We've already seen the Scion xB in person and feel that it will probably match the success of the gen 1 edition. As we told you when it debuted in Chicago, it has grown in size on a new platform instead of the one it shared with the now defunct xA. It lost its toaster-esque styling as well, and although it's still a box, it's a box with fender flares, a little more character in the front end and a chunky C-pillar. The interior has been upgraded too, and the center-mounted gauge pod is outta here. Big change underhood too, as the xB will also share its powerplant with the tC now, which means a 2.4L four-cylinder generating 158 hp and 162 ft-lbs. of torque.
One of the few things we didn't know about Scion's new xB was the price. Well, we do now. The price list includes these starting MSRPs. The five-speed stick will start at $15,650 and the four-speed sequential automatic will base at $16,600. That's quite a jump over the $14,610 starting price of the outgoing xB, but the new one offers a lot more car (and power!) for the money. The funky little boxes will be in showrooms by the end of May.
Follow the jump for the full press release from Toyota/Scion.
[Source: Toyota]
PRESS RELEASE:
Scion xB Price Announcement
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., is excited to announce pricing for the all-new next generation xB urban utility vehicle. It will be arriving at dealerships in early May 2007.
Iconic Style
The all-new 2008 xB will uphold the Scion icon status of the previous generation. It separates itself from the crowd by incorporating distinctive design elements from the t2B concept vehicle. Exterior styling cues include a wide stance, high beltline, elongated headlamps that wrap around the side of the vehicle, inset taillights, rectangular grille, pronounced fenders, and a single rear backup light on the left bumper. The xB also features halogen headlamps with a projector low-beam lamp, tinted rear windows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.
Bigger Box
The xB's driving experience is enhanced by an overall size increase. At the request of current xB owners, the next generation xB dimensions grow significantly in comparison to the current model. The wheelbase increases four inches, overall length increases by a foot, and overall width by almost three inches. Standard 16-inch wheels are one inch larger than its predecessor, and are offered with a choice of three wheel covers. The xB also receives 4-wheel disc brakes, upgrading the rear brakes from drum to disc. A MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension produces a sporty, yet smooth, comfortable ride.
Performance Boost
xB owners asked for a more powerful engine. Scion responded with an all-new xB equipped with a 2.4 L dual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i). The engine churns out 158 horsepower, 55 more than the previous generation. It is available with a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed sequential shift automatic, a first for automatic four-speeds in the Scion or Toyota line-up.
Creature Comforts
The xB interior was designed to create a lounge-like feel with a focus on utility, storage, and seating flexibility. The versatile interior provides 21.7 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats. The 60/40 split rear seats fold flat, providing a spacious and flat cargo floor to accommodate larger loads with ease. To further increase cargo space or to take a break and relax, the front seats have the capability to fully recline. A captain's chair style armrest and seat height adjustment are added to the driver's seat for increased comfort.
Cruise control and steering wheel audio controls become standard for the 2008 model year xB. A deep orange illuminated circular 4-dial combination meter includes an LCD speedometer with odometer and trip information. An LCD drive monitor positioned to the left of the speedometer displays outside temperature, driving time, cruising range, average fuel consumption, average vehicle speed, and current fuel consumption. It can be switched to display either a clock or the drive monitor at the push of a button. When the ignition is turned on, the drive monitor and speedometer together display the welcome message "SCION xB". In addition, the heating and cooling system performance has been increased by 10% over the previous generation model, resulting in enhanced cooling performance in the summer heat. The center and side registers now have improved capabilities to direct airflow, yet are much quieter.
The xB's standard 160-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system is upgraded with direct iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port. iPod song navigation and selection can be controlled from either the controls on the head unit or the steering wheel. While the iPod is connected, the track, artist, and album information is displayed in one-line on the audio screen. xB's optional premium audio system has the added ability to download images, four-second video clips, and eight-second movies onto the head unit. Both audio systems retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems feature six speakers, which consists of one tweeter and two speakers in each door panel. An ultra-premium Scion Navigation System (SNS) is also available, taking in-car infotainment to the next level.
xB buyers will discover abundant interior storage in some unconventional locations. A center console box with a front compartment keeps essential items close at hand. The front driver has an easily accessible convenience tray and front door storage, along with a glove box. A fixed storage tray is located under the rear seat to hide away items like umbrellas, magazines, cameras, laptops, cell phone chargers, and CDs. In addition, the cargo area has a practical under floor storage area. Spilled beverages are a thing of the past with double cup-holders integrated in both the front and rear consoles, and bottle holders on the front and rear door pockets.
Standard Safety
Customization
The xB is engineered with special accommodations for customization. Most Scion customers add accessories to personalize their vehicles specifically to their tastes. In order to accommodate customers' needs, holes have been placed on the bumpers and body side to facilitate the addition of aftermarket exterior body enhancements. Sheet metal access holes also exist in the inner side of the rear luggage door to allow for easier rear spoiler installation. In addition, the rear bumper is shaped so no notching is needed when adding an exhaust diffuser. Pre-wires for the front fog light kit allow for a quicker installation with less disassembly, resulting in a higher quality installation. The premium audio unit now comes with standard rear RCA jack outputs for those owners wishing to take their sound system to the next level. They will no longer need to replace the factory audio unit in order to add external amps to enhance the output of their audio/video systems.
1 with VSC OFF switch
Accessories
TMS Corporate Accessories Department, TRD, and Optomize will offer a broad array of accessories that will exceed all Scion /Toyota accessory offerings to date and allow customers to create a vehicle that is both unique and personal.
Coming from CAD will be over 40 accessories, with over 30 available at launch and the remaining scheduled to be available within a few weeks of launch. There are several all-new and exciting genuine accessories such as the Scion Navigation System (SNS), the illuminated door sill plates and DVD headrest monitors which are certain to satisfy Scion owners' desires for cutting edge electronic products.
TRD will offer 17 performance related accessories, including such items as a cold air intake, quick shift kit, suspension package and an exciting new 19-inch alloy wheel and tire package. For the real performance enthusiast a supercharger is in the works. It is expected to boost vehicle performance by more than 20%.
Optomize is poised and ready to fill in where CAD and TRD leave off. We have secured exclusive rights to market and distribute the exciting new body kit by FiveAxis. It will be the only xB body kit on the market at launch. This kit is styled after the FiveAxis xB show car that was on display at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. In addition to the body kit, Optomize will expand its line up to include more under hood and exterior/interior dress up parts, Scion Release Series accessories and Tuner wear.
Pricing
xB is positioned to attract a youthful buyer that demands a high level of standard equipment and outstanding quality at an affordable price. Considering the increased size, enhanced engine performance, and generous list of standard features, the 2008 xB price is an outstanding value:
MODEL BODY STYLE TRANSMISSION MSRP
6202 5 Dr. Hatchback 4AT w/sequential $16,600
6203 5 Dr. Hatchback 5MT $15,650
xB is mono-spec with no factory options, however customers can personalize their xB with their choice of audio, wheel cover design, and a sizeable list of available genuine Scion accessories. Additional accessories are available through Scion Optomize and TRD.
One of the few things we didn't know about Scion's new xB was the price. Well, we do now. The price list includes these starting MSRPs. The five-speed stick will start at $15,650 and the four-speed sequential automatic will base at $16,600. That's quite a jump over the $14,610 starting price of the outgoing xB, but the new one offers a lot more car (and power!) for the money. The funky little boxes will be in showrooms by the end of May.
Follow the jump for the full press release from Toyota/Scion.
[Source: Toyota]
PRESS RELEASE:
Scion xB Price Announcement
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., is excited to announce pricing for the all-new next generation xB urban utility vehicle. It will be arriving at dealerships in early May 2007.
Iconic Style
The all-new 2008 xB will uphold the Scion icon status of the previous generation. It separates itself from the crowd by incorporating distinctive design elements from the t2B concept vehicle. Exterior styling cues include a wide stance, high beltline, elongated headlamps that wrap around the side of the vehicle, inset taillights, rectangular grille, pronounced fenders, and a single rear backup light on the left bumper. The xB also features halogen headlamps with a projector low-beam lamp, tinted rear windows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.
Bigger Box
The xB's driving experience is enhanced by an overall size increase. At the request of current xB owners, the next generation xB dimensions grow significantly in comparison to the current model. The wheelbase increases four inches, overall length increases by a foot, and overall width by almost three inches. Standard 16-inch wheels are one inch larger than its predecessor, and are offered with a choice of three wheel covers. The xB also receives 4-wheel disc brakes, upgrading the rear brakes from drum to disc. A MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension produces a sporty, yet smooth, comfortable ride.
Performance Boost
xB owners asked for a more powerful engine. Scion responded with an all-new xB equipped with a 2.4 L dual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i). The engine churns out 158 horsepower, 55 more than the previous generation. It is available with a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed sequential shift automatic, a first for automatic four-speeds in the Scion or Toyota line-up.
Creature Comforts
The xB interior was designed to create a lounge-like feel with a focus on utility, storage, and seating flexibility. The versatile interior provides 21.7 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats. The 60/40 split rear seats fold flat, providing a spacious and flat cargo floor to accommodate larger loads with ease. To further increase cargo space or to take a break and relax, the front seats have the capability to fully recline. A captain's chair style armrest and seat height adjustment are added to the driver's seat for increased comfort.
Cruise control and steering wheel audio controls become standard for the 2008 model year xB. A deep orange illuminated circular 4-dial combination meter includes an LCD speedometer with odometer and trip information. An LCD drive monitor positioned to the left of the speedometer displays outside temperature, driving time, cruising range, average fuel consumption, average vehicle speed, and current fuel consumption. It can be switched to display either a clock or the drive monitor at the push of a button. When the ignition is turned on, the drive monitor and speedometer together display the welcome message "SCION xB". In addition, the heating and cooling system performance has been increased by 10% over the previous generation model, resulting in enhanced cooling performance in the summer heat. The center and side registers now have improved capabilities to direct airflow, yet are much quieter.
The xB's standard 160-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system is upgraded with direct iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port. iPod song navigation and selection can be controlled from either the controls on the head unit or the steering wheel. While the iPod is connected, the track, artist, and album information is displayed in one-line on the audio screen. xB's optional premium audio system has the added ability to download images, four-second video clips, and eight-second movies onto the head unit. Both audio systems retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems feature six speakers, which consists of one tweeter and two speakers in each door panel. An ultra-premium Scion Navigation System (SNS) is also available, taking in-car infotainment to the next level.
xB buyers will discover abundant interior storage in some unconventional locations. A center console box with a front compartment keeps essential items close at hand. The front driver has an easily accessible convenience tray and front door storage, along with a glove box. A fixed storage tray is located under the rear seat to hide away items like umbrellas, magazines, cameras, laptops, cell phone chargers, and CDs. In addition, the cargo area has a practical under floor storage area. Spilled beverages are a thing of the past with double cup-holders integrated in both the front and rear consoles, and bottle holders on the front and rear door pockets.
Standard Safety
- xB offers a broad array of standard safety features, including:
- 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)1 with Traction Control (TRAC) and Brake Assist (BA)
- Driver and front passenger dual stage airbags (SRS)
- Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags
- Front and rear side curtain airbags
- 3-point front seatbelts with force limiters and pretensioners
- 3-point rear seatbelts with Auto/Emergency Locking Retractors (ALR/ELR)
- Direct tire pressure monitor system
- Side impact door beams
Customization
The xB is engineered with special accommodations for customization. Most Scion customers add accessories to personalize their vehicles specifically to their tastes. In order to accommodate customers' needs, holes have been placed on the bumpers and body side to facilitate the addition of aftermarket exterior body enhancements. Sheet metal access holes also exist in the inner side of the rear luggage door to allow for easier rear spoiler installation. In addition, the rear bumper is shaped so no notching is needed when adding an exhaust diffuser. Pre-wires for the front fog light kit allow for a quicker installation with less disassembly, resulting in a higher quality installation. The premium audio unit now comes with standard rear RCA jack outputs for those owners wishing to take their sound system to the next level. They will no longer need to replace the factory audio unit in order to add external amps to enhance the output of their audio/video systems.
1 with VSC OFF switch
Accessories
TMS Corporate Accessories Department, TRD, and Optomize will offer a broad array of accessories that will exceed all Scion /Toyota accessory offerings to date and allow customers to create a vehicle that is both unique and personal.
Coming from CAD will be over 40 accessories, with over 30 available at launch and the remaining scheduled to be available within a few weeks of launch. There are several all-new and exciting genuine accessories such as the Scion Navigation System (SNS), the illuminated door sill plates and DVD headrest monitors which are certain to satisfy Scion owners' desires for cutting edge electronic products.
TRD will offer 17 performance related accessories, including such items as a cold air intake, quick shift kit, suspension package and an exciting new 19-inch alloy wheel and tire package. For the real performance enthusiast a supercharger is in the works. It is expected to boost vehicle performance by more than 20%.
Optomize is poised and ready to fill in where CAD and TRD leave off. We have secured exclusive rights to market and distribute the exciting new body kit by FiveAxis. It will be the only xB body kit on the market at launch. This kit is styled after the FiveAxis xB show car that was on display at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. In addition to the body kit, Optomize will expand its line up to include more under hood and exterior/interior dress up parts, Scion Release Series accessories and Tuner wear.
Pricing
xB is positioned to attract a youthful buyer that demands a high level of standard equipment and outstanding quality at an affordable price. Considering the increased size, enhanced engine performance, and generous list of standard features, the 2008 xB price is an outstanding value:
MODEL BODY STYLE TRANSMISSION MSRP
6202 5 Dr. Hatchback 4AT w/sequential $16,600
6203 5 Dr. Hatchback 5MT $15,650
xB is mono-spec with no factory options, however customers can personalize their xB with their choice of audio, wheel cover design, and a sizeable list of available genuine Scion accessories. Additional accessories are available through Scion Optomize and TRD.
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