Looking at the xA and xB
The xA is a five-door subcompact with a wide front grille, multi-reflector halogen headlamps and even has a chrome exhaust tip as standard equipment. And, the buyer can chose between three wheel-cover designs--five spoke, six spoke, or six-spoke twist. Inside is room for five people and numerous storage compartments. In the center console is an illuminated translucent storage compartment, plus there is a hidden compartment in the trunk area.
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| The 2004 Scion xA, a new four-door sedan of Toyota's new Scion brand, sits on a California street. This sub-compact car is aimed at the trend setters of the so-called Gen Y crowd that are just starting to buy their first automobiles and don't think traditional Toyota vehicles are hip enough. (Photo: Toyota) |
The car has front bucket seats and a folding, 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The instrument cluster is located in the center, high on the dashboard. And, as standard equipment, the xA has air conditioning, power windows ("Gen Y doesn't know about roll down windows," Farley explained), power door locks and outside mirrors, and a standard AM/FM radio with CD player--no cassette.
The car features a 108 hp 4-cylinder engine that delivers 105 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm and great fuel economy, 7.4 / 6.2 L/100 km (32 / 38 mpg) city/highway. The steering and suspension system is tuned to let the driver feel the road.
The xB is slightly longer than the sedan and looks very much like a low-slung sport utility vehicle. It has four large doors on the side and a hatch at back, plus loads of interior cargo room. Like the sedan, the buyer can chose between three wheel-covers. What's more, all the seats on the boxy xB fold flat, providing plenty of room to relax.