New York show: Siring a Scion

TOYOTA’S US youth brand Scion tested new design waters with a vintage re-interpretation of its trademark boxy styling.

Touted as a “more emotionally appealing” take on the Yaris light-car based xB series, the Hako Coupe is designed to be “a sporty version of the box” according to Scion.

Retro American-car influences are what its Japanese designers had in mind for the concept, with flared mudguards featuring moulded running boards, an upright windscreen, and chop-top coupe roof styling.

Slim-line exterior mirrors, smooth surfacing and 18-inch deep-dish five-spoke alloy wheels all conspire to evoke a 1930s feel.

Enter the Hako Coupe, however, and a very modern Japanese sensibility prevails, thanks to gaming motifs peppering the concept’s interior, from a joystick-like gear lever to the video monitor instrument panel that includes a host of multi-media functions.

Arcade lighting, fluorescent hues and an gaming-style driver’s seat further accentuate the computer entertainment theme sought inside.

Through the Scion brand, Toyota is taking a proactive approach to offering bold design directions that will appeal to consumers it wishes to woo from a very young age.

Whether we see such an overt expression of American Graffiti-style inspiration in the appearance of the next-generation xB is uncertain, but probably unlikely.