2014 Scion FR-S [First Impression]

2014 Scion FR-S

No matter how much you love the 2014 Scion FR-S, it will never be anything but a pure driver’s car to its fans. It is, without a doubt, one of the best handling sports cars priced under $30,000. It is SO connected to the driver that, despite its weak (mostly)Subaru-sourced powertrain, it can outgun some of the best sports cars out there on the track. It’s precise, easy to calibrate, hugs corners and when the back-end comes out, it’s a snap to control.

Rear wheels being fed power through a proper six-speed manual transmission = heaven. The engine note snarls like a WRX and the lightweight (nearly 2,800 lbs) 2014 Scion FR-S dances when it sees a corner.

Keep in mind: that’s all on the race track. Out on the streets – it’s a completely different picture.

2013 Scion FR-S Raw & Unedited Engine Note & Acceleration test
2013 Scion FR-S Raw & Unedited Engine Note & Acceleration test

The 2.0-liter boxer makes 200 horsepower, and that simply isn’t enough. The 151 lbs of torque isn’t enough either. You have to rev it hard to make power and, in doing so, you are watching taillights of a regular car as it speeds away. It’s-not-fast-enough.

Day to day driving is pretty good for folks who find the interior comfortable. The seats are well bolstered and work great on the track. They do impede ingress and egress while not locking in place when pushed forward for rear entrance. Speaking of the back seat: it’s small. VERY small. Even children might be uncomfortable back there and the butt cushion is so narrow, many booster seats won’t fit.

2013 Scion FR-S
Commuting is not too shabby, as long as you only have one passenger. It gets an impressive 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The overall highway ride is pretty good for a sports car and the road noise is acceptable. Scions updates this year is a new infotainment system (it’s okay) and padding on both sides of the foot-well. the padding is a welcome addition for tall people who bump the transmission tunnel often.

My gripes aside: this is the car you want if you are serious about track days.

I mean, $25,455 is a damn good asking price for this type of vehicle. Still, I can’t get past its low power. It’s a toss-up as to what your hold dear… cornering or acceleration.

It-needs-more-power.

See?!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.