Tuesday, July 8, 2014

THE INEXPENSIVE 2014 SCION FR-S

he 2014 Scion FR-S is an enthusiast's dream: light, agile, and affordable. Even compared to cars costing twice as much or more, the FR-S is one of the most engaging new cars around. The 2014 model carries into the new model year largely unchanged. 

The FR-S isn't your typical Scion. Economy and practicality are still evident, but they're not the priority. Instead, the Toyota-styled, Subaru-built sports car is engineered from the ground up to be fun.

The overall shape is reminiscent of a hatchback, although it features a conventional trunk. There’s very little that stands out with the FR-S – save for my test car’s searing orange paint.

But that’s totally okay. Near-anonymity is part of the recipe for creating possibly the best, most understated sports car that you probably never noticed until now. A key ingredient is the FR-S’s engine: a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower four-cylinder which was co-developed with Subaru.

Simple surfaces and classic proportions give the outline of the FR-S. Details at the nose and tail give a modern, aerodynamic look to the car. Inside, the 2014 Scion FR-S is basic, but well-built and handsome, if not quite beautiful. 

Under the hood you'll find a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower. The engine doesn't develop much torque at all, especially low in the rev range, with most of the power living toward the top of the 7,400-rpm tachometer.

Once you've reconciled yourself with grabbing the Boxer four by the nape of its neck and squeezing for all it's worth, the FR-S becomes a second skin. Nimble, light (by modern standards), and incredibly neutral in its balance, the Scion FR-S captures the essence of what a sports car should be: honest, inexpensive fun. 

In terms of competition, the 2014 Scion FR-S has no direct rivals other than its Subaru twin. After all, affordable rear-wheel-drive sport coupes are few and far between. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the closest in character to the FR-S, but if you prefer a rear-wheel-drive coupe, you'll have to step up to the more expensive Ford Mustang or Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Yet given its desirable qualities -- light weight and a responsive nature -- the 2014 Scion FR-S should be a thrill for driving enthusiasts looking for big kicks for small bucks.

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