Scion xB

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Scion xB
2004 Scion xB
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: 2004–2007
Class: Subcompact
Body style: 5-door hatchback
Engine: 1.5 L 1NZ-FE I4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 98.4 in (2499 mm)
Length: 155.3 in (3945 mm)
Width: 66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height: 64.6 in (1641 mm)
Curb weight: 2395 lb (1086 kg)
Fuel economy: (2004)
31/35 mpg (manual)
30/34 mpg (auto)
(2005)
31/34 mpg (manual)
31/35 mpg (auto)
(2006)
30/33 mpg (manual)
30 /34 mpg (auto)
Related: Scion xA
Toyota Yaris
Similar: Chevrolet HHR
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Honda Element
Jeep Compass

The Scion xB is the American-market name given to the subcompact Toyota bB. It is a small wagon based on the Toyota Yaris platform. The xB was one of two models in the lineup of Toyota's US-exclusive Scion division present at the brand's 2004 launch (the other was the xA, based on the Toyota ist). Both cars feature the 1NZ-FE engine, rated at 108 hp (81 kW) at 6000 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm.

The Toyota bB was an established model in Japan before the Scion xB version was introduced to the US.

Toyota reportedly plans to replace the xB and related xA with all-new models for the 2008 model year, with xB and xA production ending in December 2006.

Contents

[edit] Scion Marketing

2006 Scion xB
Enlarge
2006 Scion xB

The Scion xB's marketing is aimed at Generation Y, Americans born in 1978 or later. This group of car buyers is extremely important to manufacturers due to their large numbers (78 million) and their differing perceptions and demands of the vehicles they drive.[1]

Although Toyota expected the xA to sell better than the xB, the reverse proved to be true, with the xB outselling its brother 2 to 1, possibly due to the xB's distinctive styling, and the xB's unique combination of van-like cargo and passenger space with a very compact size.[2]

The xB, like the xA and tC, was also available in a "Release Series" for each of its model years. These came with limited-edition paint jobs, matching seat colors, and special modifications like DVD players, custom tail lights, special hubcaps/rims, and other accesories, along with special badging indicating the serial number. Limited Edition vehicles from a marketing standpoint were used to create a buzz for the brandname, with their often exterior colors tending to be loud or bright hues (i.e. orange, yellow, red, blue, green). Because of the growing popularity of the Scion product line and the small production runs (most dealers only get two or three of each RS model), these limited edition vehicles quickly sell out.[citation needed] Preordering is available at each dealership on a first-come, first-served basis.[citation needed] To the customers benefit, Scion's "Pure Price" MSRP binds dealerships against market-demand vehicle mark-up. Naturally, resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.[citation needed]

[edit] Release Series Vehicles

2004

xB RS 1.0 only available in Hot Lava Orange with 2100 units produced (504 units w/5spd, 1596 units w/automatic)

2005

xB RS 2.0 only available in Solar Yellow with 2500 units produced

2006

xB RS 3.0 only available in Envy Green with 2200 units produced

2007

xB RS 4.0 only available in Maziora Torched Penny (polarized goldish brown) with 2500 units produced

[edit] Differences between the xB and the bB

Besides the obvious change from right to left-hand drive, the front passenger area has changed significantly. The bB has a front bench seat and a column-mounted shifter for the automatic transmission. The xB, on the other hand, has 2 front bucket seats and a shifter mounted on the floor.

The available drivetrains also differ. The bB is available with either the 1.3 L 2NZ-FE engine or the 1.5 L 1NZ-FE, mated exclusively to a 4-speed automatic transmission with available all-wheel drive. The xB is only available with the 1NZ-FE, but offers both a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is not offered on the xB.

The Toyota bB has a temporary spare tire stored under the rear cargo floor. On the Scion xB, a compact spare tire is stored under the left side of the rear cargo floor. Since the spare tire raised the cargo floor by several inches, a storage compartment was added to the right of the spare tire to reclaim some of the lost storage space. A jack is stored under the driver's seat of the xB.

The Toyota bB has a pull-out storage tray under the passenger seat.

[edit] Toys and Models based upon the Scion xB

The Transformer Binaltech toy Skids transforms into a Scion xB. In Japan, he was repainted into Broadblast (Blaster).

Matchbox Ready for Action MBX Metal #7 die-cast car model # J5589. Painted in Powder White.

The character "DJ" in the 2006 Pixar film Cars is based on a modified Scion xB. [citation needed]

[edit] See also

[edit] Trivia

  • Ray Magliozzi of NPR's Car Talk speaks well of the xB (as well as other Scions) when callers ask about cars to buy; he humorously refers to it as a "bread van".
  • In late 2006 Circuit City chose the Scion xB as fleet vehicle for their Firedog technology-assistance program; Best Buy also has a symbolic vehicle (Volkswagen's New Beetle) for their competing Geek Squad service.

[edit] External links

Scion — a division of Toyota - [edit]
Production: Scion xB | Scion xA | Scion tC
Concept: Scion t2B | Scion Fuse
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