Scion is the vanguard-thinking, hip-marketing branch of Toyota that produces cars for the young. As a brand, Scion’s demographics are heavily into the 30-somethings, and many vehicles purchased by 50-plus buyers are really being bought for their teen-aged kids. The Scion age profile shows that 42 percent of their sales are to the 36-55 group and 38 percent are bought by the 16-35 demographic. An average age of around 30 puts the marque well under Toyota’s average buyer of 46.
A boxy, van-wagon, the xB was created with young-buyers in mind, and the 2008 version, the second-generation xB, is a hot topic in the nascent under-30s car-buying market. Upscale changes and a sportier design still embrace the 16-35 demographic but now the vehicle also appeals to older drivers. An electric version prototype – the eBox -- was purchased by 51-year-old actor and electric vehicle veteran, Tom Hanks.
But back to the box at hand, the xB, as Scion reaches out to older buyers the company has thought outside the box … that is, redesigned the formerly boxy small wagon and added curves and some elegant upgrades.
The 2008 xB gained about 700 lbs. over its Gen-One counterpart, and it now weighs in at 3086 lbs. The redesign, in addition to angular styling, includes a new platform. The elder xB was based on a small Yaris subcompact frame, while the new xB fits on an Auris/Corolla compact platform that gains 12 inches in length and 4 inches in wheelbase.
Categorized as a small wagon as well as an Urban Utility Vehicle, my Hypnotic Teal Mica xB test vehicle was powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder EFI engine. The set-up saves weight with an aluminum alloy block and head and it is linked to a Toyota Direct Ignition with a 4-speed sequential automatic transmission. The system rumbles out 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and creates more engine noise within the cabin than one would hope for.
The engine also produces 162 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm to help propel the box-car from zero to 60 in the mid-9s and down the quarter-mile in the mid-17s. That kind of performance won’t deter fuel conscious buyers who see the xB as a trendy and economical people and cargo mover.
The xB has earned an EPA rating of 22mpg in city driving and 28mpg on the highway, and during a solid week of highway and community driving around Central Pennsylvania and Northwestern Maryland, my test vehicle managed a 23.7mpg average.
While a bit wobbly in quick, tight maneuvers, the xB provides smooth and stable handling for a small wagon. Electronic power steering, front and rear disc brakes, sport-tuned independent McPherson front strut suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension help the enlarged frame deliver a comfortable ride and a fun drive with a more substantial automotive experience than in the previous form.
The softening of outer angles is pleasing to the eye, and well-defined fenders, flat paneling and high beltline appeal to older and younger buyers. The redesigned exterior is outfitted with elongated halogen headlamps that wrap around the side, while tinted rear windows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors are trendy and functional. Projector low beams, dual color-keyed power outsider mirrors with LED turn indicators, intermittent front windshield wipers, rear window wiper, roof-mounted antenna and chrome exhaust tip nicely finish off a newly attractive shell.
The exterior wheelbase of 102.4 inches on a rounded box that is 167.3 inches long, 69.3 inches wide and 64.7 inches high translates into superior room inside. Headroom is 40 inches up front and 41.2 in row two, legroom is 40.7 in row one and 38.0 behind and shoulder room of 55.8 inches for driver and passenger with 46.7 inches in the second seats. Cargo volume is 21.7 cubic feet.
Designed within for the youthful-thinking audience it craves, standard interior features include: auxiliary audio input; Pioneer 160-watt maximum power AM/FM/CD head unit (MP3/WMA and satellite-tuner capable) with iPod compatibility; six speakers; Scion Sound Processing; a user-customizable welcome screen and Sound Retouch digital equalization for clearer MP3/WMA-CD sound. Those items are great inclusions, but might be among the first things younger drivers will upgrade on their own.
Other interior niceties include a multi-information display, cruise control, deep orange instrument panel illumination, digital clock and speedometer, driver and front passenger sun visor with mirror, front sport bucket seats with fabric upholstery and cargo area under-floor storage.
Safety features include driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, side impact door beams, vehicle stability control and traction control with brake assist, anti-lock brake system with electronic brake distribution, direct tire pressure monitoring system and a first-aid kit.
The xB is based-priced at $16,600 with only a handful of extras on board. Carpeted floor mats added $155; XM Satellite radio cost $449; 18-inch alloy wheel upgrades increased the sticker by $795 and delivery, processing and handling charges of $580 put the final ticket at $18,579.
The 2008 Scion xB … it’s not only your teenager’s wagon anymore.
Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.
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