After commuting in WOT’s long term 2013 Scion FR-S for about a week, I have some thoughts on what it’s like to live with the pint-sized sports coupe. Compared to the more expensive Subaru BRZ, the FR-S’ audio system comes up flat.
Both cars offer a standard eight-speaker audio system, but the similarities end there. While the BRZ includes as standard a touch-screen navigation system with a nine-band equalizer, the FR-S uses an aftermarket Pioneer head unit with controls for bass and treble. The two cars may have the same number of speakers, but I’m not so sure the quality is the same.
Another gripe about the audio system is the lack of steering wheel controls. Fortunately, the stereo features a large volume control knob that works well as long as it hasn’t been used to adjust any of the other settings. In that case it must be returned to the correct setting in order to adjust the volume. The on/off button is also small and hard to find the first time.
The FR-S’ audio system does have its strong points, however. Bluetooth makes the driving experience nearly distraction free, and is simple to connect. For those who want a different audio system look, Scion offers an $845 option from Pioneer called BeSpoke, with a 5.8-inch touch screen and access to Internet radio, Facebook, and Twitter.
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