In an attempt to broaden the customer base of its North America-exclusive Scion brand, Toyota is expected to add a new hatchback as well as a sedan, a body style never before offered by Scion.
The hatchback is likely to be a version of the Toyota Auris, sold in Europe, Japan and other markets. According to a report from AutoGuide that quotes a company insider, the hatchback would be a spiritual successor to the Toyota Matrix. The current Toyota Auris (pictured) was introduced to the European and Japanese markets in 2013 and is available with optional all-wheel drive.
What is even more surprising for the youth-focused brand is that Toyota is also considering the addition of a conventional sedan to Scion, which is likely to be based on the upcoming Mazda2 platform. As previous reports have indicated, the next-generation Toyota Yaris will also share the architecture with the next-generation Mazda2 and will even use a Skyactiv gasoline engine from Mazda.
Production of the upcoming Mazda2 will begin at Mazda’s new plant in Salamanca, Mexico, in mid-2015. Besides the mysterious sedan, Scion may also launch new products including a small crossover and the rumored convertible FR-S.
The new models are part of Scion’s plan to freshen up its lineup, along with the possible axing of older nameplates like the xB or xD. The first of the new Scion models is expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November
By Dan Mihalascu
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