Used 2015 Scion FR-S for sale 

The FR-S is available in two trims, base and Release Series 1.0 trim, with an option for either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Most of the features are available in the base trim itself, with the higher Release Series 1.0 trim featuring only the premium features like the dual-zone climate control, a premium audio system, hands-free entry, and keyless start alongside the Xenon HID headlamps.

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Cars of this segment are better off with the least amount of weight and are the most fun with a manual transmission. Thus the base trim with the manual transmission should be the preferred choice to be able to enjoy it to the fullest. When choosing the trim between the two, the higher Release Series 1.0 would be the preferred choice.

The Scion FR-S is powered by a powerful naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-4 engine which produces 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission which powers the rear wheels as standard.

This engine rockets the compact car to 60 mph from a standstill in just 6.4 seconds, whereas it crosses the finish line at the end of the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds.

The Scion FR-S is the most affordable car here, but then it is also the slowest of the lot. The Mazda MX-5 is the fastest but the margin between the three is very nominal. The Subaru BRZ is mechanically identical to the FR-S and is just marginally faster than the Scion. When looking at the top speed, Subaru is the fastest at 143 mph.

The Scion FR-S is pretty efficient for a small sports car, and it is rated for 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, whereas the combined fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg, as per the EPA. The large 13.2-gallon gas tank on offer in the Scion FR-S and the decent enough fuel economy figures help it to be driven for over 300 miles on a single tank of gas.

The FR-S and the Subaru BRZ have identical fuel efficiency figures, whereas the MX-5 has a marginally higher fuel consumption. It also features a slightly smaller fuel tank than the other two, which together translates to a lower driving range and more frequent gas station visits. With only 1 mpg of difference in combined mileage, the FR-S and BRZ stand ahead of MX-5.

Since the FR-S was always intended to be a no-nonsense sports car, the interiors are unsurprisingly bare-bones for most parts. It offers a blend of Toyota and Subaru switch gears and materials and does not have most of the modern features available in a similarly priced car of this day and age.

The seats are firm and supportive even during spirited driving but are also comfortable on long road trips. The low-slung hood offers great visibility of the road and finding the perfect driving position is easily achievable. 

Since the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ are the corporate cousins, they are mechanically identical and have very little to differentiate between them. The MX-5 on the other hand offers seating for only two occupants and has no rear seat. Despite the omission of the rear seat, it has a tiny boot which is awfully even smaller than the FR-S and BRZ. Major interior features include-

• 6-way adjustable driver seat and 4-way front-passenger seat
• Full Folding Bench Rear Seat
• Fabric Upholstery w/T-Pattern
• Sport Leather Steering Wheel
• Leatherette Door Trim Insert and Leather Gear Shifter Material
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning

How is the 2015 Scion FR-S Coupe’s infotainment system?

The standard 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is pretty bare-bones and offers very little functionality as is the philosophy with the FR-S.

But one can opt for the optional BeSpoke system, which includes navigation and smartphone app integration along with a much more powerful audio system. Few key features include-

• 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 8-speaker Pioneer audio system with 300-watt amplifier
• HD Radio
• Bluetooth wireless technology
• iPod connectivity

The compact nature of the sports car is what makes it so fun in the first place. The short wheelbase and wide chassis provide a lot of stability on corners at high speeds.

It looks the part for being a sports car with the two-door coupe body style, large front spoiler, and smooth free-flowing body. The large rims are nicely designed and look mean on the overall handsome looking car.

No points for guessing that the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ both have identical dimensions, whereas the Mazda is even smaller than the already small Scion-Subaru twins. It is considerably smaller than the other two, lighter in weight, and also has a marginally lower ground clearance. Considering it's rated to seat only two passengers, nobody would complain much about the tiny dimensions. Major exterior highlights of the coupe are-

• Fully Automatic Projector Beam High-Intensity Low/High Beam Daytime Running Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• LED Brakelights
• Lip Spoiler
• Rocker Panel Extensions
• Power Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding
• 17-inch Alloy wheels w/Michelin Primacy HP Summer tires

Considering the roots of the Scion brand go back to Toyota, safety should not be a concern in this car, and that is clearly evident in the crash test reports. The NHTSA has rated the 2015 Scion FR-S with a 5-star rating, whereas the IIHS has awarded it with their ‘Top Safety Pick’ award. The available safety features list is pretty decent and Scion also inculcates various safety practices to achieve such high safety standards. Major safety features include-

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags and Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• First Aid Kit

Although the Scion FR-S mechanically and somewhat aesthetically too is identical to the Subaru BRZ, it does have its own appeal and the bragging rights of owning an exotic brand. It offers decent levels of performance without compromising on efficiency and also is priced at a much lower price tag than the Mazda, which isn’t even as practical as this one is.