All new Scion xD is petite, boxy and beautiful. A four-door subcompact hatchback, it’s available in one trim level. I particularly like the way it comes loaded with so many standard items. And then there’s the enviably good fuel economy. Throw in a competitively low purchase price and what we have here is a subcompact that’s a must-test-drive for anyone in the market for a new car.Under the hood purrs a diminutive four-cylinder gas engine. With just 128 horsepower available, don’t expect to accelerate like a performance car. Though acceleration is more than adequate for a car of this class. With a manual transmission the car goes from zero to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. That means around town, no problem. On the highway and climbing hills you’ll need a little patience. But it’s the xD’s great mileage that lights my fire. With the five-speed manual transmission the EPA projects 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. In comparison, with the four-speed automatic look for 26 city and 32 hwy. The car burns cheap gas and a tankful should easily last between 270 to 330 miles.
Handling manners are about what you’d expect from a car of this class. On city streets maneuverability is quite nimble. The turning radius is tight. Though I could feel a hint of body lean in a tight turn. Even though the suspension is firm, the ride is comfortable enough for a small car. I especially liked the way xD feels rock solid on the highway. Whenever SUVs and trucks roared by, the subcompact held its ground and refuse to be jossled. Sound levels are pleasantly low, but accept the fact that you will hear wind and tire noise. Jump hard on the throttle and the engine buzzes loudly, but settles down again at cruising speeds.
xD features upright seating, the height makes it easier to enter or egress. xD’s subcompact dimensions bring obvious compromises. The driver seat is undeniably short on legroom. There is no seat height adjustment. Though the steering column tilts and has audio controls on the hub. Headroom is generous. To check goodness of fit, as with any car, it’s important to sit behind the wheel and see how it feels. When you do, notice how rear visibility is obstructed at least a little by the thick roof pillars. No car is perfect. Compensate by using the mirrors and careful lane changes.
The rear seat slides fore and aft, by about six inches, in order to expand the cargo bay. Also, a panel flips up from the cargo floor to fill the gap. Rear seatbacks split, lie flat, and can be folded without the bother of removing the headrests. Beneath the cargo floor are storage bins. Suffice it to say the xD boasts at least modestly-sized cargo room.
Standard items include air conditioning, a tire pressure monitor, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, a trip computer, intermittent wipers, and a rear wiper with defogger. Upholstery is cloth. Tires are 195/60R16s. Safety items include front side airbags, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags and antilock brakes.
One eyebrow raiser for being an entry level car is the fact that the xD is available with a long list of dealer-installed extras intended for drivers who wish to personalize their car. The list includes multiple alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, LED tail lights, a silver-leather-wrapped steering wheel, a variety of shift knobs, a security system and interior mood lighting in a choice of four different colors. The optional premium audio system boast a more user-friendly control interface that allows downloading images and video onto the head unit display. Other notable options include TRD performance parts, a choice of satellite radio providers and a touch screen navigation system. The Nav system improves the audio controls via a touch screen functions mirroring those on the iPod. You should know the xD is also one of the least expensive vehicles offering an integrated navigation system.
Scion’s new car limited warranty covers any repairs needed to correct defects in material or workmanship. The term runs for 36 months or 36,000 miles with towing to the nearest dealer if necessary. Both the powertrain and tires are covered for 60 months or 60,000 miles. The corrosion perforation warranty runs for 60 months.
Finally, Scion xD is undeniably fun to drive, and I suspect that joy grows every time you zoom right on past the gas station selling bitter, Arab crude.
Wheelbase - 96.9 inches
Engine - 1.8L I-4
Horsepower - 128 @rpm
Transmission - 4-speed automatic
Fuel capacity - 11.1 gallons
Curb weight - 2625 pounds
Mileage - 27/33
Base price - $14,550
As tested - $15,350
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