Established 10 years ago to attract young, hip buyers, Toyota's Scion brand hasn't been attracting much of anyone lately. Its sales have remained low even as the new-car market has surged.
It's not just buyers that are ignoring Scion. Toyota has let the brand's volume models--the xB and xD hatchbacks--age into irrelevance, with its newest cars being ultra-niche models like the FR-S coupe and iQ minicar.
MORE: Struggling Scion To Get Mazda2-Based Sedan, Auris-Based Hatchback, In Future?
However, things may change, starting at next month's 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, where the Scion iM concept is scheduled to make its world debut.
The concept almost surely previews a long-overdue new production model.
Scion iM concept teaser image
Thin-spoke alloy wheels and cross-drilled brake rotors also hint at performance intentions, although this likely may be just to please Scion's target demographic.
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Underneath any show-car glitz, the iM concept could preview one of two new models--a compact hatchback and Scion's first-ever sedan--that are reportedly in the works.
The hatchback would likely be based on the Toyota Auris sold in Europe and Asia, itself essentially a five-door hatchback version of the Toyota Corolla sedan.
2013 Scion xB
Another possibility is a subcompact sedan based on the next-generation Mazda 2, which will also provide the basis for the next Toyota Yaris.
ALSO SEE: New Mazda Hazumi Concept Is New Mazda 2, Next Toyota Yaris Too
Previewed by the Mazda Hazumi concept car at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the new Mazda 2 will go into production in Mexico next year, presumably as a 2016 model.
Compact hatchback or subcompact sedan, we'll find out the Scion iM concept's true identity November 19, when its Los Angeles Auto Show press reveal is scheduled.
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