At January's Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota finally unwrapped the production version of the first two products to wear the circular logo of its new sub-brand Scion. Called the xA and xB, both are small wagon-like things designed to appeal to members of the Internet-savvy generation.
The xA is based on a Japanese market Toyota called the "Ist" and is powered by 108-hp, 1.5-liter DOHC, VVT-i four backed by either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic driving the front wheels. There's something weirdly neat about the xA's outward appearance, especially the rocker extensions that give the thing a low stance. But we're not thrilled with the instrumentation that's centered on the dash. We hate that on the Saturn Ion and we're going to hate it just as much on the xA.
Unfortunately, the same dopey dash design is used on the xB as well. Based on the flat-sided, bolt upright bbX that's already on sale in Japan. The toaster-on-wheels styling isn't for everyone, but this small wagon is dang roomy inside and that counts for something-in some other magazine. The xB has the same 1.5-liter, 108-hp engine as the xA with the same transmission choices.
In fact, the xA and xB are perilously close to each other in most dimensions and specifications. For instance, the xA is 154.1-inches long and the xB is 155.3 inches. The xA is 66.7-inches wide, the xB is 66.5-inches wide. In fact, they have the same 57.3 and 56.3 front and rear tracks, and both ride on 15-inch wheels inside 185/60R15 tires. The only significant dimensional differences are wheelbase (the xB's 98.4-inch wheelbase is 5.1-inches longer than the xA's) and overall height (the xB stands 4.2-inches taller than the xA).
Scion goes on sale inside California's Toyota dealerships this June and it will then spread to the rest of the country during 2004. A third model will join them soon after that.