Automatic Braking Standard On 2016 Scion iA Sedan
By Paulo Acoba
Automatic braking for entry level models? Why thank you Scion.
Our good friends at Auto News broke news earlier yesterday (July 4, 2015) that the soon to be available 2016 Scion iA sedan will come standard with their own automatic braking system. Scion thinks that you shouldn’t have to spend your money on a more expensive vehicle just to enjoy some of the safety luxuries only found on other high-end models.
Currently, this type of automatic braking system can be found on the BMW 3-series and 5-Series, most new Volvos, Hyundai Genesis, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Infiniti Q70 andToyota Avalon. It’s even found on some mid-range models like the Buick Regal, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Impala. But Scion has went ahead and jumped a segment (or two) and stuck it on one of their cheapest vehicles (MSRP for a Scion iA sedan starts at $16,495.)
According to Auto News,
"“The system, built by Conti Temic, a subsidiary of Continental AG, uses an infrared radar system to scan the road roughly 30 feet ahead of the car, and only when the iA is moving between 2 and 18 mph.”"
If and when an object is headed straight for the Scion iA the iA will give you an audible warning, flash a light on the dashboard and precharge the brakes. Only when a crash is imminent will the Scion iA Pump the brakes for you. Very impressive stuff Scion.
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Initial first drives of the Scion iA by such media outlets like Autoblog can be described as promising at best. With a pokey 1.5 liter inline four giving you 106 HP and 103 lbs-ft of torque, acceleration is lack luster. The same can be said about the handling. Other than that, everything else about the Scion iA is up to snuff. There’s plenty of cargo room as far as small cars go and ergonomics are very…Toyota. And with 42 MPG on the highway, your wallet isn’t complaining.
Scion and Toyota (when it comes to their entry level models so think Yaris) want you to have a very good first buying impression. That’s why some of the best from the automotive world, like automatic braking, is included in these bargain bin models. They know that when they “hit it out of the park” with you the first time, you’ll come back for more. Today a Scion iA, tomorrow a Toyota Corolla. Then a Camry and a Sienna when you’re a parent. Maybe you’ll buy a Scion FR-S as your weekend car later on down the road. As easy as it is to say safety first, Toyota more importantly wants you to be a customer for life. And for that, we all benefit.