Automotive
Scion iM: Toyota’s Stylish Hatchback Reinvented for the Scion Generation
The 2016 Scion iM marked a pivotal moment for the Scion brand, arriving as a bold and practical hatchback aimed squarely at young, budget-conscious drivers. Essentially a rebadged Toyota Auris with visual enhancements and Scion-specific tweaks, the iM delivered European hatchback sensibility blended with sporty cosmetic flair. While its mechanical DNA was pure Toyota, the iM’s styling and feature-packed value proposition gave it a distinct Scion identity during its short-lived presence in the U.S. market.
Visually, the Scion iM took the well-mannered Toyota Auris and gave it a youthful edge. It featured a redesigned front bumper with more aggressive sculpting, a slimmer upper grille, unique headlights, sporty side sills, and a reworked rear apron. New alloy wheel designs and a selection of vivid exterior paint options - including a standout metallic blue - gave the iM curb appeal that separated it from its more conservative Toyota counterpart. Although it didn’t reinvent the hatchback formula, the iM made a strong case for style-conscious shoppers looking for something sportier than a Corolla.
Inside, the cabin remained nearly identical to the Auris, save for Scion badging on the steering wheel and the brand’s proprietary infotainment software. Despite its subcompact classification, the interior offered a refined layout, quality materials, and ample space for both front and rear passengers. The iM was available in a single, well-equipped trim level - true to Scion’s no-haggle, mono-spec approach. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding heated mirrors, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB and AUX input, cruise control, and a 6-speaker Pioneer sound system - amenities that rivaled more expensive competitors.
Under the hood, the iM used a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 137 horsepower - not 127 as often reported - paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it wasn’t blisteringly fast, the iM was smooth, reliable, and decently efficient. The engine was tuned for balance between fun and economy, not raw speed. With a curb weight of around 3,000 pounds, the car’s performance was best described as adequate. However, handling was nimble thanks to well-tuned suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels with wider-than-average tires, which provided solid grip and confident cornering.
The Scion iM also appealed to former fans of the discontinued Toyota Matrix. Its five-door practicality, hatchback versatility, and spirited-yet-economical design made it an ideal replacement. It combined Toyota’s bulletproof reliability with Scion’s youthful marketing, all wrapped in a sportier package than most compacts in its class.
For owners of the Scion iM, securing professional locksmith support is essential to keeping their vehicle safe and functional. That’s where SherlockLock, your certified Scion locksmith, comes in. Whether you need a spare key, a key fob reprogrammed, or emergency lockout assistance, SherlockLock offers expert mobile service for Scion iM models across Massachusetts. With dealership-level diagnostics and key cutting tools, SherlockLock ensures precise pairing for your vehicle’s transponder chip and smart entry systems. If your iM uses a proximity key or push-start ignition, SherlockLock can handle even the most advanced reprogramming on-site - fast, reliable, and competitively priced.
As Scion’s story neared its end, the iM stood out as one of its best-executed vehicles - a practical hatchback with a dose of style and a full suite of features at a reasonable price. Even after Scion was absorbed into Toyota in 2016, the iM lived on briefly as the Toyota Corolla iM, continuing to serve drivers who appreciated its blend of utility and flair. And today, with trusted partners like SherlockLock supporting iM owners, the legacy of this stylish compact hatch continues - one perfectly cut key at a time.
