The Scion xD is a cool little sub-compact 5-door that serves as Scion’s entry-level ride. It’s generously equipped for its MSRP of $17,200, and it’s totally customize’able with Toyota’s long list of TRD bits and pieces.
Eye-pleasing lines and cabin
Without adding any of the dealer-installed components available to personalize one’s xD, it’s an attractive looking ride that conveys a sense of sportiness in both sight and sound. I appreciate the vehicle’s clean lines and attractive proportioning; I also like its slightly brazen exhaust note.
Also appealing, in my view, is the xD’s cabin architecture and design theme. This is where many econo-boxes fall down by subjecting occupants to cabins that are poorly constructed, using inferior materials that lack style and purpose.
The xD’s living space is accurately fitted together. In particular, I like the centre stack that houses the audio head and HVAC controls. It’s finished with a metallic-like material—perhaps even real metal—which adds an upscale touch to the tall cabin.
Another notable interior feature is the 60/40-split rear seat. In addition to folding flat, the two seat portions slide forward and backward independently to maximize either human or cargo needs. Overall, the xD’s cabin is well thought-out nicely equipped and pleasing to occupy.
Under the short hood
The xD is powered by a 1.8-litre DOHC I-4 equipped with variable valve timing and sequential fuel injection. It produces 128 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 125 pound-feet of torque @ 4,400 rpm. That’s sufficient power to scoot about town comfortably or zip down the highway with ease.
Power is transmitted to the xD’s front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. I tested a manually equipped xD and found its gearbox to be easy to use. The stick was light and precise in its actuation, which made it a delight to administer—especially with the accompanying sporty exhaust note that was never excessive or wearying.
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| The Scion xD is a cool little sub-compact 5-door that serves as Scion’s entry-level ride. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Eye-pleasing lines and cabin
Without adding any of the dealer-installed components available to personalize one’s xD, it’s an attractive looking ride that conveys a sense of sportiness in both sight and sound. I appreciate the vehicle’s clean lines and attractive proportioning; I also like its slightly brazen exhaust note.
Also appealing, in my view, is the xD’s cabin architecture and design theme. This is where many econo-boxes fall down by subjecting occupants to cabins that are poorly constructed, using inferior materials that lack style and purpose.
The xD’s living space is accurately fitted together. In particular, I like the centre stack that houses the audio head and HVAC controls. It’s finished with a metallic-like material—perhaps even real metal—which adds an upscale touch to the tall cabin.
Another notable interior feature is the 60/40-split rear seat. In addition to folding flat, the two seat portions slide forward and backward independently to maximize either human or cargo needs. Overall, the xD’s cabin is well thought-out nicely equipped and pleasing to occupy.
Under the short hood
The xD is powered by a 1.8-litre DOHC I-4 equipped with variable valve timing and sequential fuel injection. It produces 128 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 125 pound-feet of torque @ 4,400 rpm. That’s sufficient power to scoot about town comfortably or zip down the highway with ease.
Power is transmitted to the xD’s front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. I tested a manually equipped xD and found its gearbox to be easy to use. The stick was light and precise in its actuation, which made it a delight to administer—especially with the accompanying sporty exhaust note that was never excessive or wearying.
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| The xD is powered by a 1.8-litre DOHC I-4 that produces 128 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 125 pound-feet of torque @ 4,400 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |