While badge engineering isn’t usually considered a good thing, this review of the 2016 Scion iA from Consumer Reports says Toyota was right to rebadge the Mazda2 sedan.
However, that says a lot about Toyota’s own Yaris, compared to which the Scion iA is a revelation, according to reviewer Mike Quincy. Mazda’s sporty DNA is present even in this cheap sedan, whose reflexes remind of the Miata.
The Scion iA has precise and responsive steering, while the six-speed manual transmission contributes to a sporty feeling and helps bring the most out of the 106hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Ride quality is better than in Toyota and Scion vehicles of the same size, and the interior is nicer than what you would expect for a car that costs $16,495 (including shipping). The reviewer’s conclusion is that it’s hard to think of a car that offers more for less money.