2008 Scion xD: A zippy alternative from A to B
By Daniel Souza
Revealed at the 2007
The xD's futuristic exterior characterizes it as a Scion with its simple surfaces and sharp lines that flow from front to rear. The vehicle’s wide stance and accentuated wheel flares communicate the urban personality. Other styling cues that set the xD apart include a long and narrow back window, and the Scion family traits—horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors.
Designers focused on a clean, comfortable and futuristic interior style. The simple dash features an instrument panel located directly in front of the driver while the center cluster—digital clock and HVAC and audio controls—flows down the center. The xD's unique, radar-like speedometer and tachometer have been consolidated into one circular gauge centered on the instrument panel. Indicator lamps, LCD fuel gauge and odometer flank the centralized gauge.
Scion’s new family addition features front bucket seats and 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space. The rear seats can slide forward and back up to six inches for additional leg room and cargo area. In addition, they can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions, a practice needed when juggling for space in a subcompact.
But the little hatch surprises when it comes to interior room. Up front, the xD has a storage tray located beneath the steering wheel, a small box in the front of the center console for holding portable music players or cell phones, an upper and lower glove box, and driver's side change box. A hidden storage space is located below the rear cargo area.
Under the hood the xD sports a lively 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that generates 128 horsepower.
Customers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. This 2ZR-FE engine features a roller rocker system and light weight piston for better fuel economy and a piston cooling oil jet for better efficiency.
Drivers will also be rocking to Scion’s Y-generation musical tastes. The xD's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port located beneath the AC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen.
Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons. Scion also provided a mini-jack port that allows users to listen to non-iPod MP3 players through the xD's Pioneer speakers.
The xD's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The faceplate light also changes from deep orange to blue at the touch of a button.
Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the xD's optional premium audio system has rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to additional speakers and subwoofers. All head unit features remain unchanged if this feature is used.
As other Scion vehicles, the xD comes mono spec. Customers need to choose exterior color and transmission type, while the only factory option is vehicle stability control with traction control.
As for fuel efficiency, expect 27 mpg/city and 33 mpg/hwy on a 5-speed manual and 26 mpg/city and 32 mpg/hwy with an auto transmission.
Base Price - $14,550
Price as tested - $16,850
Daniel Souza can be reached at
