I searched but didn't find anything.
Everyone probably already knows that the current-generation Mazda2 which we didn't get in the US is being sold (in sedan form only) at Scion stores as the "iA."
Is this the light-weight, nippy, simple, high-quality car which everyone keeps claiming to want? It seems to be getting some good reviews, aside from comments about the Scion fascia. What do GRM folks think?
It's probably excellent. I just won't buy a small car in sedan form because hatches exist.
I like anything that makes Mazda money, even if it is badged as a Toyota or Fiat. Call me a fanboy all you want but they've consistently been a bright point in the car market when everything else is dull as hell.
I'd rather it be a hatchback, however I recommend the Mazda 2 or iA to everyone I know that complains about how their giant lifted diesel truck is sucking them dry on their 40 mile a direction commute to work, or anyone looking to replace their Echo or equivalent.
Speaking of the Echo, Toyota in Canada is marketing the new 2 as a Yaris rather than a Scion. (So far, no signs of an ad campaign based on the snappy slogan "It's a car! Made by somebody else!") Good reviews, but I just can't get over the ugly fish-face thing that Toyota has made its main styling theme. Luckily, the Nissan Micra plays in the same space and would be a pleasure to look at in the driveway.
NickD
Reader
11/24/15 7:09 a.m.
I'd rather go with the 2, because A) the hatchback is more useful and B) the iA is seriously ugly.
If we got the new 2 hatchback in the U.S, I would have bought one instead of my Fit. Alas, Mazda says it's not in the cards.
Vigo
PowerDork
11/24/15 7:17 a.m.
I saw it in person in an auto show this past weekend. It seemed perfectly decent other than the front end styling. 
NickD wrote:
I'd rather go with the 2, because A) the hatchback is more useful and B) the iA is seriously ugly.
But you don't have that choice.
Vigo wrote:
I saw it in person in an auto show this past weekend. It seemed perfectly decent other than the front end styling.
I don't think the front would bother me so much if it weren't for the fact that the Mazda version is so much better.
bluej
SuperDork
11/24/15 8:34 a.m.
timely thread. I was recently very confused when I drove past the smooshed and shrunk looking mazda3 sedan w/ the scion badge on it. The tail lights and lines were so very clearly mazda.
Have you noticed the new Scion marketing?
One car is advertised by an adult version of TVs Urkle.
The other ad I have seen features middle aged ESPN announcers.
Seems that Scion has embraced the reality that mid to elderly are more their buyers over "youth".
https://youtu.be/O-I8wQ2YuUQ
https://youtu.be/rnDb28ai9lU
In reply to JohnRW1621:
There's a really weird iM ad with James Franco, too. (I actually kind of like the iM, personally.) I still wish Mazda would just bring the new 2 here, but they claim the CX-3 is supposed to fill that space in the market...such a cool little car, it's a shame we don't get it.

I think the Ia is automatic only from what I gather 
92dxman wrote:
I think the Ia is automatic only from what I gather
Nope, you can get them in both auto and 6-speed manual. Currently 200 manuals for sale on AutoTrader.