|
|
|
  
User Reviews:
"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.
|
|
|
