What You Should Know about 2011 Scion tC

The 2011 scion TC's only real shortcoming is styling. Its new exterior styling is a bit more expressive but is still fairly anodyne when compared to the likes of the Hyundai Veloster, Mini Cooper, and even the Chevrolet Sonic. That becomes even more obvious inside, as it seems Toyota designers still haven't learned the art of making cheap plastics look expensive. Its Circuit City-style radio unit likewise seems rather antiquated compared to the standard LCD touchscreen that comes with a Veloster. On the other hand, the Veloster isn't as rewarding to drive as the tC.

The tC has always been a surprisingly lively and well-rounded offering, but its redesign has quietly turned it into a legitimate sporty car for those on a budget. It starts with a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which provides strong acceleration throughout the rev-range and yet remains smooth and snappy. It plays well with the slick, precise manual gearbox, encouraging smooth rev-matched downshifts.

On a small side note, we've officially reached the point where a normally aspirated engine is a welcome novelty, though you do pay for it with mediocre fuel economy. The tC also feels more tossable than its predecessor, even though it's not that light at nearly 3100 pounds. The handling is relatively balanced for a front-wheel-drive car, and the steering, which used to be limp and light, now has genuine feel and feedback.