Scion xB
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Scion xB | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | 2004–present |
| Class | Mini MPV |
| Body style | 5-door station wagon[1] |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Similar | Chrysler PT Cruiser Nissan Cube Suzuki SX4 |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
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| Production | 2004–2007 |
| Assembly | Toyota, Aichi, Japan |
| Engine | 1.5 L 1NZ-FE I4 |
| 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 ib (1086 kg) |
| Related | Scion xA Toyota Echo |
The Scion xB is a vehicle made by Toyota and sold under their youth-oriented Scion brand. It is a box-shaped, 5-door compact hatchback.
Contents |
[edit] First Generation (2004-2007)
The first-generation xB was a rebadged subcompact Toyota bB. It is a small wagon based on the Toyota Echo/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.
[edit] First-generation xB vs. First-generation bB
Only the first generation models for both the xB and bB are related.
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] Second Generation (2008-present)
| Second generation | |
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| Production | 2008- |
| Assembly | Ikeda, Osaka, Japan |
| Engine | 2.4L 158 hp I4 |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in |
| Length | 167.3 in |
| Height | 63.6 in |
| Related | Toyota Corolla Scion tC |
Toyota unveiled the second-xB at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. Larger than the previous xB, the new xB is more rounded in shape and is styled as a 5-door version of the t2B concept unveiled the year before at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The 2008 xB is 3" wider and 1' longer than the current xB. The second-generation xB is powered by a 2.4L engine shared with the tC and the Camry. The vehicle will have features standard in the 2006 xB, including VSC, ABS, and others. Six airbags come standard, as well as Cruise Control.
A choice from three new head units will be available on all 2008 Scions. All sound systems feature six speakers and standard iPod connectivity. The base head unit has 10 changeable backlit colors, MP3, WMA, and AAC CD compatibility, and Scion's SSP equalizer presets. The Premium head unit features a small LCD that can display pictures and movies downloaded from Pioneer's website in addition to the features on the base unit. A navigation system will also be available. The AVN system can play DVD movies in addition to GPS functionality and the features of the base system, aside from the backlit color choices.
A five-speed manual and a sequential-shift four-speed automatic will be the only factory options aside from the color.
[edit] Scion marketing
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 accessories, along with special badging indicating the serial number. Limited Edition vehicles from a marketing standpoint were used to create a buzz for the brand name, 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
2006
xB RS 4.0 only available in Maziora Torched Penny (polarized goldish-brown) with 2500 units produced
[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] 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 truck".
- 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 New Beetle) for their competing Geek Squad service.
[edit] References
- ^ EPA information on 2006 Scion xB (includes fuel economy, size class, and other information)
2. Mark Templin, Scion VP, February, 7th 2008 dealer introduction.
[edit] External links
- Scion xB official webpage
- ScionLife, a very thorough Scion community webpage
- (Spanish) Scion Puerto Rico official webpage
- Scion xB at Edmunds.com
| Scion — a marque of Toyota | ||
|---|---|---|
| Past: | xA | |
| Current: | xB | tC | |
| Future: | xD | |
| Concept: | bbX | ccX | t2B | Fuse | |
Categories: Articles with unsourced statements since February 2007 | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements since March 2007 | Scion vehicles | Front wheel drive vehicles | All wheel drive vehicles | Subcompact cars | Mini MPVs | 2000s automobiles | 2003 introductions
