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I don't get it," remarked a middle-aged man passing a row of Scion cars
parked on the street. And that's just the point -- more than likely, that
same man walked back to his Camry in his "loose fit" acid wash jeans,
drove home and gave his teenage son yet another lecture on how raking
leaves builds "character" and how System of a Down doesn't play real
music but rather "just a bunch of noise." And at the same time, that
middle-aged man could probably tell you all about the quality, value and
reliability of his Camry and other Toyota products. There lies the
dilemma: Toyota realizes that quality, value, safety and reliability are
good things, but has struggled with how to wrap all those good qualities
into a package that consumers under 30 would embrace. Enter Scion. With
the Scion brand, Toyota is making a credible effort to understand the
Generation Y market and give it what it wants without pushing it down its
throat. Housed within Toyota dealerships, Scion salespeople are supposed
to play it straight with consumers -- this means no-haggle pricing (as at
Saturn dealers) and the ability to get a car the way a customer wants it
in about a week. And by offering over three dozen dealer-installed
options, Scion hopes to give its buyers unprecedented opportunity to
customize their cars on the front end. Of the two Scion launch vehicles,
the xB is our favorite. It looks like nothing else on the market, save
for a passing resemblance to Honda's Element. In addition, it has
tremendous passenger- and cargo-carrying capability for its size (it's
almost 10 inches shorter than the Toyota Echo), making it an inexpensive
way to lug about friends and gear associated with an active lifestyle.
True, it lacks the Element's waterproof seats and hose-down utility
floor, but since it's fully equipped in every other way for a base MSRP
just over $14,000, we'll make do. So what do you get for your money
besides a lot of space? Antilock brakes; stability and traction control;
air conditioning; a six-speaker Pioneer stereo with a CD player; a
60/40-split-folding and removable rear seat; a tachometer; power windows,
locks, mirrors and steering; and keyless entry -- in short, an impressive
list for an economy vehicle. Throw in a pleasant driving demeanor, and
it's obvious that Scion will have no trouble selling this practical,
stylish vehicle.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The xB is sold as a single trim level. Each one comes with ABS; air
conditioning; power windows, locks, mirrors and steering; a six-speaker Pioneer
stereo with a CD player; a 60/40-split folding and removable rear seat; keyless
entry; a rear wiper; rear defroster; a tachometer; and a ground effects kit.
There are about 40 dealer-installed options. This list includes a CD changer
with multicolor head unit illumination, satellite radio, a subwoofer, alloy
wheels, a roof rack and a lighting kit for the foot wells, just to name a few.
Those seeking to eke out a bit more performance can opt for a strut tower brace
and/or a cold air intake.
Powertrains and Performance:
Power comes from a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder with variable valve timing.
It's the same engine used in the Echo and xA, and it makes 108 horsepower. This
isn't a lot, and as the xB weighs almost 400 pounds more than the Echo,
acceleration isn't as spirited. Still, it has enough get-up-and-go for city
driving, and it cruises along nicely on the highway. Merging and passing
maneuvers require a little more effort, particularly on cars with the four-speed
automatic. A five-speed manual is the other transmission choice. Fuel economy is
in the 30-mpg range.
Safety:
The xB comes with stability and traction control, antilock brakes with
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, three-point belts in all five seating
positions and a first aid kit. It has not yet been crash tested.
Interior Design and Special Features:
Being tall (64.6 inches) and boxy has its advantages, and the xB treats its
passengers to incredible amounts of head- and legroom. Even when the front
chairs are adjusted for a normal-size driver and passenger, those seated in the
rear (there's room for three) are still able to stretch out their legs. And
stylish as the xB is, these attributes make it a great vehicle for anyone with a
baby on board. With the rear seats in use, the xB can hold 21 cubic feet of
cargo; fold or remove these seats and the number goes up to 43. Apart from being
spacious, the cabin is agreeable in appearance. Lots of hard plastic is
inevitable in this price range, but most of it is low in gloss. The
center-mounted gauge pod takes some getting used to, but is otherwise
unobtrusive.
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