Scion grabbed everyone’s attention last year when they announced that not only would they be building a 200-horsepower sport coupe, but they were developing it with Subaru. And oh yeah, it would be rear-wheel-drive, as well. Well, now, after a lot of hype, it’s finally here: the 2013 Scion FR-S!

The 2013 Scion FR-S is the first rear-wheel-drive car for the brand and we think a major step forward. But, the car also harkens back to the days when simple, light, no-frills sports cars were the rule. Weight is only 2,800 pounds, so not only does the FR-S have a light and nimble feel that’s easy to love, but it doesn’t require a whole lot of power to scoot down the road. And that’s a good thing as there’s only a couple of hundred ponies in this corral.

It is an all-new 2-liter flat-4 engine that, in addition to the 200-horsepower, spins out 151 pound feet of torque. While the pancake four is mostly Subi, injection comes from Toyota’s D-4S system that features both direct and port injection, and was last seen in the Lexus IS F. Transmissions choices are a 6-speed manual or automatic. But, the manual is a newly developed RA62 which features short throws and works like the proverbial warm knife through butter. 

On the track, Nevada’s challenging Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, not only did the FR-S feel agile, but turn-ins are super-quick and the car is very responsive. But, this FR-S is no pussycat. It can be a handful at times, but in a good way. Import hot-rodders will quickly notice a difference as a heavy throttle in corners can bring the tail around in an easily controlled slide, rather than increasing under steer so typical in Scion front-drivers. While simple struts make up the front suspension, more intricate double wishbone support the rear, with stabilizer bars at both ends. Add to that a standard Torsen limited-slip rear diff, and you have got one capable setup. Tires are Michelin Primacy HP’s, and despite a smallish 215/45 footprint they give adequate grip for cornering and help the 11-inch vented disc brakes bring the FR-S to a halt in a hurry. 

When it comes to styling, the FR-S bears a little intentional resemblance to the legendary Toyota 2000GT. It also shares the exact same basic low-to-the-ground shape with the Subaru BRZ. FR-S proportions are just about perfect, with the long hood, short deck you expect in a sports coupe. Wheelbase is 101.2-inches and overall length is 166.7-inches. That’s a half an inch shorter than a Nissan 370Z. Wheels are standard 17-inch alloys. The front end sports an aggressive face, with a wide, lower intake and sharp, angular headlights. Despite the sloping roof and rear glass, the FR-S is a true coupe, not a hatchback and the rear quarters are highlighted by clear lens LED tail lights and an aggressive lower black diffuser with dual chrome exhaust tips. Unique badging features an 86, paying homage to the racing heritage of the AE86 rear drive Corolla, and two opposed pistons designating the engine configuration. 

Inside, is a well laid out interior with soft touch materials and color stitching throughout. The radio has the typical Scion aftermarket look to it and was not the most intuitive, but climate controls are 3-knob simple. Front seats have serious bolstering and sit sports car low, with your posterior little more than a foot off the road. Rear seats can handle a small adult in a pinch, plus the one-piece folding rear seat back expands trunk space, and was specifically designed for owners to be able to haul an extra set of four wheels and tires. 

The FR-S is intentionally a “driver’s” car, but not one that requires a master’s degree. It enjoys being driven hard, and we certainly enjoy doing so. There’s a terrific balance to the car, and in un-Toyota-like fashion you can even turn off all the traction aids for maximum entertainment.  

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the 6-speed manual are 22-City and 30-Highway. The automatic actually does better at 25-City and 34-Highway. And it also gets a very good Energy Impact Score of 11.8-barrels of oil consumed per year with annual CO2 emissions of 5.2-tons. When it comes time to buy, just choose your color and pick a transmission, then decided which dealer installed accessories you want to add on to the base price of $24,930. This Toyota/Subaru joint venture has met our expectations in every way, and in some areas, the 2013 Scion FR-S has even exceeded them. And, most remarkable of all, has brought back the fun and affordability of an everyman’s…and woman’s…sports car.