Report: Scion xB being replaced by Auris, iQ axed after this year

[Kal-El]

Autoblog:

Scion seemed like such a good idea when it was first launched. Toyota's aim was to provide young people with stylish, affordable cars that would serve as a gateway to the automaker's family of products. It was also supposed to be something of an incubator for new ideas that were too radical for its more conservative Toyota and Lexus brands. Over a decade since its launch, the brand has languished, and today's showroom is populated by slow-selling and aging vehicles that have often been slow to receive upgrades. However, there may be a bright spot on the imminent horizon, as there are reportedly a slate of new models on the way over the next three years.

According to a model timeline published by Automotive News, the Scion lineup is about to get a major overhaul. First, the boxy xB may finally be going to the big refrigerator box in the sky, to be replaced by a version of the more conventionally styled Auris hatchback (pictured above) from overseas markets in early 2015. Later next year, the xD will also allegedly bow out in favor of a new hatchback based on the Mazda2 (thanks to a recently signed platform-sharing deal). For 2016, the sporty tC hatchback is also said to get a redesign, and interestingly enough, a Corolla-based compact crossover could join the ranks, too.

While those changes should boost sales volume, there's also news that's sure to make enthusiasts happy. Automotive News cites company executives who confirm a second-generation FR-S is on the way in early 2017. A Subaru exec also recently gave a similar confirmation*that it was working on another BRZ.

Finally, as first rumored last year, the little iQ will likely sing its swan song at the end of 2014. The news hardly comes as a surprise. Through June, Scion has sold just just 1,227 of its*Smart-sized commuter nationwide, down 47 percent from last year

http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/1184x785+62+0/resize/628x417!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/d268947f930fed179d66f53e638357d8/200491027/012013toyotaauris.jpg

[CTScott]

Interesting. So, now the question becomes: will the Yaris stay as the Yaris, since according to this the xD will change to the Mazda 2 variant?

[Kal-El]

Interesting news. Seems Toyota will be abandoning the box concept that started it all over at Scion. I wonder if we'll be getting the current Auris which is already going to be half way through its life cycle by the time it would make it here. Or will we get an updated Auris.

It's about time, the xD and xB are like 6 years old. Should've been replaced at least for 2014.

So it appears both the next Toyota subcompact as well as xD replacement will shar underpinnings with Mazda2.

Too bad for iQ. It's just too pricey for a half sized car. Americans just aren't interested. Now if it were under $12K, they'd see some sales.

[Kal-El]

Interesting. So, now the question becomes: will the Yaris stay as the Yaris, since according to this the xD will change to the Mazda 2 variant?

I think we're going to see 2 different variety based on the Mazda2. Neither of which will carry over the current names.

[kimona]

Here are a couple of photos of the Auris hatchback. I really like this car.

[CrankyOldMan]

^Why is it so skinny? Or is it just tall?

[ezhacker1]

From the front and back shots looks like a mini Rav4.

[Kal-El]

With the Matrix gone as well, the Auris is a needed model to fill that segment.

Keep in mind, it won't be called "Auris" when it arrives in the US. It will be Scion x(?).

[kimona]

^Why is it so skinny? Or is it just tall?

These shots don't make it look "so skinny".

[roxy1]

so that is pretty much a corolla hatchback, yes?

[jcboy]

the auris is a corolla based car. to the OP, the boxy concept never goes out of style, as opposed to the curvaceous style. oh well.

[Kalispel]

Pretty sharp looking hatch/lift-back, overall, despite the "teardrop" fog-light housings. I could go for that.

[kimona]

I think the Auris looks like a more fitting replacement for the Xd, not the Xb.

Anyway, I'm curious how much it will sell for.

[NYC-SE]

Scion's biggest mistake was getting rid of the first gen Xb. If it was still available I would have bought it instead of my Yaris. Essentially it WAS a Yaris mechanically, just with a lot more interior space.

[Kal-El]

Scion's biggest mistake was getting rid of the first gen Xb. If it was still available I would have bought it instead of my Yaris. Essentially it WAS a Yaris mechanically, just with a lot more interior space.

Well, the cubist vehicle trend seems to be dead. Nissan is dropping the Cube after this year due to lousy sales.

The xB did seem hurt by up-sizing though. Updating the original idea would have proved more successful.

[kimona]

Well, the cubist vehicle trend seems to be dead. Nissan is dropping the Cube after this year due to lousy sales.

The xB did seem hurt by up-sizing though. Updating the original idea would have proved more successful.

The 2nd generation xB was a dismal failure; sales plummeted! The 1st generation "toaster" is still an extremely popular resale vehicle.

[kimona]

so that is pretty much a corolla hatchback, yes?

Yup! I wish it would be introduced as the Corolla hatchback... a replacement for the (thank goodness it's gone) Matrix.

[nookandcrannycar]

Yup! I wish it would be introduced as the Corolla hatchback... a replacement for the (thank goodness it's gone) Matrix.

:thumbsup: It is MUCH better looking than the Matrix.

[nookandcrannycar]

Here are a couple of photos of the Auris hatchback. I really like this car.

I agree. It has some of the styling cues that I like in the Versa Note, but it's better looking than the Note.

[why?]

If I was Toyota I wouldn't even put out a new Yaris, I'd just make it the Scion. Dealers are not interested in selling Yaris, maybe as a Scion with less models they would get some sales.

[Superfly]

If I was Toyota I wouldn't even put out a new Yaris, I'd just make it the Scion. Dealers are not interested in selling Yaris, maybe as a Scion with less models they would get some sales.

Toyota not only needs to drop the Yaris and give it to Scion, but the entire platform needs to change. Either reduce the dimensions, add some sort of performance or off-road element, drop the top and turn it into a convertible or "hybrid-ize" the vehicle (which probably won't happen due to the Prius C). A Yaris rebadged as a Scion will suffer low numbers and really be uneconomical for TMC if there is a slightly larger Scion Corolla hatch. The only other solution is to strip it and make the MSRP dirt cheap. Personally, I would like to see the dimensions shrink a few inches, add boxy sheet metal and a 4x4 system and turn it into a Fiat Panda or Suzuki Sidekick. No one comes close to having a similar vehicle in the US right now.

[Astroman]

Agreed, they really need to offer a performance or varied type option on the yaris. Mini has the S (a real sport model, not like what toyota did) Fiat has the Arbath, Dodge has the SRT. Even mini now offers the countryman, coupe, etc.

I love my yaris, but wish Toyota would offer a true sport version like other manufactures.

[Kar98]

...reduce the dimensions...

:rolleyes:

It already is right there bordering on the painful, and actually is painful on longer drives. Just barely tolerable in the city. Any smaller in driver's leg and elbow room and wheelbase and I might as well cram my butt into a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe.


I would like to see the dimensions shrink a few inches


Are you an actual "little person"? ;)

[why?]

I really would like them to drop the Yaris, and come out with a successor to the first gen MR2. Something nice and tiny and rwd, but big enough on the inside for anyone to fit, a la the Fiero, that car had absolutely tons of interior space. Make it nice and simple and as generic as possible inside, but with the ability to easily swap in parts from more expensive cars, like the BRZ, tC, etc.

[nookandcrannycar]

:rolleyes:

It already is right there bordering on the painful, and actually is painful on longer drives. Just barely tolerable in the city. Any smaller in driver's leg and elbow room and wheelbase and I might as well cram my butt into a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe.



Are you an actual "little person"? ;)

:laugh: I guess it's all how one's body 'folds'. I've shrunk a fraction of an inch, so I'm now somewhere between 6'3" and 6'4". However, I 'sit tall' (have shorter legs) and don't have any 'fitment' issues re my Yaris.

[nookandcrannycar]

strip it and make the MSRP dirt cheap.

:thumbsup::thumbup::biggrin:.....Actually, once CTScott takes delivery of his Countryman ALL4, he will (IMO) have the best of both worlds for his terrain and climate......a 2nd Gen Yaris (that probably doesn't have a ton of miles on it) as a money saving daily driver, and the Countryman for ALMOST* everything else.

(* - his pickup = better for towing ChinoCharles' former Yaris than the Countryman would be :biggrin:)


Personally, I would like to see the dimensions shrink a few inches, add boxy sheet metal and a 4x4 system and turn it into a Fiat Panda or Suzuki Sidekick. No one comes close to having a similar vehicle in the US right now.

:thumbup: My cousin used to have a Suzuki Sidekick. Great re toting her dog around, heading to the mountains, hauling art, etc. She had a Saab 900 convertible after that. Great, but not quite as versatile as the Sidekick. Then came the little one...and it was on to a new Ford Escape.

[Superfly]

:rolleyes:

It already is right there bordering on the painful, and actually is painful on longer drives. Just barely tolerable in the city. Any smaller in driver's leg and elbow room and wheelbase and I might as well cram my butt into a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe.



Are you an actual "little person"? ;)

Can a 6' tall dude feel like a little person on the inside? :biggrin:

No, my rational being that the Corolla is really not much larger and has more offerings and incentives. It seems like the two are fighting for the same share of customers. Why not shrink the Yaris so that it competes more with the A segment cars? That way Toyota has a small, urban commuter and then the Corolla or the Prius C as their standard compacts.

[Superfly]

:thumbup: My cousin used to have a Suzuki Sidekick. Great re toting her dog around, heading to the mountains, hauling art, etc. She had a Saab 900 convertible after that. Great, but not quite as versatile as the Sidekick. Then came the little one...and it was on to a new Ford Escape.

God I miss the Sidekick. My buddy and I used to cruise in his during high school. It was the perfect rugged runabout for us in the North. It tackled snow like a champ and could still hold all our crap including last minute groceries or camping gear. I really wish something similar was on the market. I saw the Mini's but I know their reliability is horrendous for turbos and that seems to be all they are offering on their new line-up.

[Synyster]

Scion is becoming new Saturn. First build unique vehicles, then try to build a pricey sports car (Sky - FR-S) and then start re-badging European cars. Hopefully Scion won't end up like Saturn did.

[fnkngrv]

Scion is becoming new Saturn. First build unique vehicles, then try to build a pricey sports car (Sky - FR-S) and then start re-badging European cars. Hopefully Scion won't end up like Saturn did.


It very well may just do that. Honestly I am about tired of not only Toyota USA, but their global mindset in general. Constantly rebadging crap, not bringing the models to N.A. that could really have folks enjoying driving a compact or smaller car. Also their anemic mills being used for 20 years. Their strategy in the US especially is totally hosed. Just look at the 2015 Taco! This CAFE BS is causing all kinds of havoc. About the only thing that I can think is that they are biding their time for their big push with alternative fueled vehicles like their fuel cell car. :mad:

/rant

[Freestylin]

Here it is guys. This is the so-called North American version of the Toyota Auris, the Scion IM. IMO, I think it looks decent with the Lexus CT200h side profile and subaru front end.

Link: http://www.scion.com/concept_cars/iM/#image=Profile

[SilverBack]

Looks like an attempt by Toyota to milk the design of the 3rd gen. Impreza wagon and mix-in a little FR-S. However, I like how they're pushing themselves further away from their original boxy toaster design. I kind of like it.

It might also be an attempt to lure back those former young and single Scion owners at time the company was first introduced, which might explain the family-wagon concept lol.

[Thirty-Nine]

Looks like an attempt by Toyota to milk the design of the 3rd gen. Impreza wagon and mix-in a little FR-S. However, I like how they're pushing themselves further away from their original boxy toaster design. I kind of like it.

I'm the exact opposite. Scion had a heck of a thing going with the little xB. The further and further away from this idea they've gone, the worse sales have become. They should've just imported the second-gen bB from Japan and kept on being king of the cool subcompacts. The photos that have been posted are the iM concept. you can rest assured it won't nearly as sporty as this. It'll essentially be a Corolla wagon.

It might also be an attempt to lure back those former young and single Scion owners at time the company was first introduced, which might explain the family-wagon concept lol.

I don't think they'll be luring very many young buyers in with this. Sorry; I really don't. I'm all for the success of Scion, but I think the iM isn't going to do much to make Scion an exciting brand.

Personally, I'd have them return to their roots. Small, funky, frugal cars that are totally different in a good way. It worked once ...

[kimona]

I think Toyota's Scion brand has completely lost its original focus, and it probably should go the way of Saturn.

I wish Toyota would simply introduce the Toyota Corolla Auris in its present form as the Corolla hatchback. I'd buy one.

[CrankyOldMan]

I wish Toyota would simply introduce the Toyota Corolla Auris in its present form as the Corolla hatchback. I'd buy one.

Agreed. Or offer the 1.8 L variants of the Yaris...

[SilverBack]

I'm the exact opposite. Scion had a heck of a thing going with the little xB. The further and further away from this idea they've gone, the worse sales have become. They should've just imported the second-gen bB from Japan and kept on being king of the cool subcompacts. The photos that have been posted are the iM concept. you can rest assured it won't nearly as sporty as this. It'll essentially be a Corolla wagon.

I don't think I explained my view clearly enough. Yes I agree their original xA and xB was something interesting in terms of shape and size, but I guess what turned me away from the boxy design is how some of it spilled into the second gen. tC. I just like the curvier and simpler first gen. design over the boxy, sharp-angles on the second gen. coupe, let alone a wagon IMO.

I don't think they'll be luring very many young buyers in with this. Sorry; I really don't. I'm all for the success of Scion, but I think the iM isn't going to do much to make Scion an exciting brand.

Personally, I'd have them return to their roots. Small, funky, frugal cars that are totally different in a good way. It worked once ...

What I meant was they might be looking to age with the earliest owners within their demographics. Example: 20-something-guy buys an xA or XB in 2003, simply because he thinks it's cool to have one of these. Flash-forward to 2015 (or other year the iM debuts): He's in his 30's now and likely married with thoughts of kids, hence the wagon. That's just the way I see it anyway.

[mr_miles]

The yaris needs to be a scion vehicle with a 2zzge for the powerplant, slightly wider wheels, stiffer and lower suspension, and seats that don't make you sit like you're on a park bench. Instant sales there lol.

[nookandcrannycar]

and seats that don't make you sit like you're on a park bench.

:bellyroll::bellyroll::bellyroll:

[Superfly]

So, is Scion only going to have three models on the lots next year? I know the IQ and Xd are gone and I've heard the Xb is going away soon too.