NEW FOR 2014:
– Revised nose and tail styling, new wheels
– Updated six-speed automatic transmission
– Enhanced interior materials, standard Pioneer touchscreen audio system
– Increased structural rigidity
– Suspension and steering changes
– Limited-edition 10 Series model
– New colours: Absolutely Red, Blue Streak
Hot on the heels of the new FR-S, Scion has given its other coupe a significant update for 2014. The tC gets revised styling that’s considerably more aggressive thanks to angular headlamps and a wide-mouthed grille. New tail lights and a revised bumper design freshen up the rear end. Inside, upgraded interior materials have been fitted, as has a 6.1-inch Pioneer display audio system with Bluetooth streaming music and USB port.
As for the bits in between, they haven’t been forgotten – though most changes are under the surface. Additional spot welds to the tC’s fastback body aim to increase structural rigidity, while changes to the stabilizer bars, shocks, and the electric power steering provide a more dialed-in experience. Power from the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine remains at 180 hp, but those opting for the six-speed automatic will note shifts that are nearly twice as fast, plus a blip of the throttle upon manual downshifts.
While these changes won’t elevate the tC to FR-S levels of fun, they do boost its appeal against the coupe versions of the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Hyundai Elantra.
Ushering in these changes is a limited-edition model to celebrate the brand’s 10th anniversary. The 10 Series tC gets a whole host of custom details including silver seatbelts, an illuminated shift knob, illuminated exterior badges, and Silver Ignit10n paint with graphite-painted wheels.
The tC comes in a single trim line, and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cloth sport bucket seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, cruise control, vanity mirrors, driver’s seat one-touch walk-in with track and seat angle memory, outside temperature gauge, power locks with keyless entry, power port, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, chrome exhaust tip, projector-style headlamps, two-pane panoramic sunroof, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, 6.1-inch Pioneer display audio system with CD/MP3 stereo with eight speakers, auxiliary input, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, driver and passenger front knee airbags, and active front head restraints.
The tC 10 Series adds Silver Ignit10n paint, graphite painted wheels, silver seatbelts, solar-powered illuminated shift knob, illuminated instrument panel, jackknife key, special edition cargo and floor mats, illuminated exterior badges, and sequentially numbered badge.
Available factory- or dealer-installed options include a hood deflector, rear spoiler, side window visors, all-season floor mats, cargo liner, mat and net, heated leather seats, Alpine premium sound system, satellite radio, block heater, remote starter and security system.
