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2013 Scion FR-S

The 2013 Scion FR-S is a compact rear wheel drive sports car. This high performance coupe becomes the fifth model to join the Scion family. It comes as a result of a pairing between Toyota and Subaru, although it is being sold through the Scion branch of Toyota.

This car can be seen as a true definition of a sports car with remarkable balanced handling and performance, flexible utility, surprising great fuel economy, and compelling style.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $24,955.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons (50l) MPG: 22 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 166.7 in. (423.4 cm) Wheel Base: 101.2 in. (257 cm)
Height: 50.6 in. (128.5 cm) Width: 69.9 in. (177.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 2758 lbs (1251 kg) Ground Clearance: 4.9 in. (12.4 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 6.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 2.0L 4 Cylinder Boxer Compression Ratio: 12.5: 1
Horsepower: 200 HP Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 151 lb-ft @ 6600 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Engine & Performance

The Scion FR-S gets its power from a 2.0L horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine that generates 200 horsepower and 151 lbs-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. This engine is matched with either a 6-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, or a 6-speed manual transmission. From standstill, this car can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, beating its identical twin sibling, Subaru BRZ, which clocks 7.3 seconds.

Fuel economy of an FR-S with an automatic gearbox estimates at 25 mpg in city and 34 mpg on highways, and 22/30 mpg if paired with the manual one. Because it is light weight and nimble handling, the FR-S offers a nice driving experience; while its strong brakes, agility and precise steering often draws comparisons to luxury sports cars such as the Porsche Cayman.

Exterior

The FR-S comes with a solid and fierce exterior that reflects the car’s inner power. The profile reveals a roofline that is remarkably low and sleek, giving the car an aerodynamic shape directing air modestly over to the top. The front side is made of sharp lines, and comes with angular headlights housing projector-beam halogen lamps.

The rear face sits wide and low with sleek lower treatments surrounding the sporty twin exhaust system. The center-mounted back-up lights finish the brawny design, with the LEDs illuminating the edgy taillights. The FR-S, available in just one trim level, comes with standard 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

The cabin has many standard features and provides sufficient comfortable space. From the aggressively-bolstered front seats to the clear-cut controls, this car envelops the driver in a cabin that is fully focused on the task at hand.

It’s small rear seat and trunk make it more practical than a Nissan 370Z or Mazda Miata. Standard interior features include: height-adjustable driver seat, air conditioning, 300-watt maximum Pioneer sound system with a HD radio, CD player, auxiliary audio jack, RCA output jacks, USB/iPod integration, and Bluetooth. The 2013 FR-S has a leather-wrapped steering wheel that has tilt and telescoping adjustments.

Safety & Reliability

The 2013 Scion FR-S is equipped with 6-airbags that include: dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, side-curtain airbags and front-seat-mounted airbags. Other standard safety feature are: traction control, brake assist, electronic stability control, 4-wheel disc brakes, Smart stop technology and anti-lock braking system.

Just like other Scion models, the FR-S is backed with a 3-year or 36,000 mile limited warranty, as well as 5-year or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Moreover, there is a complimentary policy covering regular maintenance for the first 25,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first.

Pros

  • Comfortable, supportive front seats
  • Athletic handling
  • High fuel economy
  • Affordable
  • Responsive engine

Cons

  • Small cargo hold
  • Tiny back seat
  • Lack of luxury options

The 2013 Scion FR-S handles with uncommon precision while every steering input is satisfied by immediate response. This is a kind of immediacy that cannot be found in larger and heavier sport coupes like the Mustang and Camaro. With the many standard features, fuel economy, precise handling and muscular exterior look, the FR-S is definitely going to make an impact in the sports car market.

The FRS is certainly a coupe worth looking at along with the likes of Honda Civic coupe (MSRP $22,355; 22 city / 31 hwy), the Hyundai Genesis (MSRP $25,500; 20 city / 31 hwy), and the coupe from Mini Cooper (MSRP $24,600; 27 city / 35 hwy).

Overall Rating
71 out of 100

What others say:

“Fun, light, and rewarding to drive, the 2013 Scion FR-S is a true sports car, despite the lack of absolute power.”Car Connection

“The steering requires moderate effort and gives good road feedback and steering feel. The FR-S handles like the sports car it is. It rounds corners crisply with very little body lean. Rapid changes of direction are handled predictably with little drama.”Consumer Guide

“You’ll like the 2013 Scion FR-S if you want a reasonably-priced, excellent handling car that rewards and satisfies advanced drivers without posing a hazard to those with less experience.”KBB

“The FR-S is not your friend’s boxy Scion. Thanks to sleek styling, rear-wheel drive and sharp handling, the FR-S is one of the most appealing performance cars of 2013.”Edmunds

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