The Celica GTS and Corolla/Matrix XRS engine used VVTL-i. It included variable valve lift.
What alpha means about the new 1.8L is that it employs VVTi on both the intake and exhaust valves, while the current model only uses it on the intake side.
Which is good, I'm glad Toyota is doing this. I long for the day when Toyota will use direct injection on all its engines, including the 4-cylinders which currently suffer for not having it. Look how close the Toyota V-6 and 4-cylinder powertrains are in fuel economy in the larger models.
That, and chasing out all the remaining 4-speed autos from everything made by Toyota, and I would be happy! :-P
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
nippononly - I agree with you on the 4A thing, let's just first make sure there are no issues like Toyota initially had with the drive by wire tech and the 5A in the '02 ES with the 3.0L V6. Also, historically Toyota has been agonizingly slow with transmission advances (at least, it felt that way to me)... let's not forget a THREE SPEED was available in the Corolla up through the 2002 model year!!!
I'm looking for the best audio system to control my iPod (Playlist controls, etc.). I'm not sure if the standard audio system is enough, or if I should upgrade to the Premium Pioneer or the Alpine Navigation one. I didn't find the info from the Scion.com web site.
so I thought I would post it here where it is closer to the topic. C&D likes a lot about the new model. I think the 3100 pound curb weight and 22/28 EPA rating are totally unremarkable (yes, I know that 22/28 for 2008 is about the same as 24/30 in 2007, but that's still a 6-point drop) - it took just one generation for this model to follow all the other middle-of-the-road Toyotas into the U.S. market. They say handling has gone from chuckable to capable. I like chuckable better.
OTOH, I like the interior of the new model more, and the features list is compelling for a car costing a little over $16K. I suppose it will sell well as a poor man's CRV/Element, and if you want a RAV4 but insist on a manual shifter as I do, this could be an alternative.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
"... I thought it was the Corolla powertrain, but its not. It's a Dual VVTi engine, and the Corolla's isn't."
Both the Corolla and xD have the same new 1.8L engine. Here the lineup: 1NZ-FE 1.5 xB1 1ZZ-FE 1.8 Old Corolla 2ZR-FE 1.8 New Corolla, xD 2AZ-FE 2.4 tC, xB2
The 2ZR-FE has Dual VVT-i which varies valve timing optimally for various engine speeds and loads on both the intake and exhaust valves. The previous 1ZZ-FE only has variable valve timing on the exhaust valves.
In the above list, my understanding is that "New" Corolla means "Next Generation Corlla". The current Corolla - the one you can buy today - does not have the same engine as the xD that will go on sale in the summer. That is why edmunds.com stated: "(the xD) features a rambunctious four-cylinder engine that Toyota has never before offered in North America."
I hope this clarifies!
nippon- thanks. I find myself getting nomenclature mixed up since the change to the xD name.
"... Read the C/D article, they basically said the drop in headroom was unnoticeable."
I did read it. The 6 inch drop in headroom would be unnoticeable unless your head was used to being up into those missing inches. I am 6-2, sometimes wear a hat, and the car has a sunroof track that lowers the headliner. All that puts my head up near the ceiling, compared to little people who are dwarfed by the headroom. I also like to be able to step over and sit down on the driver's seat without ducking.
Ok, the vehicle height has dropped by 1", so how could the headroom drop 6"? The only explanation is that the seat is mounted higher for easier ingress and egress?
I'm definitely interested in the xB, but I don't want to feel like I'm sitting in a tub with high door sills and dashboard. I'm used to having a low, vertical windshield, and low door sills in my Isuzu Trooper. Makes for great outward visibility. That is the only thing that I could think of that would kills the deal on a xB.
I've test driven the Honda Fit and Mazda5. Both have excellent visibility with a low belt line.
These videos show a man sitting in the car...the second shows a man sitting in the backseat. The nice thing is that you also have the perspective of someone standing by the car to help judge how big it really is.
I'm more worried about leg room than head room. The flat floor in the back will be nice for the middle position. It's small, but I drive a Matrix, so I think it's good for someone who's used to something like that and just wants certain features, like a good amount of cargo space.
Good links. Now I'm not as worried about headroom, but I am waiting to see how much the side of the roof comes down, potentially blocking the view. The Highlander had this problem, where I would hit the grab handle with my head. We'll see.
You're right about the Highlander. I rode in my friend's Highlander Hybrid for the first time (in the back seat). While leg room was sufficient, the top of the car came down on the sides a bit. The headroom reduction from the sunroof didn't help matters. Of course, I'm 6'2" so that didn't help matters.
Going to stop by the local dealership on Monday to find out when they are getting them in stock. Should be soon now!
S. Fl. dealer requested $500 deposit (refundable for any reason) on the '08 xB. The order is for a Silver Metallic, automatic, base MSRP $16,600 with the following additions:
$350 - fog lights $125 - carpet mats $795 - alloy wheels $675 - Del, proc & handling
Nope...taking a chance. Going on gut feeling and the positive press, plus the Bimmer needs new tires soon and do not want to splurge the $1K for new ones.
The new xB has arrived! My local dealer has three of them, two in a dark bluish color, and a white. I like the look, although gone is the avant garde, Japan-chic look of the old one. It looks better in person than in pictures.
I measured the height of the roof, which looks a LOT lower than the old model, just in a relative way - one was parked right next to a Prius, and the roof is about 4 inches higher than the Prius roof is at its highest point (the Prius roof arches, while the xB roof is as flat as a board).
Privacy glass is standard, that's nice. The mileage rating is 22/28 (using 2008 rules) for stick and auto. I reeeeeallllly like the new dash, I dunno what it is about it that grabs my eye. Generally speaking, I am not a fan of digital speedos, but the layout of the IP is great.
The whole thing looks hunkered down to the ground even more than before. I like the little Scion imitation-metal panel that sits right above the shifter. The shifter-in-the-dash thing works well here, better than the 4-foot-high floor-mounted shifters the old models had.
The windows look narrow from the outside, creating a high beltline, which is maybe my biggest complaint. Well either that or the ENORMOUS blind spots it has in the rear quarters, where there is a large large C-pillar like in the FJ Cruisers. I wonder how much of a handicap that would prove when driving.
The sticker on the one I was looking at was $16,700 with about $500 worth of options including the floor mats and some upgrade to the Pioneer stereo. The auto is $1000 more. The auto is still a 4-speed, of course, so that is the exact powertrain from the 4-cylinder RAV4. But it is about $3000 less than the cheapest FWD RAV4, I believe. (RAV4 being auto-only)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I have a 2006 xB and I like it. However, I am very surprised that the main concern with people regarding changes to the 2008 are with the engine size and headroom. Nobody seems to be discussing the bumpy ride of the old style xB.
I am desperately hoping for a smoother ride in the 2008. I love the MPG on my 2006 but I would sacrifice a couple of MPG if after a 30 minute drive my back wasn't so sore!! (And no I don't have a bad back) At least I didn't before I bought my xB :sick: .
I want to order a 2008 xB but probably wont unless it has a smoother ride. Has anyone test driven a new 2008 xB and if so how is the ride??
Did you try changing your shocks? Monroe Sensa Tracs are an easy, cheap fix to your hard ride. You can buy them on sale for about $50 bucks from Sears. You can install them yourself with simple hand tools in 25 minutes. They will improve your ride immensely. Step by step instructions with photos can be found on threads on this site.
But, by the way, after my previous post about the rough ride of my 2006 xB, I decided to stop by my dealer on the way home. They had been asking me to stop by so they could look over my 2006 xB to give me a trade in value if I was gonna indeed purchase a 2008. When I arrived setting in front of the building was a brand new Dark Blue 2008 xB that they has just unloaded off the truck. The 2008 looks even better in person. And I couldn't believe it, when I asked to take it for a ride. The guy replied "sure no problem" The ride is much smoother than the 2006(At least in my opinion) And, it has great get up and go. They aren't giving me what I want for a trade in on my 2006 but I'm gonna go ahead anyway and place my order for a 2008!! Now if I could only decide on a color! :confuse:
"... Nobody seems to be discussing the bumpy ride of the old style xB."
Most people replace the rear shocks with SensaTracs, sold under the Monroe or NAPA brand, $75 a set. I did that the first week, and I don't consider the ride bumpy.
I test drove one last week, and was quite impressed. A lot more power than the old model (in fact, keeping under 30mph with the automatic was quite difficult).
However, your note about the "severe drop in EPA" isn't as severe as you would expect. The following article explains:
Basically, EPA quotations for 2008 models will reflect "real-world" conditions more accurately, and, on high-mileage cars, will reflect a 20-30% drop in rating. In other words, the 30-33mpg of the old xB will now be closer to 24-28.
Yes, the new xB will get between 3 and 4 less miles per gallon in actuality. A pretty good trade-off for the increase in power!
The new xB is really quite a car. With the exception of the center mounted gauges, I really like it. I wish the center shift console was 2" less wide. I wish it came with decent alloy wheels stock. However, for the money, it is an incredible car. They will sell like hotcakes
So, after not having a car for 9 months and test driving quite a few of them (and weighing what I want vs. what I need), I ended up buying a Nautical Blue automatic xB.
I really love the car and cant find anything on it thats a deal killer -- the blind spots that are mentioned are there to an extent, but if your mirrors are adjusted correctly and you're a non-insane driver, you should adapt to them quickly.
The get up and go is great compared to the previous generation, which was anemic in comparison. The drop in fuel economy, as mentioned in other posts, is not that dramatic -- the new EPA ratings have as much to do with it as the larger engine, and I think most people will be content with it for the size of the vehicle (overall, it seems to be about the size of my roommate's 2007 RAV4.)
The new xB is definately larger. It has plenty of headroom (I'm 6'2) and legroom... even with the front seats all the way back, I could sit comfortably on a long journey. The ride was comfortable... some road noise on I-94 here in the Twin Cities, but the road stinks and there was no music going on at the time... most people probably wont even notice too much to care (if you do, go pay the money for a "silent" Acura or other luxury car.)
The center mount gauges are kind of odd to me, but in a way, I think they're handy because the steering wheel would block them a bit if they were in the "usual place". One thing I dont particularly love is the digital speedometer: its changing of course, and in bright orange numbers... and my eyes go "ooh pretty" and are attracted to it. Good luck talking your way out of a speeding ticket with that one with the excuse "I didnt know I was going that fast, officer."
Overall, the car works great for me and suits all my needs (and then some) -- there are a few things I would change, but overall its awesome. (ask me again in 6 months - heeh!)
Yes, if someone (such as the reviewer) considers the previous model perfect, then the 2008 one isn't. If, on the other hand, one wanted more safety equipment, more pep, and a better ride for long trips, the 2008 is an improvement.
I'm not sure about perfect, but the uniqueness is gone. Less headroom, higher beltline, much heavier, bigger engine, cushy ride, and all around more average. As the article said, it was made to be closer to a Camry than the old xB.
I wonder about sales. The people who would buy a Camry will probably now give this a chance. The older folks who liked the old xB unique feel and good fuel economy will be turned off, and I don't see the target youth Scion audience being enthused either about going mainstream Camry.
I think the people who are, well, obsessed with their first-gen xB's (you know who you are and we love ya for it!) are going to have that feeling of "wow, the unique factor is gone" -- but overall, I would hope that Scion/Toyota knows what they're doing. They've created a car that will have a broader range of appeal overall, I think.
The vehicle is still unique -- sure, it looks like an Element was attacked by a PT Cruiser (hiss), but its still something you dont see on the road and will have some following because of that.
Personally, I love change and I'm glad the xB was revamped.
(Oh, the headroom is less but like I said in a previous post, I'm 6'1 and have about 6-7" above me I think)
The only things the old one did better was be very unique, handle well, and get good mileage. The new one does none of those as well. I never said it was a bad vehicle, but it is not much of a xB.
Why not just get a RAV4 or a Landcruiser? Bigger, Faster, Roomier, Safer and Less Tinny than the new xB. Why? Because people want a unique and efficient car from Scion? Not an overweight Camry-like vehicle? This is your Dad's xB.
They should have come out with a Mini competitor for Scion. They could have called this one the Camry X and have sold it under the Toyota name. Keep Scion for selling unique vehicles not ones that are heading for the mainstream (aka Toyota).
It is also funny that the xA changed very little so they renamed it the xD. The xB changed a lot so they kept the name the same. Makes sense to me.
I can tell you why *I* wouldnt get a RAV4 or a Landcruiser: Price. 2008 xB: $17,180. A base RAV4 is $20,950. A base Landcruiser is $56,215. (may or may not include delivery)
Granted, they may have different standard features, have high quality interiors and the like, but if people are looking for those things then they will definately probably get one if its in their afforability range. I can afford a $30,000 car easily, but I don't feel like paying that much for something that depreciates.
I think you're right about it being sort of your "Dad's xB" -- which Toyota/Scion probably knows. I'd like to see the numbers of who was actually buying the First Generation xB -- was it the target demographic, or was it someone else? I see more older folks driving these things than young people -- people who were (I would bet) were buying it for a combination of factors, not just whether or not it looks "unique."
I doubt that Camry buyers will seriously consider the new xB. PERHAPS Corolla buyers. But the xB still retains its uniqueness, it simply isn't toy-like or tinny anymore. The reality is that the larger size, increased power with a non-corresponding trade-off in efficency (50% more power with about a 15% drop in real mileage), greater safety features, while sustaining customizability, the Scion buying and owning experience... this just means the car will appeal to a broader audience, IMO.
Check out the C/D article.
People seem to be confused or hung up on the nomenclature. Yes, both models changed dramatically. However, it makes sense -at least to me- that Toyota kept the xB designation and moved away from the xA. Especially before the tC, the xB was synonomous with Scion, always significantly outselling its overshadowed, less emphasized xA sibling. So Toyota chose to continue to leverage the strong xB brand, but is hoping to breathe a new image into what is now the xD, since the xA really didn't have nearly the consumer perception/reaction that the xB did.
Well... let's be honest, that is your review you're pointing people toward, and not some independent 3rd party.
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I just placed my order for my new xB. I choose white:-) And it will only take 1 week for it to be delivered.
Anyway, I was looking in the back seat today and I don't think the picture in the link in the previous post is a picture of a xB. The 2008 xB do not have stationary cup holder as shown in teh picture. I actually thought at first it was an ashtray until I opened it and 2 cup holders opened up. Just my opinion.
That's all I'm sayin'. I didn't consider the last xB because it looked cheap, whether it was or not.
The new xB looks like a quality piece of machinery, something that doesn't look like it came from a cereal box.
After driving the car, it is fun, roomy, and has polish, while retaining it's style and value. For that much passenger/cargo space, std. features, and quality from Toyota, you're hard-pressed to find a better value for less than $20k.
Comments
What alpha means about the new 1.8L is that it employs VVTi on both the intake and exhaust valves, while the current model only uses it on the intake side.
Which is good, I'm glad Toyota is doing this. I long for the day when Toyota will use direct injection on all its engines, including the 4-cylinders which currently suffer for not having it. Look how close the Toyota V-6 and 4-cylinder powertrains are in fuel economy in the larger models.
That, and chasing out all the remaining 4-speed autos from everything made by Toyota, and I would be happy! :-P
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
nippononly - I agree with you on the 4A thing, let's just first make sure there are no issues like Toyota initially had with the drive by wire tech and the 5A in the '02 ES with the 3.0L V6. Also, historically Toyota has been agonizingly slow with transmission advances (at least, it felt that way to me)... let's not forget a THREE SPEED was available in the Corolla up through the 2002 model year!!!
~alpha
http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12930/first-drive-2008-scion-xb-powertrain-- - and-handling-page2.html
so I thought I would post it here where it is closer to the topic. C&D likes a lot about the new model. I think the 3100 pound curb weight and 22/28 EPA rating are totally unremarkable (yes, I know that 22/28 for 2008 is about the same as 24/30 in 2007, but that's still a 6-point drop) - it took just one generation for this model to follow all the other middle-of-the-road Toyotas into the U.S. market. They say handling has gone from chuckable to capable. I like chuckable better.
OTOH, I like the interior of the new model more, and the features list is compelling for a car costing a little over $16K. I suppose it will sell well as a poor man's CRV/Element, and if you want a RAV4 but insist on a manual shifter as I do, this could be an alternative.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Both the Corolla and xD have the same new 1.8L engine. Here the lineup:
1NZ-FE 1.5 xB1
1ZZ-FE 1.8 Old Corolla
2ZR-FE 1.8 New Corolla, xD
2AZ-FE 2.4 tC, xB2
The 2ZR-FE has Dual VVT-i which varies valve timing optimally for various engine speeds and loads on both the intake and exhaust valves. The previous 1ZZ-FE only has variable valve timing on the exhaust valves.
I would be worried:
2006 xB
Front Headroom: 46.1"
2008 xB
Front Headroom: 40.1"
In the above list, my understanding is that "New" Corolla means "Next Generation Corlla". The current Corolla - the one you can buy today - does not have the same engine as the xD that will go on sale in the summer. That is why edmunds.com stated: "(the xD) features a rambunctious four-cylinder engine that Toyota has never before offered in North America."
I hope this clarifies!
nippon- thanks. I find myself getting nomenclature mixed up since the change to the xD name.
~alpha
~alpha
Other things come into play as well. Heavier people sink farther into soft seats etc.
40 is still better than most vehicles out there.
I did read it. The 6 inch drop in headroom would be unnoticeable unless your head was used to being up into those missing inches.
I am 6-2, sometimes wear a hat, and the car has a sunroof track that lowers the headliner. All that puts my head up near the ceiling, compared to little people who are dwarfed by the headroom. I also like to be able to step over and sit down on the driver's seat without ducking.
I'm definitely interested in the xB, but I don't want to feel like I'm sitting in a tub with high door sills and dashboard. I'm used to having a low, vertical windshield, and low door sills in my Isuzu Trooper. Makes for great outward visibility. That is the only thing that I could think of that would kills the deal on a xB.
I've test driven the Honda Fit and Mazda5. Both have excellent visibility with a low belt line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnloRI40e6k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccGrjEQ6NGk&mode=related&search=
I'm more worried about leg room than head room. The flat floor in the back will be nice for the middle position. It's small, but I drive a Matrix, so I think it's good for someone who's used to something like that and just wants certain features, like a good amount of cargo space.
Going to stop by the local dealership on Monday to find out when they are getting them in stock. Should be soon now!
$350 - fog lights
$125 - carpet mats
$795 - alloy wheels
$675 - Del, proc & handling
Total $18,540. ETA end of May.
I measured the height of the roof, which looks a LOT lower than the old model, just in a relative way - one was parked right next to a Prius, and the roof is about 4 inches higher than the Prius roof is at its highest point (the Prius roof arches, while the xB roof is as flat as a board).
Privacy glass is standard, that's nice. The mileage rating is 22/28 (using 2008 rules) for stick and auto. I reeeeeallllly like the new dash, I dunno what it is about it that grabs my eye. Generally speaking, I am not a fan of digital speedos, but the layout of the IP is great.
The whole thing looks hunkered down to the ground even more than before. I like the little Scion imitation-metal panel that sits right above the shifter. The shifter-in-the-dash thing works well here, better than the 4-foot-high floor-mounted shifters the old models had.
The windows look narrow from the outside, creating a high beltline, which is maybe my biggest complaint. Well either that or the ENORMOUS blind spots it has in the rear quarters, where there is a large large C-pillar like in the FJ Cruisers. I wonder how much of a handicap that would prove when driving.
The sticker on the one I was looking at was $16,700 with about $500 worth of options including the floor mats and some upgrade to the Pioneer stereo. The auto is $1000 more. The auto is still a 4-speed, of course, so that is the exact powertrain from the 4-cylinder RAV4. But it is about $3000 less than the cheapest FWD RAV4, I believe. (RAV4 being auto-only)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r217/toyotaisme/video/?action=view¤t=Sc- ion2008xBValidation.flv
I don't know what to think about this comparison...
I am desperately hoping for a smoother ride in the 2008. I love the MPG on my 2006 but I would sacrifice a couple of MPG if after a 30 minute drive my back wasn't so sore!! (And no I don't have a bad back) At least I didn't before I bought my xB :sick: .
I want to order a 2008 xB but probably wont unless it has a smoother ride. Has anyone test driven a new 2008 xB and if so how is the ride??
Thank you for your time!!
I am going to try to find time to test drive the new model this weekend.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
But, by the way, after my previous post about the rough ride of my 2006 xB, I decided to stop by my dealer on the way home. They had been asking me to stop by so they could look over my 2006 xB to give me a trade in value if I was gonna indeed purchase a 2008. When I arrived setting in front of the building was a brand new Dark Blue 2008 xB that they has just unloaded off the truck. The 2008 looks even better in person. And I couldn't believe it, when I asked to take it for a ride. The guy replied "sure no problem"
Seats fold easily, plenty of legroom out back.
My problems with the car are the weight gain and the severe drop in EPA, and one reverse light out back, not two.
But having sat in the car, and seen the new style, it is a tremendous value. Kinda like a bigger Mini Cooper.
A very smart buy at $17-18k.
I won't have a problem selling them! Oh no.
DrFill
Most people replace the rear shocks with SensaTracs, sold under the Monroe or NAPA brand, $75 a set. I did that the first week, and I don't consider the ride bumpy.
Could make me get off the Mini kick and save $8k! :surprise:
DrFill
However, your note about the "severe drop in EPA" isn't as severe as you would expect. The following article explains:
http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-article_153/
Basically, EPA quotations for 2008 models will reflect "real-world" conditions more accurately, and, on high-mileage cars, will reflect a 20-30% drop in rating. In other words, the 30-33mpg of the old xB will now be closer to 24-28.
Yes, the new xB will get between 3 and 4 less miles per gallon in actuality. A pretty good trade-off for the increase in power!
The new xB is really quite a car. With the exception of the center mounted gauges, I really like it. I wish the center shift console was 2" less wide. I wish it came with decent alloy wheels stock. However, for the money, it is an incredible car. They will sell like hotcakes
Tubby
DrFill
:lemon: ?
I really love the car and cant find anything on it thats a deal killer -- the blind spots that are mentioned are there to an extent, but if your mirrors are adjusted correctly and you're a non-insane driver, you should adapt to them quickly.
The get up and go is great compared to the previous generation, which was anemic in comparison. The drop in fuel economy, as mentioned in other posts, is not that dramatic -- the new EPA ratings have as much to do with it as the larger engine, and I think most people will be content with it for the size of the vehicle (overall, it seems to be about the size of my roommate's 2007 RAV4.)
The new xB is definately larger. It has plenty of headroom (I'm 6'2) and legroom... even with the front seats all the way back, I could sit comfortably on a long journey. The ride was comfortable... some road noise on I-94 here in the Twin Cities, but the road stinks and there was no music going on at the time... most people probably wont even notice too much to care (if you do, go pay the money for a "silent" Acura or other luxury car.)
The center mount gauges are kind of odd to me, but in a way, I think they're handy because the steering wheel would block them a bit if they were in the "usual place". One thing I dont particularly love is the digital speedometer: its changing of course, and in bright orange numbers... and my eyes go "ooh pretty" and are attracted to it. Good luck talking your way out of a speeding ticket with that one with the excuse "I didnt know I was going that fast, officer."
Overall, the car works great for me and suits all my needs (and then some) -- there are a few things I would change, but overall its awesome. (ask me again in 6 months - heeh!)
I wonder about sales. The people who would buy a Camry will probably now give this a chance. The older folks who liked the old xB unique feel and good fuel economy will be turned off, and I don't see the target youth Scion audience being enthused either about going mainstream Camry.
The vehicle is still unique -- sure, it looks like an Element was attacked by a PT Cruiser (hiss), but its still something you dont see on the road and will have some following because of that.
Personally, I love change and I'm glad the xB was revamped.
(Oh, the headroom is less but like I said in a previous post, I'm 6'1 and have about 6-7" above me I think)
The car rides better, is faster, doesn't feel like a tin can, and has more room.
It does everything the old one did, only it does them better.
Unless you don't want a bigger, faster, roomier, safer, less-tinny vehicle?
Toyota only wants to sell 70k or so, and that is as good as done.
DrFill
Why not just get a RAV4 or a Landcruiser? Bigger, Faster, Roomier, Safer and Less Tinny than the new xB. Why? Because people want a unique and efficient car from Scion? Not an overweight Camry-like vehicle? This is your Dad's xB.
They should have come out with a Mini competitor for Scion. They could have called this one the Camry X and have sold it under the Toyota name. Keep Scion for selling unique vehicles not ones that are heading for the mainstream (aka Toyota).
It is also funny that the xA changed very little so they renamed it the xD. The xB changed a lot so they kept the name the same. Makes sense to me.
Granted, they may have different standard features, have high quality interiors and the like, but if people are looking for those things then they will definately probably get one if its in their afforability range. I can afford a $30,000 car easily, but I don't feel like paying that much for something that depreciates.
I think you're right about it being sort of your "Dad's xB" -- which Toyota/Scion probably knows. I'd like to see the numbers of who was actually buying the First Generation xB -- was it the target demographic, or was it someone else? I see more older folks driving these things than young people -- people who were (I would bet) were buying it for a combination of factors, not just whether or not it looks "unique."
Check out the C/D article.
People seem to be confused or hung up on the nomenclature. Yes, both models changed dramatically. However, it makes sense -at least to me- that Toyota kept the xB designation and moved away from the xA. Especially before the tC, the xB was synonomous with Scion, always significantly outselling its overshadowed, less emphasized xA sibling. So Toyota chose to continue to leverage the strong xB brand, but is hoping to breathe a new image into what is now the xD, since the xA really didn't have nearly the consumer perception/reaction that the xB did.
~alpha
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Anyway, I was looking in the back seat today and I don't think the picture in the link in the previous post is a picture of a xB. The 2008 xB do not have stationary cup holder as shown in teh picture. I actually thought at first it was an ashtray until I opened it and 2 cup holders opened up. Just my opinion.
The new xB looks like a quality piece of machinery, something that doesn't look like it came from a cereal box.
After driving the car, it is fun, roomy, and has polish, while retaining it's style and value. For that much passenger/cargo space, std. features, and quality from Toyota, you're hard-pressed to find a better value for less than $20k.
DrFill