Scion iM Concept previews Auris-based hatch at LA Auto Show
Toyota’s youth-focused Scion brand introduced the iM Concept at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, previewing a production model based on the Auris hatchback.
Scion, Toyota’s North American youth brand, introduced the iM Concept at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, previewing a production hatchback based on the Toyota Auris. The concept signals Scion’s intent to refresh its line-up with a practical yet sporty compact, aimed at younger buyers.
The iM Concept stands out with its low ride height, wide stance and aggressive styling. The car sits on 19-inch alloy wheels, with a body kit that includes pronounced side skirts, a front splitter and a rear diffuser. Scion’s design team has focused on giving the car a more assertive presence than the standard Auris, with sharp lines and a compact silhouette tailored for city use.
Auris underpinnings for US market
The iM Concept is built on the same platform as the Toyota Auris, a hatchback already established in other markets. For Scion, the iM marks an attempt to reinvigorate its range with a model that blends Japanese engineering with styling aimed at US tastes. The production version is expected to retain much of the concept’s exterior look, though some of the more extreme elements may be toned down for showroom models.
Scion’s current line-up has struggled to capture the attention of younger drivers in recent years. The iM Concept is part of Toyota’s broader strategy to revitalise the brand by offering more desirable and distinctive vehicles. The concept’s styling, with its lowered suspension and bespoke wheels, is intended to appeal to buyers looking for customisation and a sporty image straight from the factory.
Production plans and expected debut
While Scion has not confirmed full technical specifications, the production version is expected to closely follow the concept’s design. Launch timing points to a debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show, with sales aimed at the US market later that year. The move gives Scion a direct competitor to other compact hatches and aims to boost showroom traffic with a fresh, practical offering.
- Low, wide stance and 19-inch wheels mark out the concept
- Based on proven Toyota Auris platform
- Aimed at urban, style-conscious buyers
The iM Concept’s unveiling at Los Angeles joins a series of concept debuts at the show, highlighting manufacturers’ focus on practical yet stylish compact cars for city drivers. For more on the production version, see our coverage of the model’s later debut:Scion iM debuts at 2015 New York Auto Show as Auris-based hatch
