2015 Scion FR-S - Review & Test Drive

The 2015 Scion FRS (similar to the Subaru BRZ) is a two door RWD coupe with a 2.0L boxer 4 cylinder producing 200 HP. It features a Torsen limited slip differential, a sport tuned suspension, and 215/45 R17 summer performance tires. It's a light weight, purpose built vehicle weighing in just over 2,800 lbs with the automatic transmission. This video will take a look at the exterior, engine and drivetrain, wheels, tires, suspension, interior, features, as well as a quick test drive and summary of the fuel economy and performance.

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Features Include:
- Front engine rear wheel drive
- 2.0L 4-cyl boxer 16V
- Dual variable valve timing
- Direct and port injection
- Dynamic rev management
- Torsen LSD
- TPMS
- Pioneer 6.1" touchscreen
- Bluetooth
- Remote keyless entry
- LED taillights
- Aluminum sport pedals

Options Include:
- Center armrest
- TRD sway bar set
- Fog lights
- BeSpoke audio
- TRD air filter
- TRD exhaust system

MSRP as tested: $30,438

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[the-real-zpero]

The back seats are there to lower your insurance :D

[camryt]

"Flirting with the limit" - what an amazing expression perfectly describing this car.

[russelltimmerman]

I think this is the perfect sports car for a first time sports car owner. 80% of people think they are an above average driver. At least 30% of them are wrong. I don't believe I am a better driver than anyone else but I would like to be. I have always wanted a sports car and I am getting one that I can LEARN to drive on I think is a great step for me. Sadly there are allot of inflated egos here that don't get it.

[HakeemKazak]

Meh, the automatic gearbox on the FR-S/BRZ (which by the way is derived from the Lexus IS gearbox) is a little better than what people make it out to be.  I drove both the manual and automatic extensively and while the manual is obviously the more exciting choice, the automatic does the job well enough and fits the need for a lot of drivers especially in the US who perhaps experience heavy traffic.

If you're nailing it in manual mode and keeping the revs up high, then the gearbox will shift pretty quickly up or down.  Also, unlike some autos with manual modes, it won't automatically make you upshift each time you reach the rev limiter which is cool.  If you aren't doing any spirited driving, I would suggest to leave it in automatic mode either in normal or Sport mode as the ECU does a good job in managing what gear you should be in relative to throttle. I personally still found the automatic model to be just as tail happy, folks you just have to rev the engine to 7400.

[dnlfyll]

Auto or manual. This car will always be your new-found limb once you get behind the wheel. Just like the gt-r..you really can't complain even though you're driving semi-auto. Drop the ego and realize you're driving a well made machine!

[ErikPelyukhno]

I really appreciate the thoroughness and honesty you bring to car reviews. I learned a lot about the FR-S even though I thought I knew everything I needed to know! Also it looks like you live really close by me! I love driving those roads.

[ryannickens]

Love my FR-S... Had it 5 years now, and only about 30K on the odometer. Not very powerful, but fun as hell. It's exactly as fast as I want... any faster and I would be in trouble! The cupholders are shite, though. Also, the back seat is a joke. Good thing I never need to have someone sitting there. Manual transmission, of course. Would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind being outrun by V6 SUVs.

[Aperturealloy]

Awesome really in-depth review.

You don't need excessive power to have a quick, well handling car. Never forget power to weight ratio and the fact that this car only weighs roughly 2, 750 lbs, and was built for the twisties. Don't get me wrong, I agree it's slightly power-lacking but people tend to blow it out of proportion. The FR-S is a super entertaining car to drive...especially with a turbo!

[TheHydraccana]

5:35 this is the first time anyone has said "too much torque" when talking about the FR-S

[nintendoatarikiller]

I tested the automatic FRS and when I put it into sport mode, the throttle response was so instantaneous, I was bucking back n forth in traffic.

[SacredCowStockyards]

In defense of this automatic:

Some people can't really use a manual as a daily driver, because of where they live (they have to deal with heavy stop-start traffic on a daily basis, or they live somewhere with a lot of hilly stoplights, etc.); and for those people, the options are kind of limited. 

I absolutely, completely agree that the auto version of this car isn't as good as the manual, but it is just about the sportiest torque-converter automatic money can buy: it rev-matches, it shifts crisply, it's predictable and obedient, and it has wheel-mounted paddles. And at the BRZ's price range, literally the only sports car you can buy with a dual-clutch gearbox is the VW GTI; which is bigger, less sporty, front-wheel drive, and (more ominously) has undefeatable stability control. 

Additionally: all the gripes of the auto BRZ essentially boil down to the fact that its lack of power becomes more obvious with the taller-geared auto. And all of these complaints can be addressed in the same way all other complaints about the BRZ can be addressed in general: by adding more power. If you turbocharge an automatic '86, the slight lag the transmission has is almost exactly negated by the eliminated turbo lag from not having to lift off to shift gears (keep in mind: turbo cars are often as fast or faster with an auto or dual-clutch than with a manual, because of this. The Buick Grand National for example, became SLOWER when you swapped out the slushbox for a proper manual, because the turbo lag was horrifyingly bad in that car).

[ReydioTube]

Damn fine review brother! Going places... Going places. 🙏

[Disinfctant]

Im 5'8", when I get in my friend's scion I take my shoes off and let him slide the seat all the way back. The under side of the seat has a really plush leatherette material so it's not unpleasant.

[HeroDanny]

This is by far one of the best reviews I've seen for this car. Sub'd!

[loganriki]

This vehicle review was well done. It was clearly informative and I enjoyed it. Thanks.

[totszwai]

LMFAO, the backseat test was goldddd hahahaha

[adamfarley]

My parents recently got one of the RS 1.0 FR-S's and my mom wanted an auto so that what we got. For the most part, the transmission will downshift and blip the throttle quickly and upshot quick too. Although there are some times (like you were having) where it feels clunky and not smooth at all

[jasoncampbell]

Thank the Toyota gods that this didn't have a CVT! The automatic while not as engaging as a wet dual clutch is extremely reliable. This car will last 200, 000 miles plus with moderate spirited driving.

[MechRider]

your reviews are starting to get better....a lot better. Keep up the good work

[nathanyamaha]

Hopefully those Oregon State Troopers don't find out when you're doing reviews!! lol