CHICAGO — Scion rolled out a redesigned 2008 xB that is bigger and more powerful than the outgoing model. The new car made its debut on Wednesday at the Chicago auto show. At the same time, the Toyota youth brand introduced the 2008 Scion tC, which gets a few tweaks, including styling revisions, new standard equipment and safety features.
The redesigned xB gets a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. It is the same engine found in the Scion tC and produces 55 more horses than the previous engine in the xB. Customers have a choice of either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting, a first for automatic four-speeds in the Scion lineup.The production 2008 xB takes some of its styling cues from the Scion t2B concept shown two years ago at the New York auto show. They include some softer angles, a high beltline, wraparound headlamps and a rectangular grille. The vehicle's overall size grew significantly. The wheelbase has been increased by 4 inches, while the overall length grew by a foot. It is also 3 inches wider than the outgoing model and an inch shorter. Because of the increase in size, cargo capacity is up by nearly 8 cubic feet from the old xB.
The cabin features deep orange display gauges and 60/40-split rear seats that fold flat. As with the 2008 Scion xD, lots of attention was lavished on the xB's sound system. The standard 160-watt Pioneer audio system features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port. It features standard rear had unit outputs, allowing for additional external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers and subwoofer.
Standard features on the xB include power steering, power locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, antilock brakes, front side and side curtain airbags, vehicle stability control with traction control and a tilt steering wheel with audio controls.
The 2008 Scion tC gets a new front fascia with an upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-style headlights with black trim. In the cabin, the refreshed tC gets a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and a Pioneer subwoofer. Apple iPod connectivity is standard across the Scion lineup for 2008.
The 2008 tC is powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 161 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It is linked to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features include a glass power moonroof, air-conditioning, cruise control, power door locks and mirrors, a rear cargo tonneau cover, remote keyless entry and a chrome-plated exhaust tip.
Comments
To make this short(er) and sweet, let me list what I liked and disliked about the old box-
Likes: roomy, versatile, JDM heritage, comfortable, base model is well-equipped.
Dislikes: somewhat gutless, too low to the ground, only one power point up front.
So what is the 2008 like compared to the old model? Well...
Still roomy and versatile (the new xB is larger, actually), much more power thanks to a 2.4L engine, a lot more storage cubbies and crannies everywhere, still quite comfortable, and still a lot of base model goodies. The new Xb seems to roll more in turns (probably due to more weight above the windowline), but it also feels more agile and 'on your toes' quick. Unfortunately the new xBs are still a bit too low (the front bumper still hangs on high curbs), and dammit there's still only one power point up front! Now how am I supposed to charge my cell phone and run a radar detector at the same time?!
The '08 xB has a thicker C-pillar reminiscent of the new FJ Cruisers (and although the xB isn't an SUV, my guess is Toyota is hoping xB owners will upgrade that direction. To me, the new xBs look like the FJ's baby brother). However, visibility is hardly affected- certainly nothing a competent driver can't live with. It also loses the 'airplane cluster' on the instrument panel; I kind of miss that but it would look out of place in the new vehicle.
Dealer-installed options such as bass cannon, interior accent lighting, satellite radio (XM and Sirius), and alloy rims are still available for the new xBs. In addition, the '08s picked up a few more goodies such as map lights, hands-free phone plugin, and an iPod plugin right in the center console.
I do not in the least regret paying an extra thousand dollars over the '06 models (nor do I regret refinancing a thousand of negative equity from the 'toaster'). This vehicle is SO worth it- especially to hardcore Scion fans like me or anyone who likes to have a lot of goodies without breaking the bank.