Let’s get one thing out of the way in discussing Scion’s first sedan: Yes, it looks like a wannabe Mazda. Want to know why? Because it’s a Mazda. A Mazda2, to be specific. But wait, isn’t Scion a part of Toyota? See, here’s where things get complicated.
The otherwise delightful Mazda2 hasn’t done as well as was hoped against the likes of the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa, and Chevy Sonic. So, at some point in the development of the second-generation model, it decided to throw in the towel, at least in the U.S. market. We won’t get the next Mazda2, at least not according to current plans.
That’s where Scion stepped in; it was looking for a decent entry-level product and hoping to avoid using a lightly-modified Yaris, because that didn’t work out so well for the xA. Unfortunately Scion doesn’t have much of a budget for developing its own unique products, either. A deal was cut with Mazda to sell a rebadged Mazda2 as a Scion, and the rest of the story is right here.
This isn’t the first time Scion’s played this game; the FR-S is a virtual clone of the Subaru BR-Z. If Mazda decides to bring the Mazda2 back after all, the deal is that they'll sell the hatch while Scion gets the sedan. In the meantime, the big-jawed iA aims to inject a more stylish element into the entry-level sedan segment.
Speaking of virtual clones, the iA doesn’t change much from the source material. Apart from unique front end sheet metal, this is essentially a Mazda2. The curving character lines on the flanks, pedestal mirrors, and even the headlight shape are pure Mazda.
Is this one going to be radical enough for Scion? Well, the restyled front end has been drawn to be polarizing. A massive trapezoidal air intake seems to be making fun of Audi’s single-frame grille, topped by a narrow air inlet similar to that of the BR-Z coupe. The Mazda headlights are even sculpted into the hood line. The dropped jaw may grow on you. That, or you'll start to hate it. The Mazda and Scion styling cues clash slightly, for a look that’s unique.
