Whatever that may be, Scion's xB is a novelty that no longer is. Now I could continue, stating the fact that Scion should have been present in Canada from the onset and by having waited nearly a decade, they've essentially deflated their own balloon.
But I won't.
I'm going to take the Scion xB for what it is. Toyota calls it the “iconic urban utility vehicle,” I see it more as a compact hatchback that moonlights as a crossover. In this light, the xB makes sense -- kind of. Where I leave the party is when Scion talks about attitude, styling and the customizable aspect of the vehicle.
I can see how, nearly 10 years ago, a clean-slate vehicle was an interesting proposition. Here was a youth-inspired palate on which to paint an idea in the owner's image. The first xB was a combination of flat surfaces and straight corners, it needed any and all forms of improvement. The current xB is smoother and has softer lines. Other than a proper set of alloys, it's doesn't really need much.
Now, I'm not saying that the xB is attractive, but the fatty front and rear bumpers are tastefully young, as are the wheel arches. I also like the narrow windowed surfaces. Then again, I'm an old 35-year-old, not a 20-something with 20-something-thousand dollars to spend. In reality, most of the people I noticed driving xBs were in their late 30s to 50s (ever notice how we pay more attention to cars like the ones we're driving on the road?).
On the other hand, the cabin is where all the “tuning” should take place. In all honesty, there is nothing remotely appealing about the appearance of this car's dashboard: its vast expanse of hard plastics looks ripe for a magnetic strip on which to stick your overstock of fridge magnets. Flip through the gallery and you'll see for yourself. What you won't see is the type of textures the plastics have except for the shifter surround which reminds me of the inside packaging of a box of fancy cookies.
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| The current xB has been around since 2008 (in the US and elsewhere in the world, under other brands) and was refreshed for 2011 to make it “new” for Canada. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
But I won't.
I'm going to take the Scion xB for what it is. Toyota calls it the “iconic urban utility vehicle,” I see it more as a compact hatchback that moonlights as a crossover. In this light, the xB makes sense -- kind of. Where I leave the party is when Scion talks about attitude, styling and the customizable aspect of the vehicle.
I can see how, nearly 10 years ago, a clean-slate vehicle was an interesting proposition. Here was a youth-inspired palate on which to paint an idea in the owner's image. The first xB was a combination of flat surfaces and straight corners, it needed any and all forms of improvement. The current xB is smoother and has softer lines. Other than a proper set of alloys, it's doesn't really need much.
Now, I'm not saying that the xB is attractive, but the fatty front and rear bumpers are tastefully young, as are the wheel arches. I also like the narrow windowed surfaces. Then again, I'm an old 35-year-old, not a 20-something with 20-something-thousand dollars to spend. In reality, most of the people I noticed driving xBs were in their late 30s to 50s (ever notice how we pay more attention to cars like the ones we're driving on the road?).
On the other hand, the cabin is where all the “tuning” should take place. In all honesty, there is nothing remotely appealing about the appearance of this car's dashboard: its vast expanse of hard plastics looks ripe for a magnetic strip on which to stick your overstock of fridge magnets. Flip through the gallery and you'll see for yourself. What you won't see is the type of textures the plastics have except for the shifter surround which reminds me of the inside packaging of a box of fancy cookies.
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| In all honesty, there is nothing remotely appealing about the appearance of this car's dashboard. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |