2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Review

Thinking about buying a used 2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0? Our full review of the 180-hp coupe with TRD bodykit, 18" wheels, and gloss black. And yes, lots of yellow.

Toyota chose the recent 2012 Montreal International Auto Show as the venue of choice to debut a few high-impact vehicles, dubbed Scion Release Series. Including, the as tested, 2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0. Only 175 available in Canada, this limited Scion tC finds the High Voltage Yellow exterior colour, a TRD body kit, black glossy 18” rims, Smart Key with Push Button Start, RS individually numbered illuminated badge, and some interior accent touches. 

Alongside the 2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0, Toyota debuted two others, including the Scion xB Release Series 9.0 (200 available in Canada) and the Scion xD Release Series 4.0 (100 units).

Okay. Here’s the thing. When you’re in the business of ‘selling cool,’ particularly when attempting to resonate with the younger demographic, you run the risk of trying too hard. And in today’s marketplace where ‘being cool’ is not only imperative, it’s an ever-changing, dubious force where brands get judged every day and disowned quicker than your red-headed step-brother, companies need to stay on their toes and keep up with the times if they wish to remain relevant.

2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Review
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0. Photo: Amee Reehal

Scion, first introduced in the US in 2004 and in Canada as recently as 2010, has been pushing the small-car concept all these years, with the same branding and marketing. This all begs a few questions: when Scion’s R&D works on the 2014 models today, will these products still be sexy by the time they hit the market? (Hence, is the 2012 Scion relevant today?)

When Scion entered the market almost ten years ago, amidst the Tuner-car hype, clearly targeting Generation Y with a strong focus on Scion’s customizing options, is this same strategy working today, where Fast & Furious is more Fast & Fizzled-out? Thus, is Scion behind the times? I.e. entering the Canadian marketplace so late?

Perhaps Toyota has it all figured out and I’m simply out to lunch (which happens often). Nevertheless, the idea of a car manufacturer attempting to delve into the minds of Gen-Y hipsters gives me anxiety. But I digress.

A 180 horsepower 2.5L under the hood

2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Review
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0. Photo: Amee Reehal

Marketing strategies and branding issues aside, Scion makes some neat little cars, and the 2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 is no exception. Starting at $20,940 CDN MSRP, this High Voltage edition is powered by the same 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine found in all other tC versions (and Toyota Camry), making 180-hp and 173 lb.-ft. of torque.

Seeing as this a ‘special offering,’ a turbo would have been nice. The tC also finds FWD and Traction Control (TRAC) with an on/off switch.

Design: TRD body kit, 18-inch wheels, gloss black touches

On the streets, the RS 7.0’s High Voltage Yellow paint scheme will certainly garner attention. The idea of a ‘yellow car’ may not fly with everyone, but the tC pulls it off. Styling cues include long, straight lines running the length of the car, providing a more boxy yet sleek look.

2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Review
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0. Photo: Amee Reehal
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Review
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0. Photo: Amee Reehal

A TRD body kit adds some flair while 18” rims in a gloss black finish look sharp against the yellow. Again, with only 175 available in the country, the 2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 could see a few more differentiating styling features, like a pair of sporty fog lights.

Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Interior

The Dark Charcoal interior finds RS 7.0 exclusives including colour-tuned seat fabric with fabric stitching and yellow accent stitching on the steering wheel. Also, numbered RS badging denoting exclusivity, plus a Smart Key with Push Button Start.

Other standards (found in all tC models) include an 8-speaker Pioneer stereo; a USB port; Bluetooth; and wheel-mounted controls. Rear seat heater ducts and A/C are also standard.

2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Review
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0. Photo: Amee Reehal
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Review
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0. Photo: Amee Reehal

Options on this tC include a $1050 automatic transmission with Gate-Type shifter, and the Release Series 7.0 Package at $2485 which includes the 18” wheels and the Push Button Start. $3535 in options, brings the total (before taxes/fees) to $24,475 CDN MSRP.  So, without the Release Series 7.0 Package (rims and start button), this ‘special edition’ tC is arguably a, well, a Scion tC. Frankly, I don’t get it.

2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Review
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0. Photo: Amee Reehal

Takeaway: is this limited Scion tC worth buying today?

Overall, the 2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0 is a sharp, sporty-looking coupe at a great price point. But offering a customizable product as a limited edition with a lack of any significant, exclusive features (the two big ones being options?) really makes no sense.

And if I can see through it, the much shrewder, smarter Canadian target market Scion is befriending undoubtedly will as well. Or perhaps they already did…two years ago.

Pros

  • Distinct styling
  • 18” black rims against High Voltage yellow looks sharp

Cons

  • Only 175 available in Canada
  • Lack of exclusive features for ‘limited edition’
  • Borderline cheesy (literally & figuratively)


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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.