The panorama glass roof is an unexpected bonus in this price class, designed without gaskets for a tight, no-creaks fit. It filters 97 percent of UV rays and 100 percent of infrared to avoid sunburned occupants.

The doors are quite long for such a small car, and the door handles are of the reach-around-and-pull variety that we like. The long rear side window suggests a two-door sedan more than a hatchback coupe, and makes the design flow from front to rear gracefully. Wheel arches are exaggerated, suggesting that larger tires and wheels will be fitted as soon as the car is bought. (Or the buyer can opt for the 18- or 19-inch wheels straight from the dealer). Oldsters feeling young might be interested to note that the Scion's generous 106.3 inch wheelbase is a quarter-inch longer than a '64 Barracuda's.

The body panels fit tight and straight, and quality flows from every pore.

The Release Series 3.0 option package is availble only with Blizzard Pearl white paintwork, and features a KenStyle ground effects kit, darkened headlights, and a unique upper grille with a honeycomb insert that matches the lower grille. Around back are clear LED taillights with unique gray trim. The price-leading Spec Series also features its own unique grille and headlight treatment.

The Scion tC was the first true Scion and it remains the best of the bunch. Incidentally, while the other Scion models are named xA and xB, the tC is so named because xC would have infringed on Volvo's naming system.