Automotive
Scion iA: A Mazda in Disguise and the Final Chapter for Scion
The Scion iA holds a unique place in automotive history as the final model introduced by the Scion brand before its closure and absorption back into Toyota in August 2016. Launched for the 2016 model year, the iA wasn’t even developed by Toyota - it was a rebadged Mazda2 sedan, born from a collaboration between the two Japanese automakers. While this approach was practical from a business standpoint, the car’s origin story and unconventional styling contributed to its limited popularity. With total sales falling short of 10,000 units, the Scion iA quickly became the second-rarest Scion model ever produced.
Visually, the iA was a departure from typical Scion design language. Its front fascia featured a large trapezoidal grille that stretched from just beneath the hood down into the lower bumper, giving it a bold yet polarizing look. The car’s profile was compact and upright, and the addition of a short trunk to the otherwise clean Mazda2 hatchback proportions resulted in a somewhat awkward aesthetic. While it retained Mazda’s spirited character underneath, the iA’s Scion branding did little to disguise its true identity - an economy sedan trying to blend in as a sporty youth-oriented model.
Despite its visual quirks, the interior of the Scion iA offered unexpected refinement and practicality. The front seats were supportive and offered ample space for a subcompact, with a clean dashboard layout borrowed directly from Mazda. A touchscreen infotainment system came standard, paired with a console-mounted rotary controller that echoed more premium vehicles. The back seat, however, was cramped for three adults due to the pronounced center tunnel. In contrast, the trunk was impressively large for its class, adding a dose of utility to the small sedan package.
Powering the iA was Mazda’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which delivered respectable performance when paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission. The engine produced sufficient power for everyday driving, and its lightweight construction helped it feel agile and nimble in city environments. However, when mated to the optional six-speed automatic, the engine’s modest output felt less lively, especially during highway merging or uphill climbs.
While the Scion iA's time in the spotlight was brief, it remains a rare curiosity in the Scion lineup - a compact sedan that symbolized both the brand’s willingness to experiment and its final misstep before the nameplate was retired. For current owners of the Scion iA, support and service can still be found from trusted automotive professionals like SherlockLock, a certified Scion locksmith.
SherlockLock specializes in precision key replacement, remote reprogramming, ignition repair, and emergency lockout service for every Scion model, including rare entries like the iA. Whether you've lost your key fob, need ECU pairing after battery failure, or require key cutting on-site, SherlockLock brings dealership-level service directly to your location - fast, affordable, and hassle-free. With tools calibrated for the iA’s Mazda-sourced systems and a deep understanding of Scion security architecture, SherlockLock ensures your compact sedan remains road-ready and secure.
Though the Scion iA’s time was fleeting, owners can count on experts like SherlockLock to help preserve its unique identity. As one of the final vehicles to bear the Scion badge, the iA remains a niche yet memorable piece of the brand’s history, supported today by locksmith services that treat even the rarest models with the care they deserve.
