In the garage: 2012 Scion xB

Many of you may remember how impressed we were with the 2009 Scion xB as one of our first test cars. So much so that another has been added to the fleet. We recently picked up our new tester and have enjoyed it just as much as our last Scion. Our new xB is painted in a very understated Army Rock metallic, and like our previous 2009 is void of options. That being said, you do get A/C, a 160 watt Pioneer stereo with CD player,  iPod and MP3 jacks, standard disc brakes w/ ABS, traction and stability control, power windows and locks, and just about everything else you'd expect to find standard.

Our car again has the 2.4 liter DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder that offers relatively good performance at 158 horse power. This time, we opted for the 5 speed manual transmission. Toyota rates the fuel economy at 22 City/28 Highway. So far we have averaged 23.3 MPG, though it's not like we're exactly light on the gas.

 Inside the xB is very roomy. the seats sit at chair height and are fairly comfortable. Since our 2009 xB, I have noticed that one major change Scion made was the addition of a traditional center arm rest for the front seat passengers.  The radio, heater and A/C controls, and the gear shift are all right at your finger tips. With the  5 speed manual, this makes for a very comfortable driving position. Otherwise, the car really has changed very little. But that's not really a bad thing. The only recommendation that still carries over from the 2009 xB is to have the addition of an arm rest for the 60/40 rear split seat. This would make for longer trips more comfortable for those riding in the rear seat. Look for more updates soon!

By: Austin On 19:33

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In the garage: 2009 Scion xB

We have a new test vehicle to report on for 2009. Introducing the 2009 Scion xB. We recently picked up our new tester and have been pleasantly surprised with it so far. Our xB is a black sand pearl model that is pretty much standard by way of options. Really, it is standard. No optional equipment what so ever. Not that it's a bad thing. What we did get is A/C a 160 watt Pioneer stereo with iPod and MP3 jacks, standard disc brakes w/ ABS, and just about everything else you'd expect to find standard.

Our car has the 2.4 liter DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder that offers relatively good performance at 158 horse power. This is backed by a 4 speed automatic transmission. Toyota rates the fuel economy at 22 City/28 Highway. So far we have averaged 23.3 MPG, though it's not like we're exactly light on the gas.

So far handling has been ok, at highway speeds the steering does feel on the light side, same in wet conditions. So I would say don't go out there and hot dog around in those conditions. Perhaps this will improve as we break the car in.

Inside the xB is very roomy. the seats sit at chair height and are fairly comfortable. Only the driver is spoiled by the presence of a flip down armrest for his or her right arm. The central dash display is easy to read and nicely positioned in the center of the dash. I found that the cluster looks similar to that in a Dodge Challenger, looks wise. The radio, heater and A/C controls, and the gear shift are all right at your finger tips. And there are controls for volume and station selection on the tilt steering wheel. We noticed the lack of power out lets in the car to run accessories from, but not a major problem that can't be solved with a trip to Walmart. Storage is ample. Though the trunk area is a bit short. Especially when you throw suitcases and camera equipment at it. So you will have to keep the 60/40 rear seat down for medium to large hauls.

Our xB comes with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $16,700. And totals out at $17,320. after the $620 Delivery and Processing Fee is added. So the xB is both light on gas and light on the wallet.

Otherwise we will continue to fill you in with our further adventures with the xB and look for an update on our other fleet car the 2008 Mini.

By: Austin On 12:17

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