What does the Canadian automotive market need? More sporty, versatile, five-door hatchbacks, of course. Scion answers the call with the reveal of the Scion iM hatchback here at the 2015 New York Auto Show. Based upon the European market Toyota Auris (and the tC), the iM seeks to fill the mainstream gap in the Scion lineup.

The iM was first shown at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show in concept form wearing a very aggressive body kit (complete with wide front and rear fenders), 19-inch wheels, four-piston front brake calipers clamping onto large ventilated rotors and adjustable coilover suspension – basically, adhering to the formula that most hot-hatch lovers would want to apply to their vehicle.

Scion’s lineup has always been known for their youthful, innovative and unique designs – often appealing to the younger crowd that wants something different. And while they’re all extremely cool, they’ve never been known to appeal to the mainstream car-buying market. Scion sets out to forge their way out of the niche market and into the mainstream fold with the iM.

Unfortunately, like most sporty-ish cars, the production-ready version isn’t quite as cool. Gone are the wide body fenders and the extremely aggressive body kit. Gone are the big brakes up front. Despite this, the iM is a sharp, purposeful looking hatch that retains the same sporty feel.

Appearance-wise, the iM is unmistakably a Scion/Toyota product. The hexagonal lower grille, LED projector headlights with LED running lights and side bezels with the honeycomb mesh pattern are similar to the FR-S setup. The piano-black grille integrates smartly with the headlight housing, giving the iM a handsome, and sporty front end.

The profile carries on the same style with the upper line being carried all the way from the front fenders to the taillights. The lower lines add contrast with a with a “swoosh” indented into the doors. This gives the profile a dynamic and fluid feel that will certainly appeal to younger buyers.

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