The Scion FR-S is well-known for its balanced handling, lightweight body, and fun-to-drive nature. But when it comes to the automatic transmission, many enthusiasts question whether it still feels like a true sports car. Manual transmissions often get all the attention, but does the automatic FR-S hold its own? Let’s break it down.
Driving Experience
The Scion FR-S automatic comes with a six-speed transmission equipped with paddle shifters and a sport mode. While it may not offer the full engagement of a manual gearbox, it still provides a decent driving experience. The paddle shifters let you take control of the gears when you want, making it more interactive than a standard automatic.
The 2.0-liter flat-four engine produces 200 horsepower, which may not sound like much, but the car’s lightweight design helps maximize performance. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and in sport mode, it holds gears longer, allowing for better acceleration. It’s not as aggressive as a manual, but it’s far from boring.
Acceleration and Power Delivery
One of the biggest concerns with automatic sports cars is laggy acceleration. The FR-S automatic isn’t the fastest off the line, but it delivers power in a predictable way. The automatic version takes about 7.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which is slightly slower than the manual. However, for daily driving and spirited backroad runs, it still feels quick enough to be enjoyable.
The transmission downshifts decently when needed, but it’s not the most responsive. If you’re coming from a high-performance automatic with dual-clutch technology, you might feel the difference. Still, for a traditional torque-converter automatic, it does the job well.
Handling and Steering
The real magic of the FR-S isn’t in straight-line speed—it’s in the way it handles. The car is lightweight, well-balanced, and has a low center of gravity thanks to the boxer engine. This means it grips corners well and feels sharp when changing direction.
Steering is precise, with good feedback from the road. The automatic transmission does add a bit of weight compared to the manual version, but it doesn’t take away from the overall balance of the car. If you enjoy tight turns and twisty roads, the FR-S automatic still delivers an exciting experience.
Braking Performance
Brakes are strong and reliable, offering good stopping power. Whether you’re driving in the city or pushing the car a bit harder on a backroad, the braking system performs well. The automatic transmission does have a slight disadvantage when it comes to engine braking compared to a manual, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Daily Driving and Comfort
One of the biggest advantages of the automatic FR-S is how easy it is to live with every day. If you drive in traffic often, the automatic makes life simpler. You don’t have to worry about constant clutch work, and you can just enjoy the ride.
The car isn’t the most comfortable, with firm suspension and a relatively simple interior, but it’s built for driving enjoyment rather than luxury. Road noise is noticeable, but that’s expected in a lightweight sports car.
Fuel Efficiency
The FR-S automatic delivers slightly better fuel economy than the manual version. It gets around 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it a good option for those who want a fun car without sacrificing too much at the pump.
Who Should Buy the Automatic FR-S?
If you want a fun, lightweight sports car but don’t want the hassle of a manual, the FR-S automatic is a solid choice. It still provides good handling, responsive steering, and a decent level of engagement. While the automatic transmission isn’t as exciting as the manual, it doesn’t take away from what makes the FR-S special.
If you’re a hardcore driving enthusiast who wants maximum control and involvement, the manual version will always be the better pick. But if you want a good balance between daily comfort and sporty driving, the automatic is still a respectable option.
Final Verdict
The Scion FR-S automatic may not be the first choice for purists, but it still offers a fun and engaging driving experience. It keeps the core elements that make the FR-S a great sports car—sharp handling, balanced weight, and a responsive chassis. While it’s not as raw as the manual version, it doesn’t feel like a dull commuter car, either.
So, does the Scion FR-S automatic still deliver a true sports car feel? The answer is yes, but with some compromises. It’s a sports car you can enjoy every day, without the added effort of shifting gears. For many drivers, that’s a trade-off worth making.