What Scion now calls the core model is available with either a five-speed manual ($16,400) or four-speed automatic ($17,200) transmission. This corresponds to the single trim level that was offered originally, and includes air conditioning; power steering and brakes; power locks and mirrors; a tilt wheel with audio controls; 160-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; a huge, power-retracting glass sunroof; reclining front sport bucket seats with cloth upholstery and position memory; height and tilt adjustments for driver's seat; a two-tiered console; reclining rear seats; keyless entry; engine immobilizer; cargo cover, and a dozen other comfort and convenience goodies. It all rolls on P215/45ZR Bridgestone Potenzas on 17-inch alloy wheels.

New for 2007 is the lower-priced Spec Package, also available with manual ($15,000) or automatic ($15,800) transmission. The idea here is to provide a stripped-down model for tuners and customizers, so they don't pay for fancy parts that they are just going to take off and replace anyway. Spec Package tC's come with downgraded upholstery on less-adjustable seats, non-tilting urethane steering wheel without audio controls, and P205/55R16 tires on steel wheels. They also skip the core model's power windows, cruise control, two-tier console, and engine immobilizer. The panoramic glass roof remains but it does not retract. Colors are limited to Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl, and Classic Silver Metallic.

For folks who like to buy their custom look straight from the factory, Scion offers an option package called Release Series 3.0 ($2,580). Replacing last year's Release Series 2.0 (and available only on the core model), the 3.0 upgrade includes KenStyle ground effects, darkened headlights, LED taillights, and a unique grille texture. Inside are black Alcantara seats with perforated grey inserts, and a Razo weighted shift knob. A compact but powerful Pioneer six-inch subwoofer plugs into the standard stereo. Release Series 3.0 was scheduled for release in February 2007, with production limited to 2,500.

Safety features for all tC Scions include optional side-impact and side-curtain air bags ($650) designed to provide torso and head protection. (Head injuries are the leading cause of death in side impacts.) A knee airbag is standard, along with the mandated dual front airbags. Anti-lock brakes and Electronic Brake-force Distribution are standard also.

There are no other factory options, but Scion dealers offer dozens of freestanding, dealer-installed accessories, ranging from shift knobs and satellite radio (either XM or Sirius) to a supercharger kit good for 200 horsepower. Special Toyota Racing Development (TRD) items include 18- and 19-inch wheels, a lowering kit, struts and shock absorbers, rear anti-roll bar, a high-performance clutch, a quicker shifter, a stainless steel muffler, and a shift-point indicator light kit.

You can also order an iPod-compatible stereo head unit ($260) that allows you to operate your iPod through the car's dashboard and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.