When the Scion will officially launch in Canada, three models will initially be available, the xB, the xD and the tC. Next spring, the diminutive iQ will join the rest of the product line-up.
However, the xD is the least noticeable member of the family. Not because it isn’t promising, but because it currently stands in the xB’s shadow. Back in 2003, when Scion opened their doors in the United States, the xB looked more distinct than the xA and took the spotlight. Even after the xA’s redesign, which included a name change to xD, it’s still a more conventional offering than the xB.
Visually, the xD looks like a cross between a Toyota Yaris and a Matrix. The front end, with its short but sloping hood, is unmistakably Toyota, while the wide rear pillars mimic those of the xB. The overall shape is clean and modern, but there is nothing here that will make it stand out in a crowd of subcompact hatchbacks. Inside, the instrument panel is highlighted by a single pod that combines the speedometer and tach, but the general appearance is a no-risk design.
Standard equipment will include air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, cloth upholstery, a 6-speaker Pioneer sound system with USB port, wheel-mounted audio controls, a 60/40-split folding and sliding rear seat, a tilt steering column, a rear window wiper, a choice of two wheel cover designs and six airbags.
Under the hood, the xD will feature a 16-valve, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that develops 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission will be standard, and a 4-speed automatic will be optional. It will be the most powerful model in the subcompact category.
Other mechanical features include 16-inch wheels, a suspension setup with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear, front disc and rear drum brakes with anti-lock and brake force distribution as well as electric-assist power steering.
 |
| Visually, the xD looks like a cross between a Toyota Yaris and a Matrix. (Photo: Toyota) |
However, the xD is the least noticeable member of the family. Not because it isn’t promising, but because it currently stands in the xB’s shadow. Back in 2003, when Scion opened their doors in the United States, the xB looked more distinct than the xA and took the spotlight. Even after the xA’s redesign, which included a name change to xD, it’s still a more conventional offering than the xB.
Visually, the xD looks like a cross between a Toyota Yaris and a Matrix. The front end, with its short but sloping hood, is unmistakably Toyota, while the wide rear pillars mimic those of the xB. The overall shape is clean and modern, but there is nothing here that will make it stand out in a crowd of subcompact hatchbacks. Inside, the instrument panel is highlighted by a single pod that combines the speedometer and tach, but the general appearance is a no-risk design.
Standard equipment will include air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, cloth upholstery, a 6-speaker Pioneer sound system with USB port, wheel-mounted audio controls, a 60/40-split folding and sliding rear seat, a tilt steering column, a rear window wiper, a choice of two wheel cover designs and six airbags.
Under the hood, the xD will feature a 16-valve, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that develops 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission will be standard, and a 4-speed automatic will be optional. It will be the most powerful model in the subcompact category.
Other mechanical features include 16-inch wheels, a suspension setup with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear, front disc and rear drum brakes with anti-lock and brake force distribution as well as electric-assist power steering.
 |
| Under the hood, the xD will feature a 16-valve, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine that develops 128 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. (Photo: Toyota) |