tC

Make
Scion
Segment
Hatchback

Problem: the arrival of the FR-S makes the Scion tC look dated, to say the least. Solution: make the tC look more like the FR-S. Whether you agree with the logic or not, that's the path which Toyota has clearly taken with the updated Scion coupe, unveiled today at the New York Auto Show. But lest you think the tC has become irrelevant, the Japanese automaker notes that it has accounted for 40 percent of Scions sold since the brand was launched 10 years ago.

The changes can be most readily seen in the nose (which gets new headlights, LED accents, grille, and longer and lower hood) and the tail (which gets a blacked-out faux-diffuser section and LED tail lights with black surrounds). Of course the 18-inch alloys are new, but while the 2.5-liter four remains unchanged at 179 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque, the six-speed automatic (optional over the six-speed manual) gets the FR-S' rev matching technology. The chassis has also been upgraded to be stiffer, while inside there's a new audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and an optional audi system with Aha integration.