2013 Scion FR-S

Hidden Subaru Logos
Rich in dynamic thrills, the 2013 Scion FR-S is also fun when motionless thanks to numerous Subaru logos hidden throughout the vehicle. Searching for them is like an Easter egg hunt for car nerds.

Torsen Limited-Slip Differential
What good is power if you can't exploit it? Enter the FR-S's standard Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD). This little device distributes power to rear wheels in turns, ensuring proper acceleration out of corners. The LSD also means the FR-S is equipped from the factory to go "drifting" (on a closed-track environment of course).

The interior of the Scion FR-S is as big as it needs to be but no bigger, resulting in a cabin that feels cozy but comfortable like a fitted t-shirt, at least it is for those sitting in the incredibly supportive front seats. In contrast, the rear seats offer very limited headroom and nearly non-existent legroom, limiting their use to desperate situations. Flipping down the rear seatbacks expands the small 6.9-cubic-foot trunk creating a useful, flat cargo space. Though compact, the interior feels smartly designed, excluding the confusing audio system, with nice materials elevating it above typical Scion fare.

Pictures of the Scion FR-S can be deceiving. In person, Scion's sports coupe is smaller than one might expect – 15.6 inches less lengthy than the not-particularly-large Hyundai Genesis Coupe. In person, those tidy dimensions serve to enhance the visual charm of the FR-S's shapely exterior. With pronounced fenders, a planted stance and a sleek profile, the Scion FR-S projects an appropriately sporty image without looking overdone. Helping distinguish the FR-S from its nearly-identical Subaru BRZ sibling are a revised front fascia, unique fender adornment and, of course, Scion badging.

A 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder is the lone engine offered in the 2013 Scion FR-S. Due in large part to the "flat" layout of its engine the FR-S boasts an extremely low center of gravity, a feature that helps enhance handling. Transmission choices include an excellent-shifting 6-speed manual and a similarly charming 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, although the latter's hesitance to downshift in manual mode can be annoying during spirited driving. Interestingly, buyers looking for the best fuel economy should choose the substantially more efficient 6-speed automatic, which returns up to 34 miles per gallon on the freeway.

2.0-liter flat-4
200 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
151 lb-ft of torque @ 6,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (manual), 25/34 mpg (automatic)

Pricing for the Scion FR-S coupe starts at $24,930 including destination. Thanks to Scion's simple "1-spec" ordering system, the only factory option is the automatic transmission, a feature that adds $1,100 to the bottom line. Both the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Mazda MX-5 Miata cost about the same as the 2013 Scion FR-S, while the Ford Mustang can be had for several thousand dollars less. When it comes to resale value, Scions have traditionally held their worth well over time, a tradition we expect the FR-S to carry on. For the latest pricing and residual value information on the Scion FR-S and its competitors, be sure to check out the KBB Fair Purchase Price.

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