Scion iM and Toyota Direction

I suspect we haven't seen a hybrid Scion because of the brand's pricing and feature model. Like Saturn of old, Scion sells cars at the MRSP with no haggling. For an affordable brand aimed at younger customers, they are loaded on the standard features. The lack of options may save a little bit of cost in manufacturing, but costs are mostly saved by using older engine and transmission designs.

Not saying that is a bad thing, but it does lead to some, uncompetitiveness in regards to sales. When it became a Scion, the iQ lost the engine and transmission options, and then got some extra features. Its predelivery price is over $16k. Its main competitors are the smart fortwo and Chevy Spark; both of which have an base price around $12k.Of course the price goes up when features are added, but a buyer can haggle for a better price.

A hybrid xB would likely get an unattractive price increase, or use the HSD from the gen2 Prius.

 

The car in the picture looks a european Auris (E180), good for Toyota to spread its nice design...

 

they're gonna have to up their marketing game...

 

I wonder how marketing will change in light of young people not being as interested in cars like previous generations. More and more young adults or late teens are opting to not own a vehicle.

 

I think some of the marketing for the Spark has realized this, but it likely will be more social media based, and we'll miss it.

 

i've heard this, and even know some of my kids friends who don't have cars, but where can we find the facts? i read that sub prime auto loans are out of control. someone is buying a lot of cars.

 

It went from Yaris/Sonic to Matrix/HHR.

My father bought one during 'Cash for Clunkers'. I tried steering him to the Matrix, which had a smaller engine option, thus better fuel economy and incentive, but he liked the original xB's style.

The funny thing about Scions when they started out around here was that most seem to be driven by 30somethings. I even looked at an xA because the US didn't get an Echo hatchback.

 

It's like one of several Mitsubishi cars I see appealing to the teen age crowd;



Not that it's working extra well for Mitsubishi sales. You gotta love grooves scoops & giant grill work I guess.
.

 

I gotta disagree with that assessment. My FIL just purchased a 2014 xB 2 weeks ago and I drove it home for him. It basically is the same weight as the Prius Liftback but shorter, slightly wider and lower ground clearance with a 2.4L. Very well balanced and with the 2.4L ICE has some nice pickup, better than the Prius, about the same as the Venza with the 2.7L. Great car for him because he can get in and out easily and the back hatch floor is high enough so it doesn't require him bending over to put something in it. I believe ease of access will be a very important selling point as our population seems to be getting older.

Doesn't quite ride as nice as my PiP (especially with the new hakkapeliitta r2 snow tires) and the auto tranny needs another speed or 2, but it does have a Pioneer sound system, 16" wheels and is a bit quieter. I got 32 on the cons mpg meter but I think with a 6-speed it would get better.

 

The big xB isn't a bad. It is nicer than the HHR which is very close in size. It is just that it car model generational bloat creep to an absurd level. The new Corolla is mid size noew. It gained 7cu.ft. in volume over the previous generation. The xB gained 12. If it was counted as a hatchback instead of a wagon, it would jump from compact to large car. It went from unique, versatile compact to a small wagon that nearly every over brand had, but with a thirstier base engine.