X To The Bizzle
When Scion asked current xB owners what they'd like more of, or how to improve upon the box, almost all said they wanted something bigger. Scion responded by giving the people what they wanted by making the new xB huge. The car manufacturer increased the wheelbase four inches, the length by a foot and the width three inches, which in reality equates to: enough room from front to back to get busy without busting your back. Now, you also get a huge trunk with 60/40-split rear seats that fold down for additional space with storage containers under the seats for any small accessories. The dashboard also received a much-needed facelift, as well as the all-in-one supercluster of gauges that has finally been split into four individual units for easy viewing.
Performance-wise, Scion really stepped up the xB by dropping in the same 2AZ-FE engine found in the tC, meaning good power and torque to go with it - and believe us, the xB really needs it. You have your choice of either a manual or 4-ECT automatic transmission that also includes sequential shifting, a first for any auto-4-speeds offered by either Scion or Toyota. The shifting on the manual can be twitchy, but the TRD short shift is highly recommended to solve that problem.
Keeping up with the promise of more bang for your buck, the xB once again comes standard with plenty of features like: power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist; multiple airbags; traction control (part of the Vehicle Stability control system); steering wheel with audio controls; and even a first-aid kit. It's automatically equipped with a 160-watt Pioneer stereo system, as well as integrated iPod connectivity that can be controlled either via the head unit or steering wheel. The optional audio system gives you an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen, so you can download images and short video clips from Pioneer's website or other media such as your own homemade CDs to the head unit for the ultimate personal touch.
Overall, the xB was a great drive. Even with limited seat time, the car displayed decent power and handled well in comparison to the old box. Now that it has the tC engine, you're guaranteed the TRD supercharger option for an extra 40hp, meaning you could have a 200hp thrill ride for a fraction of the cost of a Si or RSX. But there's one big problem: currently there is no JDM equivalent to this xB. Although a bB is availiable in Japan, it's on a completely different platform; there goes our dream of being able to swap in lights or exterior pieces from the Japanese model. Scion execs did, however, hint at the possible development of an xB-like vehicle for the Japanese market that may have parts with interchangability. But that's too far in the future to see if and when that may be. For now though, the TRD blower will be a very satisfying upgrade.
'08 Scion XB
The Sticker Starting At $15,650
Under The Hood 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE with VVT-I
The Power 158hp at 6,000rpm, 162lb-ft at 4,000rpm
Scale Tipping 3,020 lb (manual); 3,086 lb (auto)
Layout front engine, front-wheel drive
Gearbox 5-speed manual or 4-speed ECT automatic
Stiff Stuff Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; rear torsion beam
Rollers 16x6.5 steel wheels with 205/55R16 all-season tires
Stoppers 10.83-inch ventilated front disc brakes; 10.98-inch rear disc brakes
At The Pump 22/28 mpg for both manual and 4-ECT
The Pack Scion tC; Honda Civic; Nissan Versa
Deep Thoughts Wow, Scion - what a way to truly improve the xB: it finally has the power and potential to become even bigger than the first gen box.