2014 Scion FR-S: Underpowered or just right?
[wwm_survey id="0"]
The 2014 Scion FR-S is a real sports car. Just consider the attributes listed in the Wikipedia entry for "sports car":
- small (check: the 2014 Scion FR-S is certainly not a large vehicle)
- usually two-seater (check: the FR-S is a 2+2, but the rear seats are tiny)
- two-door (check)
- "designed for spirited performance and nimble handling" (check: this is a purpose-built machine)
- highly maneuverable (check: it's easy to chuck this car around at both high and low speeds)
- minimum weight (check: a curb weight of around 2,800 lbs makes the FR-S a lightweight by modern standards)
Enthusiasts pined for some more powerful - turbocharged, perhaps - version of the FR-S and its sister model from Subaru, the BRZ, before these models even went on sale. Even after driving an FR-S for the first time, I reserved judgement.
The first FR-S I drove was equipped with an automatic transmission. To my surprise, it was a fun little car. But for a driver with sports-car-purist sensibilities, the automatic-equipped car couldn't answer my question about whether or not the FR-S has enough power. A manual transmission would allow me to more completely exploit its output and to fully engage with the car.
Short answer: YES, it's plenty powerful
I've driven some relatively outrageous cars lately, including ones with more than 400 or even more than 500 horsepower. Still, the FR-S was a joy to drive. The size is right, keeping the car light and low for crisp, neutral handling. It's comfortable for everyday driving, yet stiff enough for a spirited mountain drive or track day. Although acceleration in the FR-S is not what my six-year-old daughter would call "feel-it fast," the little four winds up quickly and evenly, making its performance accessible by just about any driver.
Given the modern obsession with huge engine output, a more powerful version of the FR-S or BRZ would probably sell. But more weight up front could upset the ideal balance in this package. Better than a turbocharger or a larger-displacement motor would be minor tweaks, like intake and exhaust upgrades. These could provide a modest power boost with no compromise in weight or handling.
Have you driven the FR-S or BRZ? Do you own one? Use the survey at the top of this page to share your opinion. I haven't figured out to automatically post results, but I will provide updates periodically in the comments.
The 2014 Scion FR-S is a real sports car. Just consider the attributes listed in the Wikipedia entry for “sports car”:
- small (check: the 2014 Scion FR-S is certainly not a large vehicle)
- usually two-seater (check: the FR-S is a 2+2, but the rear seats are tiny)
- two-door (check)
- “designed for spirited performance and nimble handling” (check: this is a purpose-built machine)
- highly maneuverable (check: it’s easy to chuck this car around at both high and low speeds)
- minimum weight (check: a curb weight of around 2,800 lbs makes the FR-S a lightweight by modern standards)
So sports cars are small and light with excellent handling. Sure. But one characteristic we typically associate with sports cars is noticeably absent here: power. Are power and the resulting speed and quickness they lend to a car not key aspects of sportiness? Does a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine give the FR-S enough of a kick in the pants, or does it deserve a beefier engine?
Enthusiasts pined for some more powerful – turbocharged, perhaps – version of the FR-S and its sister model from Subaru, the BRZ, before these models even went on sale. Even after driving an FR-S for the first time, I reserved judgement.
The first FR-S I drove was equipped with an automatic transmission. To my surprise, it was a fun little car. But for a driver with sports-car-purist sensibilities, the automatic-equipped car couldn’t answer my question about whether or not the FR-S has enough power. A manual transmission would allow me to more completely exploit its output and to fully engage with the car.
Short answer: YES, it’s plenty powerful
I’ve driven some relatively outrageous cars lately, including ones with more than 400 or even more than 500 horsepower. Still, the FR-S was a joy to drive. The size is right, keeping the car light and low for crisp, neutral handling. It’s comfortable for everyday driving, yet stiff enough for a spirited mountain drive or track day. Although acceleration in the FR-S is not what my six-year-old daughter would call “feel-it fast,” the little four winds up quickly and evenly, making its performance accessible by just about any driver.
Given the modern obsession with huge engine output, a more powerful version of the FR-S or BRZ would probably sell. But more weight up front could upset the ideal balance in this package. Better than a turbocharger or a larger-displacement motor would be minor tweaks, like intake and exhaust upgrades. These could provide a modest power boost with no compromise in weight or handling.
Have you driven the FR-S or BRZ? Do you own one? Use the survey at the top of this page to share your opinion. I haven’t figured out to automatically post results, but I will provide updates periodically in the comments.
