Scion xB

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Scion xB
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Also called Toyota bB/Daihatsu Materia/Coo (2004–2007)
Toyota Corolla Rumion (2008–present)
Production June 2003–present
Model years 2004–present
Body and chassis
Class Subcompact (2004–2007)
Compact (2008–present)
Body style 5-door hatchback
Layout FF layout
Powertrain
Transmission 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

The Scion xB is a compact car made by Toyota for the United States market and sold under their youth-oriented Scion brand. It is a box-shaped, 5-door compact hatchback that started a trend of cool urban boxy vehicles.[1]

First generation (2003-2007)

Scion xB
Overview
Also called Toyota bB
Production June 2003–2007
Model years 2004–2007
Assembly Toyota, Aichi, Japan
Body and chassis
Related Scion xA
Toyota Platz
Toyota Vitz
Powertrain
Engine 1.5L 103 hp (77 kW) - 108 hp (81 kW) 1NZ-FE I4
1.3 L 2NZ-FE I4 (bB only)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 98.4 in (2,499 mm)
Length 155.3 in (3,945 mm)
Width 66.5 in (1,689 mm)
Height 64.6 inches (1,641 mm)
Curb weight 2,395 lb (1,086 kg)
GVWR 3,315 lb (1,504 kg)

The first-generation xB was a lightly modified and rebadged version of the Japanese-market subcompact Toyota bB. It was a small station 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 2003 launch, the other being the xA, based on the Toyota ist.

First generation xB vs. first generation bB

Only the first generation models for both the xB and bB are related. Second generation models are based upon different platforms.

To create the first generation xB, the bB was modified from right- to left-hand drive, the front passenger area was also changed significantly with the bB's front bench seat replaced with bucket seats and the column-mounted shifter changed to a floor-mounted shifter.

The available drivetrains also differed. The bB was available with either the 1.3 L I4 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 was only available with the 1NZ-FE that produced 108 hp (81 kW) and 105 lb·ft (142 N·m) in US spec, but offered both a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive was not offered on the xB.

The Toyota bB was not equipped with a spare tire. On the Scion xB, a compact spare tire was stored under the left side of a raised rear cargo floor. Since the spare tire raised the cargo floor by several inches, a storage bin was added to the right of the spare tire to reclaim some of the lost storage space. A jack was stored under the driver's seat of the xB.

The Toyota bB had a pull-out storage tray under the passenger seat that the xB lacks.

The bB went on sale in February 2000, whereas the xB went on sale in June 2003 for the 2004 model year. Sales of the first generation bB ended in December 2005, whereas the first generation xB ended sales in June 2007.

Scion t2B (2005)

Scion t2B (Tall-Two Box[2]) is a concept car designed by Calty Design Research and built by Five Axis Models in Huntington Beach, California, with interior design by Calty senior designer Bill Chergosky and Naoki Hamajima. It included a 2.4-liter I4 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 14-inch brakes with slotted rotors, 20-inch billet aluminium wheels, LED fog lamp, remotely operated power rear hatch, asymmetrical tri-level instrument panel features a large information ticker, mp3 docking station, dual moonroof, suicide doors.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 New York Auto Show.[3]

Release series vehicles

2004 xB RS 1.0

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 colors, matching seat colors, and special modifications such as DVD players, custom tail lights, special wheels or wheel covers, and other accessories, along with special badging indicating the serial number. Limited Edition vehicles were, from a marketing standpoint, used to create a buzz for the brand name, with their exterior colors tending toward loud or bright hues (i.e. orange, yellow, red, blue, green). Preordering is available at each dealership on a first-come, first-served basis.[citation needed] Scion's "Pure Price" program requires dealerships to sell the vehicle at the advertised price. Resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.

2004 model year

  • xB RS 1.0 only available in Hot Lava Orange with 2100 units produced (504 units w/5spd, 1596 units w/automatic)[4]

2005 model year

  • xB RS 2.0 only available in Solar Yellow with 2500 units produced[5]

2006 model year

  • xB RS 3.0 only available in Envy Green with 2200 units produced[6]
  • xB RS 4.0 only available in Maziora Torched Penny (polarized goldish-brown) with 2500 units produced)[7]

Safety

The first generation received a "Good" overall score in the frontal offset test, all measured categories in this test were also rated "Good". The xB was given a "Poor" overall score in the side impact test. The xB model year 2003-2006 did not offer side airbags but includes them for model year 2008–present.[8]

2006 Scion xB 
2004 Scion xB RS 1.0 
2004 Scion xB RS 1.0 

Second generation (2007–present)

Second generation
Overview
Also called Toyota Corolla Rumion
Toyota Rukus (Australia)
Production 2007–present
Model years 2008–present
Assembly Japan: Kanegasaki, Iwate
Toyota, Aichi (Takaoka)
Powertrain
Engine 1.5 L 1NZ-FE I4 (Rumion)
1.8 L 2ZR-FE I4 (Rumion)
2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length 167.3 in (4,249 mm)
Width 69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Curb weight

3,084 lb (1,399 kg) (automatic)

3,027 lb (1,373 kg) (manual)

The second-generation Scion xB is styled as a 5-door version of the t2B concept unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Toyota unveiled the production xB at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. The new xB is less boxy in shape and larger than its predecessor. The 2008 model year xB is 2.8-inch (71 mm) wider, 12-inch (300 mm) longer - including 4-inch (100 mm) longer wheel to wheel - and over 600 pounds (270 kg) heavier than the first-generation xB.

The first-generation Scion xB was very similar to its original bB inspiration, but the second-generation xB was based on American buyers' "wants" relative to the first-generation, combined with the new styling of the 2005 bB. Unfortunately, as noted below, the sales of the Scion xB plummeted after the switch from the compact first generation to the much larger second generation xB2.

2011 Scion xB in Stingray Metallic
Toyota Rukus, Australia

The Scion xB is produced by Kanto Auto Works, Ltd.[9] based in Japan. Due to the 2011 Japanese Earthquake, production has been suspended starting 14 March 2011. The Scion xB and Scion xD are both halting production until further notice. Plants affected by the disaster include the Toyota Motor Hokkaido Plant, the Toyota Motor Tohoku Plant, and the Central Motor Corporation Miyagi Plant, which produces the Toyota Yaris.[10]

The second-generation xB is equipped with a 2.4 L straight-4 Toyota 2AZ-FE engine rated at 158 hp (118 kW) and 162 lb·ft (220 N·m), shared with the first-generation tC and the Toyota Camry, which at 22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) city / 28 mpg-US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg-imp) hwy[11] has a higher fuel consumption than the previous model's 1.5 L engine (26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) city / 31 mpg-US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg-imp) hwy).[12] A five-speed manual and a sequential-shift four-speed automatic are the only factory options aside from the color and stereo.

A choice of three new head units is available on all 2008 Scions. All sound systems feature six speakers and standard iPod connectivity. The base head unit has MP3, WMA, and AAC CD compatibility and Scion's SSP equalizer presets. The base unit can also be set to any of three Scion model presets (xB, xD, or tC) and includes an "Automatic Sound Levelizer" feature that automatically increases the volume as the vehicle speed and ambient noise increases. 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 is also available. The SNS 100 system can play DVD movies in addition to GPS functionality and the features of the base system, aside from the backlit color choices.

In 2011, for the 2012 model year, a new radio with bluetooth became standard.

All xBs come standard with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, Vehicle Stability Control driver and front passenger dual stage airbags, front seat-mounted side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a first-aid kit.[13]

In 2013, the xB was chosen by cars.com as a Top 10 Best Base Model.[14]

Safety

The second generation Scion xB has won the Top Safety Pick[15] award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for six years in a row. It received an overall "Good" score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal offset crash test, and another "Good" overall score in the side impact crash test, with all nine measured categories also rated "Good".[16] And a "Good" score in the roof strength test.[17]

Awards

Car and Driver magazine rated the 2008 xB as one of the top ten safe vehicles under US$25,000.[18]

Release series vehicles

2009 xB RS 6.0

2008 model year

  • xB RS 5.0 only available in Gold Rush Mica with 2500 units produced (second RS Scion other than the tC to have a sunroof)[19]

2009 model year

  • xB RS 6.0 only available in Absolutely Red with 2500 units produced[20]

2010 model year

  • xB RS 7.0 with a four-piece DAMD body kit, only available in Murasaki (Blue), with 2000 units produced[21]

2011 model year

  • xB RS 8.0 with a four-piece Kenstyle body kit, only available in Voodoo Blue, with 2000 units produced[22]

2012 model year

  • xB RS 9.0 only available in Hot Lava with 1500 units produced.[23]

2013 model year

  • Scion 10 Series xB Part of the Scion 10 Series Models only available in Silver Ignition with 2100 units produced.[24]

Scion RIDE

It is a 1:18 Ridemakerz model based on the second generation Scion xB. The body was available in Cannonball Black, Comet Blue and Wasabi Green.

The 7:8 full-sized concept and the toy were unveiled in 2007 SEMA show.[25]

Toyota Corolla Rumion (E150N, 2007–)

Main article: Toyota Corolla Rumion

A differently styled version for the Japanese market.

Toyota Rukus (2010–)

A differently styled version for the Australian market, with the 2.4l 2AZ-FE engine and a four speed semi automatic gearbox, released June 2010.[26]

2011 model year update

Scion announced in March 2010 that the 2011 model, on sale late March 2010, is being given a refresh. Two new colors are available, and there are minor changes to the exterior body, including a revised front and rear bumper, new front grill, and new headlights and tail lights. The interior changes include a revised gauge cluster, center console and new driver and front passenger seats with new materials. The MSRP rises US$150 to US$16,000 for the manual and US$16,950 for the automatic transmission.[27] In addition, the Scion xB went on sale in Canada for the first time along with the entire Scion lineup.

2013 model year update

For the 2013 model year, Scion made a few enhancements including remodeled front and rear bumpers and a few interior upgrades including the optional BeSpoke radio. New colors are Absolutely Red and Nautical Blue Metallic (Absolutely Red was available in 2009 as RS 6.0). Stingray Metallic and Elusive Blue Metallic colors were dropped (Stingray Metallic was a very expensive color and Toyota no longer offers it on any model).[28] Sales of the 2013 model began in February 2013.[citation needed]

2014 model year update

Sales for the 2014 model began in December 2013. No major changes for this model year. All models now come with a standard Scion 6.1-inch display touch screen audio system.[29]

Electric vehicles

AC Propulsion has produced an electric version of the first generation xB called the eBox.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have converted a Scion xB into a commuter electric vehicle as part of their ChargeCar research project.[30]

Scion marketing

The Scion xB's marketing is aimed at Generation Y, Americans born between 1980 and 1994. 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. Despite the Scion xB's target market, the average age of an xB buyer is 46.[31]

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.[32]

Sales

The Scion xB was Scion's most popular model in the United States until 2011, when it was surpassed by the tC.[33] In the U.S., sales of the xB have been dropping after the introduction of the second generation, from a peak of over 60,000 to 17,017 in 2011.[34]

Calendar Year US Sales
2002 n/a[35]
2003 6,936
2004 47,013[36]
2005 54,037
2006 61,306
2007 45,834
2008 45,220
2009 25,461
2010 20,364[37]
2011 17,017[33]
2012 19,787[37]
2013 17,849[38]

Chinese copy

In 2009, Great Wall Motor of China released the Coolbear, which is a copy of the first-generation xB, but with a different front end.[39][40]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Scion xB vs Nissan Cube vs Kia Soul". MotorWeek. Retrieved 2013-01-28. 
  2. ↑ Thomas, David (2005-12-18). "Scion t2B Concept". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  3. ↑ "2005 Scion t2B Concept". Ultimatecarpage.com. 2005-05-02. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  4. ↑ "2004 Scion xB Series 1.0". Topspeed.com. 2006-05-17. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  5. ↑ Keegan, Walter J (2005-12-18). "Scion xB Release Series 2.0". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  6. ↑ Arellano, Joel (2006-01-07). "Scion xB RS 3.0". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  7. ↑ "Scion xB 4.0 Final Release". Blogs.motortrend.com. 2006-10-16. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  8. ↑ "IIHS-HLDI: Scion xB". Iihs.org. 2006-12-19. Retrieved 2009-05-09. 
  9. ↑ "Kanto Motor Works – Major Products". 
  10. ↑ "Updated Toyota Statement Regarding Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan" (Press release). Toyota USA. 2011-03-23. Retrieved 2013-01-28. 
  11. ↑ "2008 Scion xB Review and Specs". JB car pages. Retrieved 2008-06-30. 
  12. ↑ "2006 Scion xB Fuel Economy". 
  13. ↑ "Scion Launches All-New 2008 xB At 2007 Chicago Auto Show" (Press release). 2007-02-08. Retrieved 2013-01-28. 
  14. ↑ Thomas, David (2013-06-12). "Top 10 Best Base Models". cars.com (US). Retrieved 2013-06-16. 
  15. ↑ "Top Safety Pick 2012 winners". US: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 2012. Retrieved 2013-02-18. 
  16. ↑ "IIHS-HLDI: Scion xB". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2009-05-09. 
  17. ↑ "Roof strength evaluations: Small cars". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  18. ↑ Holstein, Jared (2007-08). "Top 10 Safe Vehicles for Less Than $25,000". Car and Driver. 
  19. ↑ Neff, John (2009-05-13). "Scion announces xB release". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  20. ↑ "Scion xB Release Series 6.0 - AskMen.com". Askmen.com. Retrieved 2009-09-28. 
  21. ↑ "Scion Announces Pricing for xB Release Series 7.0, Will Debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show" (Press release). USA: Toyota. 2009-11-30. Retrieved 2012-01-28. 
  22. ↑ "Scion Announces Pricing for xB Release Series 8.0" (Press release). USA: Toyota. 2010-11-17. Retrieved 2013-01-28. 
  23. ↑ "Scion Announces Pricing for the xD and xB Release Series Models" (Press release). USA: Scion. 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2013-06-22. 
  24. ↑ Ross, Jeffrey N. (2013-04-01). "Scion celebrates first 10 years with special edition models". autoblog. Retrieved 2013-04-24. 
  25. ↑ Ramsey, Jonathon (2007-11-01). "SEMA 2007: Ridemakerz lets you customize a (little) Scion". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  26. ↑ "Toyota Rukus car". Toyota Australia. Retrieved 2013-01-28. 
  27. ↑ "Redesigned 2011 Scion xB Pricing Announced". Automoblog.net. 
  28. ↑ "Toyota Announces 2013 Model Year Prices for Camry and Camry Hybrid, Prius c and Scion xB" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2012-12-07. Retrieved 2013-12-03. 
  29. ↑ Sanchez, Edward A. (2013-08-18). "2014 Scion Pricing Announced, Touchscreen Radio Now Standard". Automobile. Retrieved 2014-01-14. 
  30. ↑ Science Centric. "News | Carnegie Mellon customising electric cars for cost-effective urban commuting". Science Centric. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  31. ↑ "2009 Scion xB Review". Automoblog.net. 
  32. ↑ "Toyota Reports June 2006 Sales With Strong Second-Quarter and First-Half Performance". The Auto Channel. 2006-07-03. 
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Toyota Reports December 2011 and Year-End Sales" (Press release). USA: Toyota. 2012-01-04. Retrieved 2012-01-10. 
  34. ↑ Nicholas Maronese (2012-04-24). "Scion killing off xB, xD models". Sympatico autos. Retrieved 2013-01-28. 
  35. ↑ "Toyota Announces Best Sales Year in Its 46-Year History, Breaks Sales Record for Eighth Year in a Row". The Auto Channel. 2004-01-05. Retrieved 2009-05-09. 
  36. ↑ "Toyota Reports 2005 and December Sales". The Auto Channel. 2006-01-04. Retrieved 2009-05-09. 
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 "December 2012 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). USA: Toyota. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-01-28. 
  38. ↑ "December 2013 and Year-End Sales Chart". USA: Toyota. 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-09. 
  39. ↑ "Great Wall Cool Bear - 2009 Shanghai Auto Show". InsideLine. 2009-04-09. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
  40. ↑ "CNN/Fortune - Cars: 6 Chinese Knock-offs - Great Wall Coolbear vs. Scion xB". Money.cnn.com. 2008-10-30. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Scion xB.
Scion, a marque of Toyota Motor Corporation, road vehicle timeline, 2000s–present
Type 2000s 2010s
456789 0123
Microcar iQ
Subcompact xA xD
xB
Compact xB
tC tC
Sports car FR-S
Concept cars: bbX · ccX · t2B · Fuse · Hako Coupe · iQ

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