The Scion folk also treated us to an aggressive autocross course, where we competed for the quickest times between the cones. But what it really did was demonstrate how well FR-S responds to quick inputs. The more-experienced drivers among us, and naturally the on-site instructors, were able to zip through effortlessly with some impressive times.

A tight autocross course showed off the Scion's quick maneuverability. (Photo: Bob Golfen)

To bolster the argument that FR-S is designed for enthusiast drivers, more than 50 percent of the cars ordered so far have been equipped with stickshift, according to Owen Peacock, Scion’s national manager of Marketing and Communications. Fuel mileage for the manual version is 22 city and 30 highway, the EPA estimates, while the automatic bumps that to 25 and 34 respectively. Ah, the wonders of technology.

The automatic is a precision unit, but I’d still go for stick with its quick and precise shifting mechanism in spite of the lesser mileage. For one thing, it’s a whole lot more fun. For another, we found that highway driving with the automatic was accompanied with some hunting between fifth and sixth gears on the mildest of inclines. Otherwise, the FR-S cruised smoothly and effortlessly, with scant wind or road noise even in these pre-production cars.

The firm suspension is nicely tuned for the real world, absorbing serious bumps while still allowing decent road feel to seep through. FR-S feels well-planted and poised in both high-speed driving and quick cornering maneuvers.

The sporty interior is nice detailed and finished, especially considering the low price point. (Photo: Toyota)

The interior is designed with a sporty flair and handsomely outfitted, with a full load of features. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even on the track, but the back seat should be reserved only for children or your shortest friends. During the drive from Vegas to the track with a tall driver and equally tall passenger, the front seats were smack up against the rear cushions.

Scion is confident that the first run of 10,000 FR-S coupes through the end of this year will go quickly, as will the 20,000 scheduled to be built next year. I foresee that Scion and Subaru will quickly sell every one of these they can make, and that there could be a waiting list. FR-S and BRZ coupes could become as ubiquitous on our streets as Honda Civics. Fortunately, they’re pretty great-looking, low and curvaceous, so we won’t get sick of looking at them. Other automakers are likely to follow suit with their own rear-drive compacts.

For a struggling Scion, whose only success of late is with the boxy xB, its youth-oriented lineup will benefit from a halo car such as the FR-S, not to mention the profits of selling them.

A Scion FR-S all dolled up with a TRD aero body kit and custom wheels. (Photo: Bob Golfen)

And I’m not the only one who expects to see race-prepped FR-S and BRZ cars coming soon to many amateur racing events. Maybe even a dedicated race class will evolve for the rear-wheel-drive cars.

Although the Scions will sell in just one form – fully loaded – there are certain to be many aftermarket enhancement ready in short order. Matter of fact, Toyota will soon make TRD suspension and exhaust systems, body kits and custom wheels available for the FR-S.

There are some factory options available now ala carte, such as premium audio and wheel, brake and exhaust enhancements.

As for engine power, watch for a power-boosting turbo option that’s likely sometime in the future, similar to what Subaru has for its WRX models. I’d say that’s a sure thing.

Details

Vehicle type: Four-passenger, two-door coupe, rear-wheel drive.
Engine: 2-liter horizontally opposed four, 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, 151 pound-feet of torque at 6,400 rpm.
Transmissions: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Wheelbase: 101.2 inches.
Overall length: 166.7 inches.
Curb weight: 2,758 pounds (manual), 2,806 pounds (automatic).
EPA mileage rating: 22 city, 30 highway (manual); 25 city, 34 highway (automatic).

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at