[bicepeak]

We have heard speculation in the past about a Scion Crossover, but it just got a boost from this current article. Murtha has tried to quash these rumors before, but I think he was being coy until the iM is established. I wonder if it will be as big as the Verso....or will it be like the Rush? I might be happy with either. Excited that it might be introduced in the Fall of 2016 as a 2017 model.....1 more year basically.

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...d-scion-gets-a-serving-of-new-cars-crossovers.



I may put off purchasing my iM until I get more info on what is coming. I wasn't willing to wait when I thought a possible crossover was 2-3 years away, but 1 year is another story.
Interesting comments about the iM too, which seem very likely.

"iM: Because it has been on sale globally for several years, the iM that hits stores in September is expected to have a shorter life span than most models. A redesigned model should go on sale in early 2019, at which point it will move to the same NGA-C platform as the Toyota Corolla that's also due around that time. (my comment: also a lower seat height?...would not like that)

Subcompact crossover: A new, yet-unnamed subcompact crossover should hit Scion dealerships next fall as a 2017 model. It likely will resemble the C-HR Concept vehicle Toyota debuted at the 2014 Paris auto show and will ride on the smaller version of Toyota's modular platform dubbed the NGA-B. (my comment: I hope it has C-HR styling touches, but not the Juke-like body)
With price and efficiency a main concern, this crossover should have a small, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine under the hood."

 

[Briggs]

If it is based off of a concept car, does that mean that this vehicle will be exclusive to Scion instead of being badge engineered and shared with another brand?

 

[ToddMS]

I watched a review on youtube about the c-hr and they got the Toyota guy to say that they would be in production in 2016. However, they never said it would be a Toyota or Scion or anything. Just that it would be in the market around 2016. I expect to see something about this at the LA Auto show in the Fall of this year.

 

[bicepeak]

I watched a review on youtube about the c-hr and they got the Toyota guy to say that they would be in production in 2016. However, they never said it would be a Toyota or Scion or anything. Just that it would be in the market around 2016. I expect to see something about this at the LA Auto show in the Fall of this year.

That interview was in Paris in October , I believe. If this current article is accurate they have decided Scion will get it. It is doubly likely since Scion is officially slated to get a third new vehicle.


I sure hope that when November comes and the LA show opens, they display something practical and not this "Juke" concept car. I am afraid I will be disappointed.

 

[bicepeak]

If it is based off of a concept car, does that mean that this vehicle will be exclusive to Scion instead of being badge engineered and shared with another brand?

It is only my guess, but I think there will not be two versions of this car. I really think Toyota having it's RAV4 and Scion getting a smaller CUV is very good planning. Sort of "go their own way" with a unique vehicle to separate the divisions better. Especially if they are serious about saving Scion.

 

[bicepeak]

Here is a second article published today.....

Murtha not "giving details" today actually gives me more hope about a Crossover from Scion.




Scion is trying to double its US sales in less than two years - Business Insider


DETROIT (Reuters) - The youth-oriented Scion brand will double U.S. sales to above 100,000 by 2017 on the strength of three new offerings, two of which go on sale in September, the head of the 12-year-old Toyota Motor Corp brand said.
In the first half of this year, Scion's U.S. sales were down 19 percent at nearly 25,000. But Doug Murtha, the brand head, said Scion, helped by the two model launches, should end this year near the 58,000 in U.S. sales it had in 2014.
The rise past 100,000 toward the brand's record of 173,000 in 2006, Murtha said, will be spurred by the first four-door models, the iA sedan and the iM hatchback, which will be at dealerships Sept. 1, and a third new vehicle to go on sale by 2017.
Earlier this year, Automotive News reported that the third new model will be a compact utility vehicle or SUV-like hatchback to debut before 2017. Murtha would not give details when he met with reporters in Detroit on Monday.


Small SUVs and crossover utility vehicles are the hottest sellers in the U.S. market while sedans have been losing ground as gasoline prices remain moderately low."

 

[Gotcha]

I just wonder if an exclusively Scion crossover would make business sense for Toyota as a whole. Does Scion have the potential to actually sell enough of these that it would be worth it, as opposed to using the concept for something else for a different brand.

 

[SiM]

I don't see why they wouldn't, at this point for them I think is all about timing. The crossover segment is growing and tapping into it will serve them well as they're at a point they want big volume models.

 

[ToddMS]

Toyota preparing Scion-badged Nissan Juke fighter
@bicepeak, this may have that taller passenger seat.

 

[bicepeak]

Toyota preparing Scion-badged Nissan Juke fighter
@bicepeak , this may have that taller passenger seat.

I really appreciate you finding this! I don't know how I missed this since I have been searching every day.


The only thing that bothers me is that they went through great lengths to put a huge tent over the rear probably hiding a Juke-like useless cargo area. I hate this trend toward extreme fastbacks taking away from the utility. Hopefully there will be some more spy photos revealing the design of that area.

Thanks again for sharing this Todd. I was just about to go with a RAV4, but seeing this, I may wait a little longer.

The annoying tent......

 

[DBB]

It is only my guess, but I think there will not be two versions of this car. I really think Toyota having it's RAV4 and Scion getting a smaller CUV is very good planning. Sort of "go their own way" with a unique vehicle to separate the divisions better. Especially if they are serious about saving Scion.

I think they're going to do it like the FRS. A Scion in the US and a Toyota globally...

 

[bicepeak]

I think they're going to do it like the FRS. A Scion in the US and a Toyota globally...

That would make sense.

 

[SiM]

That's the best way to do this, much like the business model involving the iM and Auris, especially with the growing need for small crossovers not just in north american but in other markets and as some may have noticed world market vehicles are required more than ever now.

 

[ToddMS]

I agree with the rear tent thing. FWIW, I don't fit in a Juke even a little so if it is that size it won't matter to me. But I don't understand the rear at all.

Also, you can't go wrong with the RAV4. My wife got one about a year ago and she loves it. She traded in her 99 Corolla so it was a big change for her. If you're a bigger (read: fatter) guy like me, go with the LE AWD model to avoid the bolsters in the seats. That's what she got with the option of the better radio and roof rails. We're leasing, but totally plan on buying it after the lease runs out.

 

[DBB]

I wish they got a few more shots of it closer to the xB.. would of been great for scale...

Toyota's New Subcompact Crossover Goes Hot Weather Testing Photo Gallery - Motor Trend

 

[Briggs]

They are really covering up that back end. Looks like they are going to do something interesting with the shape of the rear. I wonder how much of the concept they will translate into that rear area.

 

[bicepeak]

They are really covering up that back end. Looks like they are going to do something interesting with the shape of the rear. I wonder how much of the concept they will translate into that rear area.

I know.....I don't think I have ever seen such a huge stand away covering for a prototype.
Hoping it is more vertical than sloped.

 

[SiM]

Seems like its safe to say the roof will be coupe styled, since the part of the roof we can see is styled just like that, gives a clear hint as to what to expect going further more to the rear.

 

[bicepeak]

Seems like its safe to say the roof will be coupe styled, since the part of the roof we can see is styled just like that, gives a clear hint as to what to expect going further more to the rear.

True....but you could still end it with an upright panel that will help with cargo.


I think you are guessing right on a coupe style roof .

 

[bicepeak]

This is the Prius, but I hopw we soon get the same kind of sneak peeks of the Scion crossover soon.
2016 Toyota Prius spy photos -- Automotive News Photo Gallery


By the way....it will be likely be called the iR because Scion recently copywrited it.