just get a Toyota badge and a name change slapped on it.

Its a Mazda2 underneath, so I'm not surprised its good to drive. Mazda knows how to build good driving cars. They just all seem to be on the loud side.

 

They will be rebadged as Toyota's. http://www.autoblog.com/2016/03/17/s...olla-official/

Just like the FR-S, Toyota will rebadge that as well: http://www.autoblog.com/2016/02/03/2...ebadged-scion/