xB proves bigger is better, when you're small to begin with

May 16, 2008

By Connie Keane Motor Matters

The all-new 2008 Scion xB is bigger than the first model. And even though "bigger" is not in vogue these days, this is a case where bigger is better.

That's because when you're small there's room to grow. Such is the case with Scion where the new xB now has more room, more driving comfort and more power.

The xB is almost a cult car. The people who noticed me driving the 2008 model were those who were driving the first-generation xB, with the smaller performance and the smaller body. They knew the 2008 had more power, but these were owners who loved their xBs and didn't care about bigger and more powerful. I suspect this is because Scion is a good, reliable brand and these people got good cars.

Scion seems to be a low-key, quiet company. You wouldn't believe the surprised looks I get when I suggest to people looking for a small, affordable car to put the Scion tC on their test-drive lists. The look is "Oh, I never thought of that." Exactly. You don't hear much about Scion. A small lineup (xA, xB, tC and xD) keeps you off the radar.

The 2008 xB has a base price of $15,650 (2009 models are now available and are basically unchanged from 2008, but have a $100 price increase). My tester had an as-tested price of $18,579, which included the $580 delivery fee, $155 for a five-piece carpeted floor and cargo mat ensemble, 16-inch alloy wheel upgrade and $449 fee for the XM radio. New to the Scion is an optional navigation system.

Even with an affordable base price the Scion xB is generously equipped -- and this should appeal to buyers who want to maximize the value of every dollar. The xB is standard with electronic Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, dual front airbags, front row seat-mounted side-impact airbags and head curtain airbags for the front and rear rows. Cruise control, a tilt steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, power, windows, doors locks, mirrors and air conditioning are all included in the base price. This is a handsome value for money-wise consumers.

The 2008 Scion is bigger than the first version in that it has a larger chassis to promote a smoother ride. The wheelbase has been increased by 4 inches, the overall length of an additional foot, make the current xB look like a big SUV next to the previous xB.

The engine produces 55 more horsepower than the earlier model. The 2008 and 2009 models are powered by the 16-valve, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with Variable Vale Timing. It generates 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The xB is standard with a five-speed manual transmission and also is offered with a four-speed automatic. The fuel economy is estimated at 22 miles per gallon city and 28 mpg highway.

Five passengers will fit comfortably, even those who are tall. The boxy style of this wagon allows for lots of headroom, plus the bonus of cargo flexibility.

The high beltline on the xB gives the vehicle an SUV appearance, especially with is pronounced fenders, rectangular grille and tinted rear windows. One thing about the xB ... there's no middle ground. You either like it or you don't; my mother didn't, my brother did.

I think it would be interesting to lower the beltline, provide more of a greenhouse, high visibility look, which could give the xB a small livery design, like something you'd see on the streets of London, and a lower beltline would team up stylishly with the lounge-like interior of the xB.