Introduction
The Scion FR-S is a small sports coupe, the product of a joint effort by Toyota and Subaru. It's a 4-cylinder model with rear-wheel drive, and might appeal to people who would also consider a Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mini Cooper, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, or Fiat 500. It's extremely similar to the Subaru BRZ, which was developed alongside it. The Scion FR-S is available in a single trim, with many dealer-installed options available.
Exterior Features
The Scion FR-S is available in six standard colors: black, dark grey, silver, dark red, dark blue, and burnt orange. White is available at a slight premium. Standard exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, variable intermittent front windshield wipers, dual exhaust, projector beam headlights with auto-off, and daytime running lights.
Interior Features
Standard interior features include air conditioning, power windows with one-touch auto up-down, power door locks, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, rear window defogger, digital clock, multi-information display, analog tachometer with programmable rev indicator, leather-trimmed tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, aluminum scuff plates, carpet floor mats, sport pedals, fold-flat rear seat, dual sun visors with vanity mirrors, an 8-speaker sound system, and cloth upholstery with red piping. Trunk space comes to 6.9 cubic feet.
Optional Features
Dealer-installed enhancements include paint protection film for the hood, front fender, and front bumper; rear bumper applique; mud flaps; rear lip spoiler; ashtray; carpet trunk mat; cargo tote; premium audio system; wheel locks; and a varied menu of service plans.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Scion FR-S is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission can be a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with manual shifters. Rear-wheel drive is standard.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Scion FR-S are:
- FR-S with manual transmission: 22/30/28 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- FR-S with automatic transmission: 25/34/28 mpg
Safety
Standard safety features of note on the 2013 Scion FR-S include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, front and rear side curtain air bags, front air bags, and side air bags.
No safety ratings are yet available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) the 2013 Scion FR-S received "Good" ratings--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset, side impact, and roof strength tests.
Technology
Toyota and Subaru worked together to develop the Scion FR-S's engine. It combines Subaru's new horizontally opposed 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with Toyota's injection system, which combines direct and port injection. Direct injectors are used at all engine speeds; the port injectors come into play under certain circumstances. Also, the automatic transmission has a Sport mode that quickens shift timing while holding gears at higher revs.
