| The 2008 Scion tC makes a strong appeal to young buyers, with its sporty yet economical performance and an appearance, inside and out, that feels more sophisticated than other vehicles in its price range. Many of its finer details, such as seating comfort and refinement are in a class above. And for those with a little extra money, some of the features and appearance cues of a luxury sport coupe can be added on. |
| A 161-horsepower, 2.4L four-cylinder engine powers the front-wheel-drive Scion tC for 2008, with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The engine has variable valve timing with intelligence, for engine responsiveness throughout the rev range yet very fuel-efficient operation. With the five-speed manual transmission, the tC returns 20 mpg city, 27 highway in the EPA cycle.
The tC offers a wide range of comfort and convenience features compared to other sporty coupes in its price range. Well bolstered front sport seats are standard; in back, the seatbacks recline to 45 degrees and can adjust to ten different positions altogether. They're also split 60/40 and fold forward to an almost-flat cargo floor that's about 8.5 feet long. Tie-down hooks are provided for cargo convenience. Throughout the rest of the interior the tC has numerous storage spaces, including a two-tiered center console and CD and cell phone holders.
Safety-wise, the tC comes with front seat-mounted side air bags, a driver's knee air bag, and side-curtain air bags that extend to front and rear occupants. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard, along with electronic brakeforce distribution, and the four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones in back helps give responsive handling.
The tC comes equipped in a so-called "mono spec," meaning that it's only offered in a single model with a long list of standard equipment. That includes air conditioning, cruise control, a panorama glass moonroof, auto up/down power windows, power locks and mirrors, keyless entry, an audio cover, and a 160-watt Pioneer CD sound system with iPod control, steering-wheel audio controls, and an auxiliary input.
A wide range of options are geared toward customization and include various wheel, trim, and appearance add-ons, along with an in-dash navigation system and a premium sound system that includes the capability to play "skins" and play four- or eight-second clips.
Most noteworthy is the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) line of performance equipment, including suspension kits, a high-performance clutch, quick-shift kit, and sportier-sounding exhaust system. Seven-spoke, 18-inch EMX alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero tires are also offered for an especially sophisticated look.
For those who want to do it all themselves, there's also a Spec Package model, which is offered at a lower price than the standard model; it includes steel wheels, a fixed-glass roof, and a simplified lineup of colors.
All Scions come with complimentary maintenance service at the 5,000- and 10,000-mile intervals. |
| For 2008, the sporty Scion tC coupe gets a new look on the outside-with a new grille, projector-type headlamps, and a new taillamp design. Inside there are various enhancements including a restyled instrument panel and silver-colored accents throughout. A Pioneer subwoofer has been added to the standard-equipment list for bassier sound, and integrated iPod connectivity is now standard for the model line.
Exterior colors have been revamped as well; Wave Line Pearl, Sizzling Crimson Metallic, and Blue Ribbon Metallic replace Azure Pearl, Black Cherry Pearl, and Nautical Blue Metallic. |